International Jazz Day
Jazz — the universal language of freedom, creativity, and dialogue.
ABOUT
International Jazz Day is celebrated on April 30 each year under the auspices of UNESCO and its Goodwill Ambassador, pianist and composer Herbie Hancock. The day highlights jazz as a universal language of freedom, creativity, and cross-cultural dialogue — a music born from the African-American experience in New Orleans in the late 19th century that has since spread to every corner of the globe, absorbing local influences and generating new styles along the way, from bebop and cool jazz to fusion, Latin jazz, and Afrobeat crossovers. Jazz improvisation — the art of spontaneous musical conversation — serves as the day's central metaphor: a model for how different voices can listen to each other, respond in real time, and create something entirely new together. Each year, a different city hosts the All-Star Global Concert, bringing together legendary and emerging jazz artists from multiple continents for a free performance broadcast to audiences worldwide. In 2026, events in over 190 countries will include club performances, school workshops, radio marathons, and free outdoor concerts dedicated to jazz history and innovation. Whether you prefer classic Miles Davis, contemporary jazz fusion, or the jazz-influenced sounds now emerging from Seoul and Tokyo, April 30 is an invitation to let spontaneity and creativity into your day.
HISTORY
International Jazz Day was proclaimed by UNESCO in November 2011 and first celebrated on April 30, 2012. UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova and jazz pianist Herbie Hancock were instrumental in its establishment. Each year a different city serves as the global host, and the All-Star Global Concert features legendary and emerging artists performing together.
WHERE IT'S OBSERVED
CULTURAL CONTEXT
US United States
Jazz was born in New Orleans and has deep roots in African-American history. The US marks the day with concerts across legendary jazz venues in New York, Chicago, and New Orleans.
JP Japan
Japan has one of the world's most dedicated jazz fan bases outside the US. Tokyo and Osaka boast hundreds of jazz bars, and the country hosts major jazz festivals year-round.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
- 01Attend a live jazz performance or listen to a classic album
- 02Learn about the origins of jazz in New Orleans
- 03Explore different jazz sub-genres — bebop, cool jazz, fusion
- 04Introduce a child to jazz through playful improv activities
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is International Jazz Day?+
International Jazz Day is observed annually on April 30. The date is fixed each year — April 30 — and does not shift based on the lunar calendar or weekday.
What is International Jazz Day?+
International Jazz Day is celebrated on April 30 each year under the auspices of UNESCO and its Goodwill Ambassador, pianist and composer Herbie Hancock. The day highlights jazz as a universal language of freedom, creativity, and cross-cultural dialogue — a music born from the African-American exper…
Is International Jazz Day a public holiday?+
International Jazz Day is an international observance or awareness day, not a public holiday in most countries. It does not typically result in days off work or school closures, though some countries and organisations hold official events.
How can I participate in International Jazz Day?+
Attend a live jazz performance or listen to a classic album Learn about the origins of jazz in New Orleans Explore different jazz sub-genres — bebop, cool jazz, fusion These are some of the most accessible ways to engage with the day's purpose.
Which countries observe International Jazz Day?+
Global — UNESCO initiative, with events in over 190 countries.
MARK THE DATE
Download a free printable calendar for 2027 and never miss International Jazz Day.
US United States
United Kingdom
Australia
Canada
KR South Korea
JP Japan