Calendar / Festival Internacional Jazz Plaza
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Music & Culture Festivals in Havana
Festival Internacional Jazz Plaza
Jan 25–31, 2027ExpectedJazz Plaza 2027 (42nd)
Run by Instituto Cubano de la Musica, with published dates and a real program.
Dates & details verified against: The institution itself ↗
Why go
The Festival Internacional Jazz Plaza is where Cuban jazz shows its full range, on its home ground. Started in 1980 by the pianist and singer Bobby Carcasses and now run by the Instituto Cubano de la Musica, it turns Havana over to a week of concerts across the city, from the Teatro Nacional and Teatro Mella to hotel ballrooms and the small club at La Zorra y El Cuervo, then spreads to Santiago de Cuba and Santa Clara. The line-ups mix the giants of Cuban jazz, Chucho Valdes and the players around him, with visiting artists from across the Americas and Europe. It is the island's most important music event and doubles as the launch pad for its next generation of players.
When it runs
About a week in late January, occasionally running into early February. Upcoming: the 42nd edition is expected in late January 2027.
- Jan 25–31, 2027ExpectedJazz Plaza 2027 (42nd)
- Ran Jan 25 – Feb 1, 2026Jazz Plaza 2026 (41st)
Dates read confirmed where the organizer has published them, and expected where we've projected the recurrence. Always verify with the organizer before booking.
What to expect
The festival runs about a week in late January, sometimes tipping into the first days of February. Concerts spread across theatres, clubs and hotels in Havana, with parallel programmes in Santiago de Cuba and Santa Clara. January is dry-season Havana, cool and comfortable. Buy tickets for the marquee theatre shows early; the late-night club jams are where players sit in with each other.
Getting there & around
Everything happens in central Havana and is walkable or a short classic-cab ride apart. Programmes are announced only a few weeks out through the Instituto Cubano de la Musica, so plan flexibly and confirm venues on arrival. The famous club sessions run late and fill up, so arrive early for a seat.
Where it happens
Havana, Cuba.
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