The A to JazZ Festival transforms Sofia’s South Park into a vibrant urban oasis each summer, uniting thousands with its celebration of jazz, world music, and improvisation. Since 2011, this free, open-air event has become a cultural highlight, marking the start of the season with performances by international legends, alongside rising talents. Over 60 000 visitors gather annually to experience genres spanning funky soul, ethno-fusion, and real-time improvisation, with past lineups featuring Grammy-winning artists. Beyond big names, the festival nurtures Bulgarian and global emerging artists, offering them a stage alongside established acts. While jazz is its core, the program thrives on diversity: from Balkan rhythms to African grooves.
In 2025, the festival runs from July 3-6 (Thursday – Sunday), promising four days of open-air concerts, workshops, and cultural exchange.
Discover what to expect in 2025 and remember that A to JazZ is more than a festival, it’s Sofia’s soundtrack to summer.
Here are the bands announced as the beginning of May 2025:
ИБАR (Serbia)
ИБАR delivers strange rhythms, simple harmonies, and strong melodies, blending Balkan ethno influences with progressive rock. Since 2021, this Belgrade-based band has captivated audiences with their instrumental debut Prevrnu se vedro nebo and earned the nickname “The Iron Maiden of Šumadija.”
Aleph Quintet (Belgium)
Aleph Quintet fuses modern jazz with North African traditions, showcased in their award-winning album Hiwar (Arabic for “dialogue”). The Brussels-based ensemble has earned accolades like Jazz Magazine’s “Revelation” and performs globally, celebrating cultural exchange through music.
Amaro Duho (Hungary)
Amaro Duho (“our soul”) revives Hungarian Roma traditions through founder Mathild Dobi’s collaboration with her children. With over 1,000 concerts and five albums, the band blends Oláh gypsy music with contemporary soulful melodies.
Anatolian Spaceship (Turkey)
Anatolian Spaceship merges Anatolia’s ancient musical heritage with futuristic fusion, performing in historic landmarks. This project bridges past and present, preserving cultural legacy through interstellar-inspired albums and live shows.
Bicho Carpinteiro (Portugal)
Bicho Carpinteiro resurrects near-extinct Portuguese guitars (Viola Beiroa and Toeira) alongside electronic beats and vintage field recordings. Their debut album transforms tradition into a dance-club spectacle with immersive visuals.
Denitza Seraphim – The Pilgrim’s Road (Bulgaria)
Denitza Seraphim’s acoustic project weaves medieval and Renaissance influences with viola da gamba, Celtic harp, and multilingual lyrics. Known as Irfan’s former lead singer, she crafts ethereal journeys through European folk and classical traditions.
El Pony Pisador (Spain)
El Pony Pisador’s eclectic mix spans Catalan folk, Balkan polyrhythms, and Tuvan throat singing, delivered with humor and high energy. The Barcelona band thrives at festes majors, turning concerts into communal celebrations.
Elana Sasson Quartet (Spain)
Elana Sasson Quartet blends Persian/Kurdish roots with jazz and Mediterranean grooves, exploring identity through emotive vocals. Their album Golestan earned a 4-star Songlines review for its arresting beauty.
Esinam & Sibusile Xaba (Belgium)
Esinam & Sibusile Xaba unite Belgian-Ghanaian and South African roots in Afro-electro-spiritual jazz collaborations. Their synergy began with 2018’s Flowing River and evolved into a cosmic live duo.
Mehmet Polat Quartet (Netherlands)
Mehmet Polat Quartet merges jazz with global traditions, featuring virtuosos like pianist Franz von Chossy. Their 2023 album Embodied Poetry thrives on improvisation and cross-cultural storytelling.
Trinka (Portugal)
Trinka’s Afro-Brazilian EP blends Candomblé spirituality, lusophone poetry, and synth-driven grooves. Fronted by Dandara Modesto, the trio radiates joyful, organic energy.
Vangelis Vrachnos Quartet (Greece)
Vangelis Vrachnos Quartet explores Greek-Balkan jazz fusion in Astrografia, recorded in Thessaloniki. The Codarts-trained artist balances tradition with cosmic improvisation.
Each June, Sofia’s A to JazZ Festival turns South Park into a pulsating hub of musical discovery, where eclectic sounds, from global fusion to spontaneous jams, draw crowds of hundreds of people. This beloved open-air free event spotlights both iconic performers and breakthrough acts, blending Grammy-level artistry with grassroots talent across four dynamic days. Returning July 3–6, 2025, it’s not just an event but a cultural phenomenon that defines the city’s summer spirit. Discover how to plan your A to JazZ Sofia this year and explore highlights from past editions.
A quick reminder: Where to Stay
While the festival is easily accessible by metro from anywhere in the city, staying nearby lets you fully immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere while avoiding the commute. We recommend booking early, the most convenient hotels tend to sell out fast. Within walking distance, you’ll find excellent options ranging from international chains like Hilton and Best Western to charming boutique hotels and the stylish Rosslyn Hotels.