Pori Jazz

Pori Jazz is a renowned international jazz festival held every July in Pori, Finland. Since its founding in 1966, it has evolved into one of Europe's oldest and most prestigious jazz festivals. Originally focused on acoustic jazz, Pori Jazz now embraces a wide array of genres, including electric jazz, rhythmic music, blues, soul, funk, hip-hop, and Cuban and Brazilian music.

The festival attracts significant crowds, with attendance numbers ranging from 50,000 to 160,000 people. One of the festival's standout features is its inclusive approach; approximately 70% of the performances are free to the public. This accessibility has helped Pori Jazz maintain its status as a major event on both the Finnish and international music scenes for over five decades.

Spanning nine days, Pori Jazz hosts over 100 concerts across 11 different venues. It also includes a special Kids Festival, making it a family-friendly event. The main stage, Kirjurinluoto Arena, is a vast 5-hectare open-air concert park designed for large-scale performances. In addition to the ticketed shows at the arena, downtown Pori transforms into a vibrant "Jazz Street" filled with free outdoor concerts, food vendors, bars, and clubs.

Over the years, Pori Jazz has featured an impressive roster of world-famous musicians spanning various genres, including jazz, blues, soul, funk, hip-hop, Afro-Cuban, world music, and pop. This diverse lineup ensures there is something for everyone.

In 2014, the festival celebrated its 49th edition and eagerly anticipated commemorating its 50th anniversary in 2015. Pori Jazz remains a highlight of the Finnish summer, offering a rich and varied musical experience that continues to attract a diverse audience year after year.