David Murray, Joe Lovano and Miguel Martín: Jazzaldia’s 61st Edition Honorees

The 61st edition of the San Sebastián Jazz Festival will once again fill the city with music and a festive atmosphere, and become the Jazz capital of the world from 22 to 26 July. Leading international figures, established artists, emerging talents, representatives of the finest European Jazz, as well as a strong contingent of Basque musicians will grace 12 different stages this year.

There will be, in all, some 77 concerts, 47 of which will be free: 30 by local artists, 4 within the 14th edition of Txikijazz, 8 within the 12th edition of JazzEñe at the FCC Victoria Eugenia Antzokia, 8 at the Keler Gunea on Zurriola Beach, 21 at the Frigo Gunea and Fnac Gunea on the Kursaal terraces, 8 at the iconic Trinitate Plaza, 2 are scheduled for the magnificent Zabalaga farmhouse in Chillida Leku, 5 in the beautiful cloister of the Škoda San Telmo Museum, 4 at the Kutxabank Kursaal Auditorium, one at San Juan Square in Irún, and another at the María Cristina Hotel…

30 concerts by Basque bands at Jazzaldia

For decades, the San Sebastián Jazz Festival has served as a platform to showcase and promote local talent. A significant part of what is always programmed is dedicated to Basque bands and artists. This is undoubtedly a wonderful opportunity to get a taste of the vibrant local music scene, not only in the Jazz universe, but also in other genres.

This year we will once again provide the opportunity for 10 bands to feature: bands selected through the 2025 Local Bands selection process, that were chosen and rated by the public in the following order: Bea Asurmendi, Mané, La Ola Maldita, Four Clovers, Erromintxelak, Iñar Sastre, White Carters, Malaka, Itziar Mendibil and Tremendo Pikete.

Donostiako Jazzaldia Awards

The Donostiako Jazzaldia Awards are given every year to artists performing at Jazzaldia, in recognition of their musical career, and for having become references for several generations of musicians. Furthermore, in 2026, Miguel Martín, who served as the festival’s director until 2025, will receive this award in recognition of his work as a key figure in establishing Jazzaldia as one of the most important cultural events in the Basque Country. In this edition, three awards will be given:

• David Murray
• Joe Lovano
• Miguel Martín

DJs at Nauticool

From July 23 to 26, there will be 12 DJ sessions on Nauticool’s spectacular terrace, facing La Concha Bay. The DJs have been selected by Mikel Makala: Estrella Electrónica & Txuck Turner + Don Funkfarron + Afrodisia Club DJ + Jazzatik: DJ Makala feat. Lidia Insausti + Olibia, Blonde in Flames & Iñigo Art + Fonki Cheff + Kumbia vs. Salsa Selektoras: Muchacha der Diablo & Maisa Covaleda + Isb Lester & Igu Allnighter + Black Jazz Brothers + Kilkir Records: PPR, DJ Dresss & Budin + Belle Brown + Global Funk DJs