Nice Jazz Fest 2026: Sting kicks off three days of music in the heart of Nice

The Nice Jazz Fest 2026 is ready to welcome music lovers from around the world. From July 23 to 25, Place Masséna and the Théâtre de Verdure will once again become the musical heart of the French Riviera, hosting a diverse lineup that blends jazz, hip-hop, soul and world music.

Opening the festival is Sting, whose sold-out performance is expected to attract more than 8,000 spectators. The following nights will feature international stars Busta Rhymes and Lola Young, reinforcing the festival’s reputation as one of Europe’s leading summer music events.

A shorter festival with the same international ambition

The 2026 edition introduces a new format, reducing the festival from four days to three as part of the City of Nice’s strategy to improve financial sustainability while maintaining artistic excellence.

According to the municipality, the revised organization will save approximately €800,000, thanks to greater in-house management and fewer outsourced services. The number of official invitations has also been significantly reduced, giving more space to ticket-paying audiences.

Despite its shorter duration, the festival will welcome more visitors each evening. A redesigned audience layout across the two main stages increases nightly capacity to more than 11,200 people, strengthening the Nice Jazz Fest’s position among the Mediterranean’s premier music festivals.

Celebrating Nice’s local identity

Beyond the concerts, this year’s festival places a stronger emphasis on local culture. The Merenda Village, dedicated to food, relaxation and social gatherings, will exclusively showcase local cuisine and regional producers, offering visitors an authentic taste of Nice.

The popular Fest’Off program also returns, bringing free concerts, DJ sets, marching bands and street performances to the city’s squares, historic center and seafront. Locations including Place Garibaldi, Cours Saleya, the Gare du Sud and the Promenade will come alive throughout the festival.

This approach reconnects the event with its origins. Founded in 1948, the Nice Jazz Fest is recognized as one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious jazz festivals.

Nice Jazz Fest 2026 line-up

Across three days, audiences will enjoy 18 concerts on two main stages.

Thursday, July 23

Théâtre de Verdure

• Gabrielle Cavassa
• Kassa Overall
• Gotts Street Park

Masséna Stage

• GIRLBAND!
• Naïka
• Sting

Friday, July 24

Théâtre de Verdure

• Mario Canonge Trio
• Nubiyan Twist
• Cymande

Masséna Stage

• Durand Bernarr
• Noga Erez
• Busta Rhymes

Saturday, July 25

Théâtre de Verdure

• Biréli Lagrène
• The James Carter Quintet – Coltrane: A Centennial Supreme
• Obongjayar

Masséna Stage

• The Getdown
• Gabriel Jacoby
• Lola Young

More than a music festival

Every afternoon, the festival village will open with street food, relaxation areas and live entertainment. At the same time, the Jazz Off program will fill Nice’s streets with dozens of free events, extending the festival atmosphere well beyond the official concerts.

By combining internationally acclaimed artists, emerging talents and a renewed focus on local culture, the Nice Jazz Fest 2026 continues to strengthen its reputation as one of Europe’s must-attend summer music festivals.