Cape Town International Jazz Festival

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MusicCape Town
DatesDates TBA · Usually MarchCheck locally before booking
Duration2 daysListed event span
CrowdSmallAbout 37,000 people
Best forLive music, late nightsThe festival began as the Cape Town North
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: ZAR
CategoryMusicFestival type
The story

Cape Town International Jazz Festival in Cape Town

The Cape Town International Jazz Festival is an annual music festival founded in 2000 by Rashid Lombard and Billy Domingo through their company espAfrika. Held each March, it is recognized as the largest jazz festival on the African continent and opens with a free public concert at Greenmarket Square before ticketed performances move to the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

When photographer and events organizer Rashid Lombard set out to bring an international jazz festival to Cape Town in 2000, he built the event through his company espAfrika in partnership with Mojo Concerts BV, the Dutch promoters behind the well-established North Sea Jazz Festival.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

The festival began as the Cape Town North Sea Jazz Festival, launched through a partnership between espAfrika, the South African events company Rashid Lombard founded, and Mojo Concerts BV, organizers of the Netherlands' North Sea Jazz Festival, giving the young festival an internationally connected pedigree from its first edition in 2000

02

The mystery stays covered

In 2006, businessman Iqbal Survé's Sekunjalo Investments took control of espAfrika, reshaping the festival's ownership while it continued to grow

03

The city starts moving

Billed as the fourth-largest jazz festival in the world, its programming stretches well beyond straight jazz into funk, afropop, fusion, soul and R&B, reflecting Cape Town's layered musical identity rather than a purist jazz-only lineup

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The festival continues Cape Town's long-standing jazz culture

Water and renewal

Living ritual

rooted in the city's District Six and Cape Flats jazz scenes that produced generations of South African jazz musicians

The sacred route

Living ritual

channeling that local lineage into an internationally programmed stage each March

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually March

Getting around

Cape Town International Jazz Festival is easier when the venue, route and way back from Cape Town are chosen before the day starts.

What to wear

Smart casual works well for the convention-centre stages; layered clothing is practical since March evenings in Cape Town can cool down after warm days, and comfortable shoes help for moving...

Safety

Keep phone power, water, and a clear meeting point sorted before the main crowd arrives.

Where to stay

For peak dates, book flexible lodging near reliable routes into and out of Cape Town.

Tickets/cost

Official ticket link is available. Confirm access rules before booking.

Language/currency

ZAR

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map33.92 S, 18.42 EOpen in Google Maps

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Nearest airportCPT — Cape Town
TransportCape Town International Jazz Festival is easier when the venue, route and way back from Cape Town are chosen before the day starts.
Stay areaFor peak dates, book flexible lodging near reliable routes into and out of Cape Town.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Cape Town via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Cape Town, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for March.Compare faresFestival gearSmart casual works well for the convention-centre stages; layered clothing is practical since March evenings in Cape Town can cool down after warm days, and comfortable shoes help for moving between multiple stages.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for South Africa and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Cape Town International Jazz Festival?

Cape Town International Jazz Festival is listed for Past edition: 27–28 March 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Cape Town International Jazz Festival take place?

The festival is listed in Cape Town, South Africa. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

2 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

How big is it?

Small: 37000

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLcapetownjazzfest.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually March
Source statusOfficial source linked
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