This week Sofia becomes the capital of jazz once again. From 2 July to 5 July 2026, the city will host the 15th edition of the international A to JazZ Festival, one of the largest open-air jazz festivals in Southeast Europe.

Founded in 2011, the festival traditionally marks the beginning of summer by bringing together renowned international jazz artists, established Bulgarian musicians and exciting emerging talents.

 

Visitors travelling to Sofia for the festival can enjoy the convenience of staying in modern serviced apartments in Sofia, located close to the city's main attractions and public transport. Sara Apartments offers spacious accommodation for couples, families and groups of friends looking for comfort and flexibility during their stay.

The festival park will once again be located in South Park II, near the National Palace of Culture (NDK) and Hilton Sofia, only a 20–25 minute walk from our apartments.

Thanks to the excellent location of Sara Apartments, guests can easily reach the festival venue as well as the city's most popular landmarks. Our apartments are an excellent alternative to traditional hotels in Sofia, offering more space, privacy and all the comforts of home.

A to JazZ Festival 2026 Program

Thursday, 2 July – World Music Showcase Artists

The opening day of the festival is dedicated to the internationally acclaimed World Music Showcase Artists program, an established part of the festival that presents 12 outstanding bands from around the world. Their performances blend world music, ethnic traditions and contemporary sounds into a unique musical experience.

Main Stage

• 18:00 – UMA RANGANATHAN (Norway)
• 18:50 – NUBRAS ENSEMBLE (Italy)
• 19:40 – ZELISH & MUSRAFA (Turkey)
• 20:30 – MARTHE X PILANI BUBU (France)
• 21:20 – CRISTINA CLARA (Portugal)
• 22:10 – CHOLO CHICA (Spain)

Toplocentrala – Hall 1

• 23:00 – JAMILA & THE OTHER HEROES (Germany)
• 23:50 – ZENFAN KABARE (Réunion Island)
• 00:40 – ETHEREA (Bulgaria)

Toplocentrala – Hall 2

• 23:20 – ESCARTEEN SISTERS (The Netherlands)
• 00:10 – BIANKAHAIDU (Hungary)
• 01:00 – ALENTI (Greece)

Friday, 3 July

Main Stage

• 18:00 – HANIA DEREJ TRIO (Poland)
• 19:00 – ALY KEITA TRIO ft. MARIAM KONE (Germany)
• 20:00 – TOMOKI SANDERS (USA)
• 21:30 – MILES ELECTRIC BAND (USA)

Saturday, 4 July

Main Stage

• 18:00 – VICTORIA KIRILOVA QUARTET (Bulgaria/Austria)
• 19:00 – EMIL TASSEV (Bulgaria)
• 20:00 – SORVINA (Germany)
• 21:30 – WE EXIST! THE DEE DEE BRIDGEWATER QUARTET (USA)

Sunday, 5 July

Main Stage

• 18:00 – ALEXABRIL (Spain)
• 19:00 – GUEORGUI KORNAZOV BRASS SPIRIT (Bulgaria/France)
• 20:00 – THE SIMON GREY COLLECTIVE (Germany)
• 21:30 – NATE SMITH + LIVE ACTION (USA)

Nightstage

After the Main Stage concerts, the festival continues at Toplocentrala with a brand-new club format featuring two parallel stages.

Friday, 3 July

Hall 1

• 23:00 – R.S. RIVERMAN GROUP – Live Concert
• 00:00 – JAM SESSION with R.S. RIVERMAN GROUP & Friends

Hall 2

• 23:00 – DJ Room

Saturday, 4 July

Hall 1

• 23:00 – Stanislav Arabadzhiev Quartet – Live Concert
• 00:00 – JAM SESSION with Stanislav Arabadzhiev Quartet & Friends

Hall 2

• 23:00 – DJ Room

Sunday, 5 July

Hall 1

• 23:00 – Evden Dimitrov EVDN – Live Concert
• 00:00 – JAM SESSION with Evden Dimitrov EVDN & Friends

Hall 2

• 23:00 – DJ Room

A to JazZ Kids

On 4 and 5 July, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM, children are invited to enjoy a fun-filled program on the Toplocentrala Terrace, featuring music, games, arts & crafts, dancing and creative activities.

Admission is FREE.

 

The A to JazZ Festival 2026 is the perfect reason to experience Sofia's vibrant cultural scene during the summer. If you are looking for serviced apartments Sofia, short-term rentals in Sofia, or a comfortable alternative to hotels in Sofia, Sara Apartments offers stylish accommodation in an excellent location. Whether you are visiting for music, sightseeing, business or a relaxing Sofia city break, our fully furnished apartments provide everything you need for a memorable stay. We look forward to welcoming you and making your travel to Sofia as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.