Málaga’s International Jazz Festival returns to the Teatro Cervantes from 3 to 10 November 2026, bringing together leading international musicians for eight consecutive evenings of live music. Celebrating its 40th edition, the festival offers a programme spanning soul, contemporary jazz, fusion and Latin rhythms, with every main concert starting at 8 pm.
Italian singer Mario Biondi opens proceedings on Tuesday 3 November, followed on Wednesday 4 November by American drummer and composer Nate Smith, this year’s recipient of the MÁLAGAJAZZ award. Smith’s performance will draw on his original material, combining contemporary jazz with funk and soul influences.
British pianist and producer Alfa Mist takes the stage on Thursday 5 November, with guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel appearing on Friday 6 November. Saturday 7 November brings The James Carter Organ Trio, continuing a programme that combines established figures with distinctive voices from today’s jazz scene.
Pianist Kenny Barron presents Songbook on Sunday 8 November, joined by vocalist Ekep Nkwelle, bassist Linda Oh and drummer Greg Hutchinson. On Monday 9 November, Kurt Elling and Yellowjackets join forces for Celebrate Weather Report, a tribute to the influential jazz fusion band.
The festival concludes on Tuesday 10 November with Michel Camilo Trio. The Dominican pianist’s combination of jazz and Afro-Caribbean rhythms promises an energetic finale to the anniversary edition.
For music lovers travelling from Manilva, Casares and Estepona, the festival offers a chance to enjoy an evening in Málaga alongside performances by internationally recognised artists.
Tickets start at €12, with prices varying according to the concert and seating area. The full programme and booking links are available through the Teatro Cervantes website. Check individual concert listings for current availability before making travel arrangements.
