International Jazz Day

The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization declared International Jazz Day in 2011 “to highlight jazz and its diplomatic role of uniting people from all corners of the globe.” Every year, it is commemorated on April 30th, and people can celebrate in any way they want.

Chicago, United States, has been selected as the 2026 International Jazz Day Host City.

International Jazz Day Logo

Since 2012, International Jazz Day has grown to become the world’s largest annual celebration of jazz. It is a worldwide movement that annually engages people on all continents through educational programs, performances, community outreach, and media coverage.

International Jazz Day is a UNESCO-sponsored event to honor “the virtues of jazz as an educational tool, as well as a force for peace, unity, dialogue, and increased cooperation among people.”

What is International Jazz Day?

Every year on April 30th, the world commemorates International Jazz Day to promote intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding. It is observed in countries all over the world to bring communities, artists, and jazz fans together to learn more about jazz and its history, future, and impact.

International Jazz Day raises awareness of jazz’s virtues as a force for peace, unity, dialogue, and enhanced cooperation among people, and as an educational tool for the international community. Many governments, civil society organizations, educational institutions, and private citizens who are currently involved in the promotion of jazz music will seize the opportunity to foster greater appreciation, not only for the music but also for the contribution it can make to the development of more inclusive societies.

How to Celebrate International Jazz Day?

International Jazz Day can be celebrated in many ways by people around the world. There is no right or wrong way to go about it, and each community will put its own spin on the day. For example, there may be live events to attend, and people may throw their own live concerts and parties.

You can check the list of events already planned for 2026 here.

It is simple to join; there are no membership fees, no applications, and no requirements to become part of the International Jazz Day family. The only requirement is that you are enthusiastic about jazz and its positive values, and you are willing to share this enthusiasm with your community through self-organized events of any size.

You can register your own event here.

What Are The Global Host Cities?

Celebrations will happen all around the world. Additionally, one or more cities are selected each year to host the event. After the 2020 festivities were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they were held as global events, and in 2024, they returned with selected host cities. For 2026, the International Jazz Day Global Host City is Chicago, Illinois, United States.