THE CAPE TOWN JAZZATHON 2026 – A SUMMER SHOWCASE OF SOUND, CULTURE & COMMUNITY
9–11 January 2026 | V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre | FREE ENTRY
Cape Town bursts into rhythm on 9 January 2026 as the Cape Town Jazzathon returns to the V&A Waterfront for its 29th anniversary, bringing with it a dynamic showcase of established icons, rising stars, and bold new voices from across the country and beyond.
This year’s festival features an exceptional mix of talent from as far afield as the Congo, Johannesburg, George, Clanwilliam, and of course Cape Town, proving once again why the Jazzathon remains South Africa’s longest-running and most beloved open-air music festival.
Festival Convenor Craig Parks of JCQ Productions says he is “thrilled with the calibre of artists who applied this year,” noting that the 2026 lineup is set to be one of the strongest and most diverse since the festival began nearly three decades ago.
A Three-Day Musical Celebration Free for All
Running from 9–11 January, the Jazzathon offers three full days of free live performances, spanning Afro Jazz, Cape Jazz, Hip Hop, Neo Soul, R&B, fusion, and genre-blending collaborations.
Daily entertainment runs from 12:00 to 20:00, making it the perfect summer outing for families, locals, and visitors.
The festival is proudly produced by JCQ Productions and funded by the Department of Sports, Arts & Culture’s MGE (Mzansi Golden Economy) programme, as well as the Department of Cultural Affairs & Sport.
Festival updates and the full lineup will be available at www.jazzathon.co.za and on social media via @jazzathon.
A Message from the Festival Director: “We are extremely grateful to our funders, MGE and The Department of Cultural Affairs & Sport, through whom we are able to produce a magnificent Festival,” says Festival Director Craig Parks.
CALL TO ACTION — CAPE TOWN, THIS ONE’S FOR YOU!
Capetonians are invited to step out, show up, and celebrate homegrown talent at one of the city’s most iconic summer events. Bring your family, bring your friends, bring your love for music — and experience the heartbeat of Cape Town live at the Waterfront.
Admission is free. The vibes are guaranteed. The Jazzathon is calling.
Sponsorship & Partnerships
Businesses and individuals who wish to support the festival or explore sponsorship opportunities are welcome to contact the festival office at events@parkan.co.za.
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Author: Martin Myers from Triple M Ent on behalf of Craig parks.
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