Welcome to
Sligo Jazz Project
SJP26 will take place 21-26 July 2026.
For one week every July, world-class jazz comes to Sligo — and the whole town is invited. Most of the festival is free and open to everyone.
Summer School
Sligo International Jazz Summer School is a 6 day event featuring workshops, masterclasses and jam sessions with some of the world’s finest jazz educators and musicians.
Jazz Festival
Previous festival acts have included Mike Stern/ Victor Wooten Band, Dhafer Youssef, Kenny Werner, Avishai Cohen, Yellowjackets, Christian Scott, The Bad Plus and many more.
Powerful Performances
Sligo Jazz Festival also features quality pub/hotel/cafe sessions with the best of Irish and international jazz acts, plus jam sessions featuring summer school participants and tutors alike.
Sligo comes alive for jazz week
Across the town — in the pubs, hotels and cafés, and at our free jam sessions twice every day — there's live music from morning till late, and nearly all of it is free. Only the main evening concerts at the Hawk's Well Theatre are ticketed.
You don't have to be a student or buy a thing to be part of it. Wander in, pull up a chair, and enjoy. This is Sligo's festival as much as anyone's.
No auditions. No grade requirements. All ages from 10 up, all levels, all welcome — whether you're a curious beginner from down the road or a seasoned player.
Sligo Jazz Highlights!
What did they Say?
Donate and become a Patron
We use our constant fundraising drives to keep our events affordable and inclusive so that musicians of all backgrounds, ages and walks of life can have an opportunity to improve themselves.
Our annual summer school has grown to become one of Europe’s most important and inspiring jazz education events. The accompanying festival is a unique mixture of concerts, featuring the members of the summer school faculty and guest acts. Our summer school faculty has included the cream of Irish jazz musicians and international luminaries such as Elio Villafranca (Cuba), Melissa Aldana (Chile/Canada), Steve Rodby (USA), Rufus Reid (USA), Ernie Watts (USA), Paul Clarvis (UK), Adam Nussbaum (UK), John Riley (USA), Paul Wertico (USA), Michael Manring (USA), Jean Toussaint (USA/UK), Janek Gwizdala (USA), Liane Carroll (UK), Jamie Oehlers (Australia), Ulf Wakenius (Sweden), Andreas Oberg (Sweden), Federico Malaman (Ita) Nicolas Viccaro (Fra), Dominique DiPiazza (Fra), Norma Winstone (UK), John Taylor (UK), Cleveland Watkiss (UK) and many more.
Can't commit to the full week? You're still welcome.
Drop in to a single masterclass (€80) or take a full day of workshops and concerts (€150) — a great way for local players and first-timers to taste what the week's about. See booking options »
Want to know more about Sligo and Ireland's Northwest?
Discover the stunning landscapes, rich culture, and musical heritage of Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way. Sligo is nestled in the heart of the Northwest, surrounded by some of Ireland's most breathtaking coastal scenery and historic sites.
Visit the Wild Atlantic Way WebsiteWhat the Tutors and Participants Thought
“[LOCAL TESTIMONIAL PLACEHOLDER — swap in a real quote from a Sligo participant, local parent or returning local player, e.g. ‘I've come every year since it started. It's the best week of my summer, and it's right on my doorstep.’]”
“What a delightful, colourful week, full of character, classless, ageless, bounding with joy and spirit and good humour….connecting, encouraging self-expression, interaction… opening doors that maybe some thought would forever remain closed, and others didn’t even know were shut tight”
“I am still more and more aware of the true purpose of the music and the people who play it: to heal and unite the planet”
“You can have the faculty giving you masterclasses in the morning, eating lunch with you, go to their concerts, they play with you in the jam sessions, so its really inclusive, and its just a very feelgood vibe. Come to Sligo Jazz, its worth whatever it takes to get here”
MAIN SPONSORS AND FUNDERS
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors whose commitment to arts and culture helps Sligo Jazz Project bring world-class jazz education and performances to our community.
Main Funding & Tourism Partners
Supporting Partners
Main Venue Partners
Member of
Europe Jazz Network — 208 organisations, 38 countries