Cape Town: The Mother City is all set to come alive with the sounds of jazz as a week-long programme of music, culture and creativity that unfolds from March 22 to 28, 2026. The event is anchored by the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF).
This week, the latest edition of the event features a dynamic mix of jazz-centric events which includes the annual free public concert. The immersive inner-city experience will transform Cape Town into a vibrant jazz stage.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Safety and Security – Alderman JP Smith stated that the Cape Town International Jazz Festival has remained one of the continent’s premier live music events.
Last year, in 2025, it attracted over 16,000 attendees from across South Africa and approximately 20 other countries, injected millions into the local economy, and supported the nation in its economic growth through tourism.
According to Smith, the Free Concert provides an inclusive musical experience for those who are not able to attend the main festival. The support by City of Cape Town for these events reflects its commitment to enable inclusive, accessible and world-class experiences for the visitors.
Worldwide, it is known as Africa’s Grandest Gathering that will bring a week of major performances. These events will feature pop-up shows around the city, panel discussions and masterclasses beginning at 05:00 p.m. The pop-up performances will be showcased in partnership with Sofar Cape Town that will feature three artists blending jazz, soul and R&B, all together.
The 2026 week-long Jazz programme is offering three major events that visitors can enjoy:
Free Jazz Concert
On Wednesday March 25th, the traditional CTIJF ‘Free Jazz Concert’ is returning to Greenmarket Square. The show is offering a free, open-air musical experience in one of Cape Town’s most historic public spaces.
Jazz in the City
On Thursday March 26th, the City of Cape Town is partnering with Jazz In The City Pty (ltd) for the first ever ‘Jazz In The City’. It reimagines the traditional festival format and brings jazz directly into the spaces occupied by Capetonians and visitors.
For one night only, a six-block stretch of Bree Street between Wale and Castle streets is transformed into the Bree Street Jazz Hop, which is a walkable circuit of venues and pop-up performance spaces.
International Jazz Festival
The week of jazz will culminate with two nights of world-class performances across multiple stages at the Cape Town ‘International Jazz Festival’ at the CTICC.
Taking place on Friday March 27th and Saturday March 28th, the lineup features over 30 leading international artists alongside South Africa’s finest musical talent. This will deliver a diverse programme that spans jazz, soul, Afro-fusion and genre-blending sounds.