Jazz Plaza 2026: A Week of World-Class Jazz in Havana

Every January, Havana becomes the heart of Latin jazz. The Jazz Plaza Festival 2026, taking place January 25 – February 1, 2026, brings together some of the world’s finest jazz musicians with Cuba’s legendary performers for a packed week of music, culture, and connection. This year marks a major expansion as the Havana Jazz Festival 2026 reaches new cities, including Santiago de Cuba, Santa Clara, and, for the first time, Holguín.

For travelers heading to the event, Havana Music Tours has been the trusted guide for years, helping music lovers experience the festival and the people at the heart of Cuba’s jazz scene. In this post, we’ll cover the festival highlights and break down exactly what our guided tour includes.

Festival Highlights: A Week of World-Class Jazz in Cuba

The 2026 edition of Jazz Plaza Festival promises to be the most ambitious yet. With over 70 international artists confirmed from the United States, Brazil, Spain, France, and the United Kingdom, the festival showcases the global reach of jazz while celebrating its deep Cuban roots. Top Cuban jazz musicians, including Roberto Fonseca, Ernán López-Nussa, Ignacio “Nachito” Herrera, Frank Fernández, Harold López-Nussa, Jorge Reyes, Dayramir González, Rolando Luna, Rodney Barreto, Oliver Valdés, Alejandro Falcón, Marialy Pacheco, Yilian Cañizares, will perform alongside international headliners at iconic venues like Teatro Nacional, Fábrica de Arte Cubano, Teatro Martí, and Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes.

Jazz Plaza stands out because it weaves together jazz with traditional Cuban music forms like rumba, son, and Afro-Cuban rhythms. It’s a true cultural celebration where improvisation meets tradition, legendary performers share stages with emerging talents, and every concert tells the story of Cuba’s musical evolution. Live music in Havana during festival week fills not just theaters but also intimate clubs, outdoor plazas, and neighborhood peñas, creating an atmosphere that pulses with creative energy.

Confirmed Havana Jazz Fest Concerts & Highlights for 2026

While the full schedule is still emerging, the festival has confirmed an incredible list of special concerts in Havana. Here are some of the must-see concerts: 

• Opening Concert: A special performance by maestro Frank Fernández with music students.
• Closing Concert: The festival will close with a performance by the one and only Roberto Fonseca.
• “De la Habana a Montreux”: A must-see concert featuring Cuban winners from the Montreux Jazz Festival, including Marialy Pacheco, Yilian Cañizares, Rolando Luna, Jorge Luis Pacheco, and Harold López-Nussa.
• International Headliners: Don’t miss US pianist Aaron Goldberg , a performance by Arturo O’farrill , and the Black Alley Band (USA) and JoGo Project (USA).
• Top Cuban Acts: The Casa de la Cultura de Plaza will host superstars like Alain Pérez, Havana D’ Primera, and Issac Delgado.
• Dance & Jazz: Showing the festival’s blend of arts, the acclaimed Mal Paso Dance Company will perform.
• Special Tributes: The festival will honor several legends, including a tribute to Sosabravo’s 95th Anniversary with the National Symphony Orchestra , a 75th Anniversary celebration for Conjunto Roberto Faz , and a tribute to Conjunto Arsenio Rodríguez led by Dayramir González.
• Anniversary Celebration: The legendary group Síntesis will celebrate its 50th Anniversary with a special concert.

Jazz Plaza stands out because it weaves together jazz with traditional Cuban music forms like rumba, son, and danzón. It’s a true cultural celebration where improvisation meets tradition, legendary performers share stages with emerging talents, and every concert tells the story of Cuba’s musical evolution.

What Our Havana Jazz Plaza Festival Tour Includes

Havana Music Tours doesn’t just get you to the festival; we get you right to the heart of it. Our Havana Jazz Plaza Tour (January 26th-February 2nd, 2026) is designed for travelers who want more than a seat at a concert. We focus on an authentic experience, guiding you every step of the way.

• Premier Concert Access: We secure VIP and reserved seating at the festival’s premier performances, ensuring you experience the best of Jazz in Cuba without the stress of navigating ticket systems or language barriers.
• Guided Cultural Experiences: Beyond the main stage, we take you inside Cuba’s living music culture. Visit legendary venues where Cuban jazz was born, attend intimate jam sessions with local musicians, and explore historical sites that shaped the sounds you’ll hear at the festival.
• Boutique Accommodations & Private Transport: Stay in carefully selected accommodations that reflect Havana’s character and charm. Our private transportation means you’ll move comfortably between venues, neighborhoods, and cultural experiences.
• Meet the Musicians: A unique part of our tours is the direct access to Cuban jazz musicians and festival performers. Share conversations, ask questions, and gain insights that transform performances from entertainment into understanding.
• Expert Local Support: Our team includes local guides, musicians, and cultural liaisons who know Havana’s music scene intimately. They’ll provide insider access, make introductions, and ensure every detail runs smoothly.
• Legal Compliance for U.S. Travelers: All our tours operate under full OFAC licensing compliance, so American travelers can participate with complete confidence and peace of mind.

Why Join Havana Music Tours for Jazz Plaza 2026

For over four decades, the Jazz Plaza Festival has been Cuba’s premier platform for jazz excellence. The 2026 edition is shaping up to be particularly exciting, with a world-class lineup of international artists and unmissable local collaborations. As cultural travel to Cuba continues to draw sophisticated travelers seeking authentic artistic experiences, this festival stands apart as a true meeting point of cultures, generations, and musical traditions.

The logistics of traveling to Cuba for the festival can be complex, including venue changes, language barriers, transportation between cities, and understanding the cultural context, all require local knowledge. That’s where we come in. Havana Music Tours handles every detail so you can focus entirely on the music, the people, and the experience. With years of festival experience and deep relationships within Cuba’s music community, we don’t just attend Jazz Plaza, we live it, and we invite you to join us.

Join Us in Havana This January

Spaces for our Havana Jazz Plaza Festival Tour 2026 are limited and filling quickly. This is your opportunity to experience one of the world’s great music festivals with expert guidance, authentic cultural access, and the camaraderie of fellow music lovers.

Book Your Spot on the Havana Jazz Plaza Festival Tour →

Let the music of Cuba move you. We’ll see you in Havana.