The Jazzathon 2026 will take place from 9 to 11 January 2026 at the Waterfront, featuring a dynamic line-up of established icons, rising stars, and bold new voices from across the country and beyond.
This year’s festival showcases artists from across the country and beyond – including the Congo, Johannesburg, George, Clanwilliam, and, naturally, Cape Town – reaffirming the Jazzathon’s status as South Africa’s longest-running and most cherished open-air music festival.
Across three packed days of live music, the Jazzathon will bring together performers spanning Afro Jazz, Cape Jazz, Hip Hop, Neo Soul, R&B and fusion, alongside exciting cross-genre collaborations. Artists will include Donvino & The Cape Horns (pictured above), Fancy Galada (pictured below), Chadleigh Gowar, and the Artscape Youth Jazz Band.
In addition, there is a special Gospel According to Jazzathon session. Set to be an amazing treat for gospel fans on Sunday, 11 January, the set will feature an all-star line-up of some of Cape Town’s top gospel singers backed by a gospel band.
About the event
The Cape Town Jazzathon is South Africa’s longest-running free music festival, affectionately known as “The People’s Festival,” held annually at the V&A Waterfront. While rooted in jazz, the festival also embraces Afro Jazz, Neo Soul, Reggae, Fusion, and Hip Hop, featuring local and international talent. Beyond the main festival, Jazzathon involves educational workshops, award programs, and multimedia content throughout the year.
The Cape Town Jazzathon has featured numerous South African jazz talents, including legends like Sibongile Khumalo, McCoy Mrubata, Basil Coetzee, and Winston Mankunku Ngozi, alongside contemporary stars such as Billy Monama, Cameron Ward, Kyle Shepherd, Jonathan Rubain, Allou April, Judith Sephuma, Benjamin Jephta and Jitsvinger.
More than just a popular event, the Cape Town Jazzathon is a celebration of community, creativity and cultural exchange, where audiences and artists come together under the open sky to honour the city’s deep and enduring connection to music.
What: Cape Town Jazzathon 2026
Where and when: V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre, Cape Town from January 9 to 11 2026
Cost: Free
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