Aberdeen Jazz Festival

Aberdeen Jazz Festival 2026

From 12 to 22 March 2026, Aberdeen Jazz Festival returns to Lanarkshire, Scotland, offering ten days of live jazz across the city’s cafes, pubs, and concert halls. Set against Aberdeen’s iconic granite architecture, this festival celebrates a wide range of jazz styles in vibrant venues.

Music

The festival features a variety of jazz performances including big bands, solo artists, youth ensembles, and international jazz greats. Expect styles from classic bebop and blues to Latin-infused and modern fusion.

• Daytime brunch performances and evening grand concerts
• Late-night jam sessions in cosy clubs and lounges
• Special guest appearances and unique collaborations

Workshops and Family

Workshops and masterclasses are offered throughout the event for all ages and skill levels. Family-friendly shows encourage children to participate with interactive sessions and simple percussion activities.

Atmosphere and Setting

Aberdeen’s welcoming atmosphere and historic streets, including venues like Union Terrace Gardens and the Music Hall, create a unique festival experience. Street musicians and local venues add to the lively, community feel.

Reaching Aberdeen is straightforward, even if you're traveling from far afield (say, from St. Helens in the northwest or London in the south). The city's own Aberdeen International Airport (ABZ) has regular flights from major hubs like London (Heathrow, City), Dublin, and Amsterdam, as well as domestic routes by carriers such as British Airways, Loganair, and easyJet. From the airport it's only a short taxi or shuttle-bus ride to the city centre (around 10-15 minutes). Aberdeen's main railway station is in the city centre at Union Square, with frequent trains connecting to Edinburgh (about 2.5 hours) and Glasgow. You can even take the overnight Caledonian Sleeper train from London, arriving in Aberdeen refreshed the next morning. Local buses and taxis at the station will carry you the rest of the way as needed.

Aberdeen is also well connected by road. Drivers from England usually take the M6 north (or the A1/M1 north to the M6) through Carlisle and into Scotland on the M74/A74(M). From the central belt you then follow the A90 eastward into Aberdeen. For example, if you're driving up from St. Helens or Liverpool, you'd stay on the M6 all the way to Carlisle, then continue on the M74/A74 into Scotland before joining the A90 toward Aberdeen. Travelers coming from northern Scotland can take the A9 (from Inverness) or the A96 (from Perth) down into the city. Keep in mind that parking downtown is limited, especially during events; many visitors opt to park at a park-and-ride on the outskirts of town, then use a local bus or taxi for the final stretch.

Accommodation in Aberdeen ranges from modern hotels to cosy bed-and-breakfasts and self-catering apartments. If you want to stay close to the action, book a hotel or guesthouse in the city centre (around Union Square, Rosemount, or the Castlegate), where most venues, shops, and restaurants are within easy walking distance. For a quieter or more budget-friendly stay, consider lodgings in neighborhoods just outside downtown. You'll often find better rates there. Wherever you stay, be sure to book early, as rooms fill up fast during the festival. Aberdeen's reliable bus network and plentiful taxis will help you reach the concert venues each day with ease.