Canarias Jazz & Más 2026: 59 concerts across all eight islands

For three weeks this July, the Canary Islands transform into one of southern Europe's most vibrant jazz stages. The 35th edition of the Canarias Jazz & Más festival is not just a milestone anniversary — it's a statement. With 59 concerts, five talks, and two masterclasses spread across 30 venues on all eight islands, this year's programme is a love letter to creative music, from straight-ahead jazz to genre-bending collaborations.

The festival officially kicks off on 3 July and runs through to 25 July 2026. While the big-ticket auditorium shows in Gran Canaria and Tenerife tend to grab the headlines, the soul of the festival lies in its reach. Free open-air concerts in municipal plazas, intimate club gigs, and educational projects mean there is something for everyone, whether you are a lifelong jazz fan or simply looking for a magical evening under the stars.

The big names: Jacob Collier, Yellowjackets, and more

The 2026 line-up is anchored by a handful of truly global stars. Topping the bill is the multi-instrumentalist phenomenon Jacob Collier, who will perform two very special concerts with the Orquesta Filarmónica de Gran Canaria, conducted by Suzie Collier. These are set for 21 July at the Auditorio Alfredo Kraus in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and 22 July at the Auditorio de Tenerife Adán Martín in Santa Cruz. Expect a breathtaking fusion of orchestral richness and Collier's signature harmonic wizardry.

Opening night on 3 July belongs to the legendary US jazz-fusion group Yellowjackets, who will play the Plaza de San Juan in Arucas, Gran Canaria. The same evening, the ferociously funky Ghost-Note take over the Sala de Cámara at the Auditorio de Tenerife. Other major international draws include the Armenian piano visionary Tigran Hamasyan presenting his "Manifeste" project in Tenerife on 21 July, and the velvet-voiced José James, who teams up with Célia Kameni to reinterpret Marvin Gaye's classic album I Want You at the Teatro Pérez Galdós on 17 July.

A festival for all eight islands

While Gran Canaria and Tenerife host the largest auditorium shows, the festival's commitment to taking live music everywhere is what makes it truly special. The opening weekend alone sees concerts spill over to La Graciosa, with performances in Caleta de Sebo. In the following week, the programme extends to La Palma, continuing a tradition of bringing world-class jazz to the island's plazas and cultural spaces.

The full list of confirmed artists is a treasure trove for jazz lovers. Alongside the headliners, you can catch the Cuban piano fire of Roberto Fonseca, the Brazilian mandolin virtuoso Hamilton de Holanda, the hard-swinging Eric Alexander Jazz Syndicate, and the exploratory Spanish trio Marco Mezquida Trío. A special highlight is the project "Mujeres Canarias del Jazz," which unites the Banda Sinfónica Municipal de Las Palmas with a stellar line-up of Canarian vocalists including Esther Ovejero and María Zerpa.

Tickets: from free plaza shows to premium auditorium seats

One of the best things about Canarias Jazz & Más is its accessibility. Many of the concerts in municipal plazas and outdoor spaces across Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and the outer islands are completely free. For the ticketed auditorium and theatre shows, prices are refreshingly reasonable. Most fall within a range of about €15 to €60, depending on the artist and seating category. Some smaller events, like the Takeo Takahashi Trío concert in Santa Cruz de Tenerife on 8 July, are listed at just €10.

Tickets for the headline Jacob Collier concerts with the OFGC went on sale on 6 March 2026 through the official channels of the Auditorio Alfredo Kraus and the Auditorio de Tenerife. Both venues offer individual tickets and special packs. Given the high demand for these anniversary shows, it is wise to book early. For all other concerts, you can find direct links via the festival's official website.

35 years of jazz under the Canarian sky

Reaching a 35th edition is no small feat, and the festival has grown into one of the longest-running and most respected jazz events in southern Europe. What began decades ago has evolved into a multi-island celebration that champions both international icons and the rich talent pool of the Canary Islands. The 2026 programme features around 31 distinct projects, with a strong emphasis on Canarian musicians and creative collaborations.

Beyond the concerts, the festival fosters a deeper connection with the music through its programme of talks and masterclasses. It is this blend of world-class performance, education, and community spirit — all set against the backdrop of the Atlantic — that keeps audiences returning year after year. Whether you are a digital nomad settling in for the summer or a visitor planning your holiday around the music, the 35th Canarias Jazz & Más festival is an invitation to experience the islands at their most soulful.