Malta guide

Malta Jazz Festival 2026

The Malta Jazz Festival is one of the Mediterranean's most prestigious jazz events, held each July at the waterfront venues of Valletta — primarily the open-air stage at Ta' Liesse by the Grand Harbour. The 2026 edition runs 6–11 July with six nights of concerts covering contemporary jazz, Latin, world fusion and chamber music.

Quick answer

The Malta Jazz Festival is one of the Mediterranean's most prestigious jazz events, held each July at the waterfront venues of Valletta — primarily the open-air stage at Ta' Liesse by the Grand Harbour. The 2026 edition runs 6–11 July with six nights of concerts covering contemporary jazz, Latin, world fusion and chamber music.

The 2026 programme is already confirmed with international soloists and ensembles. Artists include the Vincent Bourgeyx Trio, Guilhem Flouzat – Bottommost and Toninho Horta, alongside a Children's Concert on 11 July and the closing Ta' Liesse Gala.

Malta Jazz Festival 2026 programme

DateEventVenue
6 Jul (Mon)Opening ConcertValletta waterfront
7 Jul (Tue)Vincent Bourgeyx TrioValletta waterfront
8 Jul (Wed)Guilhem Flouzat – BottommostValletta waterfront
9 Jul (Thu)Toninho HortaValletta waterfront
10 Jul (Fri)Ta' Liesse Gala nightTa' Liesse, Valletta
11 Jul (Sat)Children's ConcertValletta

Tickets and prices

The Malta Jazz Festival is ticketed. Individual night tickets and multi-night passes are available through the official Malta Jazz Festival website and box offices. Some performances — particularly the Children's Concert — may have lower or free entry.

  • Book early: the Grand Harbour waterfront venue has limited seating and popular nights sell out.
  • Multi-night passes are typically better value than individual tickets.
  • The Children's Concert (11 Jul) is the most family-friendly event on the programme.
  • Check the official site for any free-entry fringe events around the main programme.

Venue and getting there

The main Malta Jazz Festival stage is at the Grand Harbour waterfront in Valletta, primarily at Ta' Liesse (near the Lower Barrakka Gardens). The venue is reachable on foot from Valletta City Gate (10–15 minutes) or by the Valletta Waterfront ferry from Sliema.

Evening performances start around 18:00–21:00. Arrive by dusk for the best atmosphere as the Grand Harbour lights up behind the stage.

FAQ

When is the Malta Jazz Festival 2026?
The Malta Jazz Festival 2026 runs 6–11 July at the Grand Harbour waterfront in Valletta.
Is the Malta Jazz Festival free?
No — the Malta Jazz Festival is a ticketed event. Individual night tickets and passes are sold through the official website. The Children's Concert may have reduced or free entry.
Where is the Malta Jazz Festival held?
The festival is held at the Grand Harbour waterfront in Valletta, primarily at the Ta' Liesse outdoor stage near the Lower Barrakka Gardens.
Who is playing at the Malta Jazz Festival 2026?
Confirmed artists include the Vincent Bourgeyx Trio, Guilhem Flouzat – Bottommost and Toninho Horta. The full programme is published on the official Malta Jazz Festival website.

Upcoming events

Sources