Sting Heads the Star-Studded Lineup at the 2026 Nice Jazz Fest!

Bridging the gap between jazz and contemporary music, tradition and modernity go hand in hand in this year’s edition.

The long-awaited announcement of this year’s lineup of artists at the Nice Jazz Fest is finally here, and it has kept its promise that despite now being one day shorter than in previous years, it will make no concessions when it comes to quality – au contraire. From 23 to 25 July 2026, international stars, leading figures from the jazz scene, and emerging talents will take to the stages of the Théâtre de Verdure and Masséna in a unique display of tradition and contemporary creativity, collective energy and personal expression. 

The undisputed headliner is Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Sting, without doubt one of the biggest solo artists and rock stars on the planet, with 17 Grammy Awards and 100 million albums sold. He closes the opening day on Thursday, 23 July on the Masséna stage.

Other household names on the programme include Busta Rhymes, the American hip-hop superstar with decades of mainstream chart success and collaborations with the likes of Michael Jackson, Jay-Z, or Notorious B.I.G.; legendary French gypsy jazz guitarist Bireli Lagrène; funk/soul legends Cymande who still merge African rhythms with rock, funk, and soul alongside calypso, reggae, and modern jazz-funk every bit as expertly as they did when they first broke through half a century ago; and the emblematic James Carter Quintet.

^{Video via Qwest TV on YouTube}

The younger generation is represented by indie artist Noga Erez whose musical style draws influences from alternative, electronic music, and sample-based hip hop; Obongjayar, a fast rising Afro-soul/alt artist with significant critical acclaim and growing international profile, and British soul/pop star Lola Young whose appearance marks her only concert in France this year. Other critically acclaimed international artists include jazz/hip-hop drummer Kassa Overall; UK jazz/Afrobeat collective Nubiyan Twist; British soul/production duo Gotts Street Park; neo-soul/R&B vocalist Durand Bernarr; Antillean jazz pianists Mario Canonge Trio; emerging jazz vocalist Gabrielle Cavassa; UK newcomers GIRLBAND!; French singer-songwriter Naïka; jazz/saxophone talent Gabriel Jacoby; and underground groove trio The Getdown

Side Events Around Nice

The Fest’Off bookends the main event from 18 through 26 July, bringing free music into the streets of Nice through fanfares, street performances, and small jazz ensembles playing the Libération and Saint-Roch markets most mornings. There are also evening musical walks through the city center covering New Orleans jazz, rock, soul and funk. 

Local businesses anywhere in Nice also host their own music events during the festival period, from concerts and DJ sets to dance evenings, screenings, jazz initiations, and more. Lou Girou  is the city-wide extension of the Fest’Off, a call to the entire commercial and cultural fabric of the city to become active participants in the festival, spreading the musical atmosphere well beyond the two main stages and into every neighbourhood. Check the programme for more details as they become available.

And finally, the popular Village de la Merenda will once again open its doors this year. Nestled at the heart of the festival in a relaxed atmosphere, the village offers chill-out areas, food and drink stands, and entertainment. Between each set at the Théâtre de Verdure, DJs add their musical touch, while Fest’Off bands set the tone for the warm-up sessions of the programme.

Back to the Future

Founded in 1948, Nice hosted the world’s first jazz festival, with Louis Armstrong, Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli. After a 23-year gap, it returned in 1971 with Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis and Charles Mingus. Since then the most recognizable names in music have made it a point of honour to stop over in Nice… Art Blakey, Carlos Santana, Herbie Hancock, Woody Allen, Black Eyed Peas, Angèle, Orelsan, George Benson, Earth, Wind and Fire, Ben Harper, Deep Purple, Mary J. Blige, Keziah Jones, Iggy Pop, Tom Jones, Maceo Parker, Ibrahim Maalouf, and hundreds more. 

78 years after its creation, and securely anchored in its traditions, the Nice Jazz Fest reaffirms the city’s commitment to fostering dialogue between generations, cultures and artistic styles. It remains a space for exploration and discovery true to the spirit of jazz while keeping its eyes firmly on the future, welcoming “The Next Wave”. This way, it continues to write its history with aplomb but without nostalgia.

^{Video via Ville de Nice – Nice.fr tv on YouTube}

VISITOR INFORMATION

Nice Jazz Fest | 23-25 July, 2026 | Jardin Albert 1er/Théâtre de Verdure, Nice

Programme details here https://www.nicejazzfest.fr/en/programmation/2026

Ticketing information here https://www.nicejazzfest.fr/en/billetterie

Entrance to venue via Promenade des Anglais. Allow sufficient time for a mandatory security check.

Persons with reduced mobility are requested to notify the organisers who will arrange suitable assistance. 

VENUE DETAILS

Nice Jazz Fest
Jardin Albert 1er/Théâtre de Verdure
1, Promenade des Anglais
06000 Nice

PHOTO CREDITS

• All photos and images courtesy Ville de Nice / Nice Jazz Fest
• Lead image STING 3.0 – photo Carter B. Smith
• All videos as credited