The Málaga International Jazz Festival is one of the most important musical events – not only in Spain

This autumn, Málaga will once again become a gathering place for jazz lovers. From 3 to 10 November 2026, the Teatro Cervantes will host the 40th edition of the Málaga International Jazz Festival. The line-up includes Mario Biondi, Nate Smith, Alfa Mist, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Kenny Barron and Michel Camilo, amongst others.

Malaga Jazz Festival 2026

The Costa del Sol has not only beautiful beaches, restaurants, hiking trails and parks to offer, but also boasts a rich cultural scene. Whilst most people choose to visit this region of Andalusia during the spring and summer months, it is worth noting that the coast can be just as attractive in the off-season.

One of the biggest jazz events in Málaga is the Málaga Jazz Festival. It takes place every autumn at the Cervantes Theatre. In 2026, the festival will attract outstanding musicians and vocalists and will provide an opportunity to mark the 40th anniversary of the event in style! This year, the festival will begin on Tuesday 3 November and will run for 8 days, until Tuesday 10 November.

In addition, throughout the festival, free concerts by niche artists – so-called jam sessions and free beat-jazz performances – take place at various venues across Málaga, such as bars, hotels and restaurants, flamenco-Latin-jazz, traditional jazz, jazz standards and progressive jazz.

Malaga Jazz Festival 2026 Programme

Every year, the Málaga Jazz Festival showcases the world’s finest jazz sounds, featuring acclaimed musicians and vocalists. All concerts this year start at 8.00 pm and last around 75–90 minutes.

Below you will find the schedule of concerts taking place on each day. Further information about the event itself, as well as the option to purchase tickets for specific musical events, can be found on the Theatre’s website.

Tuesday, 3 November

The festival will be opened by Mario Biondi, an Italian singer who blends jazz with soul and funk. The artist gained international recognition thanks to the song “This Is What You Are”, and his deep, distinctive voice remains a hallmark of his music. He will be performing in Málaga with a seven-piece band.

Wednesday, 4 November

On 4 November , American drummer and composer Nate Smith will take to the stage . The two-time Grammy-nominated artist builds his music on a fusion of contemporary jazz, funk and soul. He will also receive the MÁLAGAJAZZ award at this year’s festival.

Thursday, 5 November

On 5 November, Alfa Mist – a British producer, pianist and rapper whose musical journey has taken him from London hip-hop and grime to contemporary jazz – will be performing. In his work, he combines jazz improvisation with hip-hop rhythms and soul.

Friday, 6 November

On 6 November, American guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel – who has long been one of the leading figures on the contemporary jazz scene – will be performing. In Málaga, he will perform with a quintet featuring, amongst others, Jeff ‘Tain’ Watts and Aaron Goldberg. Improvisation and musical interaction between the band members will be a key feature of the concert.

Saturday, 7 November

On Saturday, The James Carter Organ Trio, led by saxophonist James Carter, will be performing. To mark the anniversary of Maestro Coltrane’s birth (1926–1967), the band will be performing pieces from the musician’s body of work:‘Giant Steps’;‘Syeeda’s Song Flute’;‘Countdown’;‘Little Hat’s’and‘Spira’.

Sunday, 8 November

That same weekend will see a performance by pianist Kenny Barron, who will present his album*Songbook*, comprising 13 original compositions. He will be accompanied by Ekep Nkwelle on vocals, Linda Oh on double bass and Greg Hutchinson on drums.

Monday, 9 November

On 9 November, Kurt Elling and the Yellowjackets will join forces for a project dedicated to Weather Report. The programme will offer a contemporary take on the work of Joe Zawinul and Wayne Shorter’s band – one of the groups that helped shape the sound of jazz fusion in the 1970s.

Tuesday, 10 November

The festival will draw to a close on 10 November with a performance by the Michel Camilo Trio. The Dominican pianist will be accompanied by double bassist Ricky Rodríguez and drummer Antonio Sánchez.

Where is a good place to stay in Málaga during the Málaga Jazz Festival?

In which neighbourhood is it best to find accommodation during the festival? It all depends on what matters most to you – do you want easy access to the beach, or to be close to the city centre? To help you decide, we’ve put together a comparison of the different neighbourhoods below, looking at prices, location and the type of holiday each is best suited for.

The Old Town

This is one of the most expensive neighbourhoods in Málaga, but you can walk everywhere from here. The average price for a stay in a standard double room at a hotel during the off-season is around €110. The beach is about a 15-minute walk away. It is the ideal neighbourhood for those who enjoy spending their time actively sightseeing and for first-time visitors to the city. The theatre where the festival will take place is within walking distance of the neighbourhood.

Soho

It is about a 14-minute walk from the Cervantes Theatre and just a few minutes from the very centre. It is the perfect place for art lovers, as this area is considered the artistic heart of Málaga and is known for its murals and hipster cafés. The average price per night for a double room here is around €95.

Plaza de la Merced/Calle Victoria

It’s about a 12-minute walk to the Old Town from here, and about 20 minutes to the beach. Plaza de la Merced and the neighbouring Calle Victoria are one of the most convenient locations for festival-goers. The Teatro Cervantes is just a few minutes’ walk from the square, and most of the attractions in the historic centre are within walking distance.The price for a room in a double hotel room is around €80 per night. It’s the perfect place for solo travellers who appreciate a city with a vibrant nightlife, as well as for those planning to attend several concerts during the festival.

La Malagueta

This neighbourhood is situated right on the shores of the Alboran Sea, making it a great location for those looking to relax on the beach. The neighbourhood is a 15-minute walk from the Cervantes Theatre. Prices for a double room are higher than in other districts due to its proximity to the sea; on average, you’ll pay €130 here.

El Limonar

This is a residential neighbourhood consisting mainly of flats and villas to let. Families with children and those planning a longer stay will find the location ideal. The average price per night for two people is around €90. The location is about a 25-minute journey by public transport from the Cervantes Theatre and about an 8-minute drive.

Pedregalejo / El Palo

This neighbourhood offers excellent value for money given its location, as it is just a few minutes’ walk from the beach. It has a quieter atmosphere, away from the most touristy parts of the city centre. However, it’s easy to get to the city centre and the theatre from here, taking about 25 minutes by public transport. This place is ideal for people who like to have easy access to the city centre but don’t like the hustle and bustle typical of the city centre and are looking for a quieter spot. The average price per night for a double room is around €70.

Huelin / Western Promenade

This neighbourhood is about 30 minutes’ journey by public transport from the city centre and the Cervantes Theatre. It is a quiet residential area, known for being home to one of the largest street markets in Málaga. A major advantage is its proximity to the beach, which you can reach in about 5 minutes. It is a good choice for those who prefer quieter areas, away from the main tourist hub. The average price per night for a double room is around €70.

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