Stockholm Jazz Festival

The Stockholm Jazz Festival, a cherished annual event, has brought the rhythm and soul of jazz to Sweden's capital since 1980. Originally known as the Stockholm Jazz and Blues Festival, it has evolved into one of the country's most enduring music festivals, celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2003.

Set against the captivating backdrop of Stockholm harbor, the festival's main venue on Skeppsholmen provides a stunning atmosphere for music enthusiasts. Over the years, the festival has featured an impressive lineup of both Swedish and international talent, including legends such as Pepper Adams, Count Basie, B.B. King, Stan Getz, Dizzy Gillespie, and Miriam Makeba.

In 2007, the festival joined a national initiative known as "Jazzens år 2007" or "Year of Jazz 2007." By 2012, the festival had moved indoors and extended its duration to 10 days by 2014, drawing more than 21,000 attendees. The festival prides itself on offering a diverse range of music genres, with a strong emphasis on world music and improvisational performances.

The 2016 edition of the festival, held in October, featured an exhilarating lineup of artists from around the globe, including Kristin Amparo, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Avishai Cohen, and Archie Shepp. These artists performed in various venues throughout the city, from intimate clubs to grand concert halls.

Over the years, the festival has graced many iconic venues in Stockholm, such as the Glenn Miller Café, Stockholm Concert Hall, Fasching, Skeppsholmen, Scandic Anglais, Kungsträdgården, and Moderna Museet. Each location contributes its distinct charm, making the Stockholm Jazz Festival a truly memorable experience for all who attend.