| When: | First weekend of July every year The 2026 edition will be held from July 2-5 (Thursday – Sunday) |
| Where: | South Park, Sofia (Южен парк, Yuzhen park), the meadows close to Park Mall and Hilton Hotel |
| Admission: | Free, open event |
As summer casts its first warm rays over Sofia, the city comes alive with the magical sounds of the A to JazZ Festival. Since 2011, this inspiring celebration has transformed the meadows of South Park into a true urban oasis, where jazz, world music, and improvisation unite thousands of fans at this free event.
The A to JazZ Festival is a highlight of Sofia’s cultural summer calendar. Its mission is to promote jazz, world, and improvisational music, making it accessible and fun for people of all ages and backgrounds. You’ll hear everything from jazz and funk to soul and fusion, performed by international stars as well as rising talents alike. The festival traditionally marks the beginning of summer, drawing crowds under the open sky for unforgettable performances.
The Vibe? Relaxed, festival-picnic meets city escape!
TL;DR: A to JazZ in Sofia
- Free world-class music from award-winning jazz, funk, soul, and world artists.
- Summer vibes in South Park — picnic blankets, hammocks, sunset concerts.
- Huge, friendly crowd and a true community atmosphere.
- Afterparties & jam sessions across cool Sofia venues.
- Great food stalls & craft bazaars for a full festival experience.
- Perfect for families thanks to A to JazZ Kids activities.
- Why A to Jazz Festival Is a Must-Visit for Your Summer in Sofia
- Jam Sessions, Night Stage & After Hours
- Fun Bazaar Beyond the Music
- Move with the Music
- A to JazZ Kids: A Festival for the Little Ones
- Comfort Zones & Extras
- How to Get to A to Jazz Festival
- What Should I Bring to the Fest?
- Where to Stay for the A to Jazz Festival
- FAQ About A to Jazz Sofia
- Useful Links
Why A to Jazz Festival Is a Must-Visit for Your Summer in Sofia
Every year, this vibrant festival welcomes more than 60 000 visitors. Legends like Bilal and Branford Marsalis have graced its stage, along with numerous Grammy winners and world-renowned artists. Additionally, A to JazZ isn’t just for the big names, it also provides a valuable platform for emerging talent from Bulgaria and beyond, giving young musicians a chance to share the stage with the masters.
While jazz is the heart of the festival, the lineup also includes funk and soul for fans of infectious grooves, as well as ethno-inspired world music from Africa, the Balkans, and the Middle East. The official history notes over 25 concerts each year, in addition to jam sessions and showcase performances. Expect unique improvisational projects, where musicians create music in real time, a thrill for both performers and listeners.
The park turns into a sea of picnic mats and hammocks, filled with people soaking up the sun, music, and good vibes.
Jam Sessions, Night Stage & After Hours
A to JazZ is also a space where professionals and amateurs, locals and visitors, gather to celebrate creativity and community. Tourists are welcome to join in, hang out, and explore the music scene.
Outdoor concerts usually wrap up around 22:00, but the rhythm lives on with late-night jam sessions held indoors at venues like the National Palace of Culture, the Toplocentrala, or smaller local clubs, where spontaneous musical moments often erupt.
Fun Bazaar Beyond the Music
The festival experience extends beyond music. Right next to the main open air stage there’s a vibrant art bazaar. For instance, it features handmade items, accessories, books, and souvenirs. Visitors can discover unique jewellery by local designers, browse books on music and the arts, and take home mementos that capture the festival spirit.
Similarly, foodies won’t be disappointed. The festival offers a wide variety of food and drink stalls – from street food, ice cream, and pastries to fresh salads, raw desserts, and healthy snacks. When you’re craving a cocktail, a smoothie, or something organic, you’ll find plenty of tasty options.
Move with the Music
The festival includes themed activities for all ages. There are sports zones to encourage movement and play, and visitors are welcome to bring their own gear to enjoy the wide-open park spaces. Some people try volleyball or badminton; the choice is all up to your personal taste. Otherwise, you can skip the sports and simply enjoy the music or the cocktails!
In recent years, the program has featured Musical Yoga sessions with live meditative music, as well as dance workshops where you can try swing or other dance styles. These activities are absolutely open for novices. Ultimately the main point is socialising and having fun!
A to JazZ Kids: A Festival for the Little Ones
The A to JazZ Kids program ensures children are part of the fun too. Held in the park near the main stage, the entertainment for the little ones offers music, games, and educational activities. They offer the chance for kids to explore instruments and even make music alongside professional musicians and educators.
All this is in a fun, engaging way, meaning parents can relax. They can enjoy the concerts while their children are entertained and inspired.
A to JazZ Talks & Workshops: For Industry Professionals
The festival is also a hub for professionals in the music industry. The A to JazZ Talks conference explores topics like digital transformation in the music business, the evolution of jazz, and supporting young artists.
Workshops offer opportunities to exchange ideas, build connections, and explore trends in the European and global music scene. However, participation is open to all with advance registration.
Comfort Zones & Extras
For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, the festival offers a “Comfort Zone” with seating, bar, separate toilets. Please note, it has limited capacity and is invite only or paid. It offers extra comfort but still in the festival environment.
Due to nicotine or alcohol promotions, this zone might be age limited (18+).
How to Get to A to Jazz Festival
The festival takes place in South park (Южен парк, Yuzhen park), which is the wider city center of Sofia. Specifically, the closest popular public buildings in the area are Park Mall and Hilton Hotel.
The festival venue is located some 5-10 minutes walk from the National Palace of Culture (НДК, NDK) and if you are staying in the area, walking over the Lover’s Bridge to the park is the best option.
If you are visiting Sofia by car, keep in mind that parking in the surrounding area is limited and paid. The traffic in the area becomes very heavy in the festival days. You can check out our guide about the parking in the city before getting into your car and heading to the festival.
Using the public transport is the best option. For example, the easiest access is via metro (metro line M2). It passes the central areas (Serdika, NDK) and you can get off at European Union metro station. Upon exiting the metro, you will see the Park Mall building. The festival venue is right behind the mall.
What Should I Bring to the Fest?
Since A to Jazz is an open-air festival in the park, first and foremost you should bring a blanket or a hammock for the meadow, as bringing your own will ensure the best experience and most comfortable spot. If you don’t have one, you can find affordable options at the Decathlon in the city centre (you can order online for collection from their store on Alabin Street). There are always great online offers for small coverings, rugs or picnic blankets with discounts. Alternatively, Park Mall also has various shops offering solutions, though their prices may be higher than Decathlon’s.
In addition to seating, it’s also a good idea to pack sun protection, especially if you are visiting in the afternoon. While there are sometimes sponsors who make small cosmetics giveaways and run games, offering you the chance to get free samples, it’s best to come prepared.
The park’s green areas are treated with insecticides to control unpleasant insects like ticks and mosquitoes. Nevertheless, you may also want to bring lotion to soothe any bee or mosquito bites. Insect sprays and lotions can be purchased for this purpose from the pharmacy in Park Mall or other local shops.
Where to Stay for the A to Jazz Festival
While you can easily reach the festival by metro from all parts of the city, it’s often more convenient — and more fun — to stay nearby and soak in the full festival atmosphere.
Some of the closest accommodations include the five-star Hilton Sofia and Millennium Hotel, both just a short walk from the festival grounds.
In addition, there are also several mid-range options within walking distance, including Best Western Lozenets, Rosslyn Central Park Hotel,
You can also support the local independent hotels such as Viko Boutique Hotel and Aracia Hotel.
Short-term apartment rentals in central Sofia are also a convenient option.
FAQ About A to Jazz Sofia
Yes, admission is completely free for the open-air festival days.
Absolutely. The festival is very family-friendly. You will find mindfully created special zones with games for children and families in quieter areas. There is also a dedicated kids’ programme including instrument play and musical games.
The festival is very dog-friendly, moreover many people bring their four-legged family members along to enjoy the park. As this might be a new environment for your pet, we recommend placing a tag with your mobile number on their collar, just in case they get lost in the crowd.
We recommend arriving early in the afternoon to secure a good spot on the lawn, near the hammock trees, or in the picnic zone. For a quieter experience, you can find a place on the lawn farther from the stage or explore the art bazaar.
While the park areas are treated, it is still advisable to use a personal insect repellent.
Dress in light clothing, as July is typically hot with temperatures often reaching 30°C or more. Yet, evenings can be slightly cooler, so you may want a light jacket or blouse. Wear comfortable shoes, as the festival is in a park and you will be walking on grass and park terrain.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own picnic supplies. Alternatively, on the festival grounds, you will find a variety of food trucks and cocktail bars offering intriguing tastes from Bulgaria and around the world. If you prefer, you can purchase supplies from elsewhere. The nearby Park Mall has a Billa supermarket on the lower level and a food court on the top floor.
Useful Links
- A to Jazz (official website)
- A to Jazz (official Facebook)
- A to Jazz (on YouTube)
- Park Center Mall (stores for necessities)
- Decathlon for you budget festival comfort
- What was it like to attend the festival in 2025
Feel the rhythm of summer at A to JazZ Festival in Sofia!
This vibrant, family-friendly celebration transforms the park into an urban oasis where thousands gather for unforgettable open-air performances. Enjoy a diverse lineup of jazz, funk, soul, and world music from international stars and emerging talents. Beyond the main stage, explore a lively art bazaar with local crafts, savor delicious food from various stalls, and join activities like musical yoga. With dedicated kids’ zones and energetic late-night jam sessions, the festival offers a complete experience for all ages. Join over 60,000 visitors for this highlight of Sofia’s cultural calendar, where great music, community spirit, and good vibes are always free.
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