The biggest jazz festival in Europe in the heart of the Gers
Jazz in Marciac was born in 1978 from the passion of a handful of music lovers, including Jean-Louis Guilhaumon, who dreamed of making their village vibrate to the sound of jazz. Since then, the festival has become a global benchmark, transforming this peaceful Gascon town of 1,300 inhabitants into the international jazz capital every summer.
The festival takes place over three weeks, from late July to mid-August. The program brings together the biggest names in world jazz: Wynton Marsalis, a loyal regular, Herbie Hancock, Diana Krall, Marcus Miller, but also artists from blues, soul, funk, and world music. The concerts under the 6,000-seat big top offer exceptional acoustics and rare proximity to the artists.
Alongside the paid concerts, the Off festival livens up the village square every evening with free open-air concerts. The streets of Marciac transform into a huge stage where professional and amateur musicians mingle, creating a unique atmosphere of sharing and conviviality. The terraces of cafes and restaurants extend the party late into the night.
Jazz in Marciac stands out for its commitment to musical education. The Marciac college offers jazz classes, and the festival organizes masterclasses and workshops for young musicians. L'Astrada, a performance venue inaugurated in 2011, hosts cultural events all year round, ensuring the festival's musical heritage endures.
48th edition of Jazz in Marciac, from July 20 to August 5, 2026. Sting opens the festival on July 20 with his STING 3.0 project, and the lineup brings together Pat Metheny, Diana Krall, Marcus Miller, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Ibrahim Maalouf, Kool and The Gang, and Feu! Chatterton under the big top.
The 48th edition of Jazz in Marciac takes place from July 20 to August 5, 2026, in the Gers village of Marciac. Every evening at 9 PM, the festival offers a major concert under the big top (10,000 seats), complemented by a program at L'Astrada hall (concerts at 3 PM and 9 PM) and by the Festival Bis with its free concerts in the town square.
The 2026 edition notably celebrates the centennials of Miles Davis and John Coltrane, with the tributes "We Want Miles!" by Marcus Miller and "Trane: A Centennial Supreme" by James Carter.
Additional programming at L'Astrada (concerts at 3 PM and 9 PM) and free concerts of Festival Bis in the town square. Program subject to change.
Marciac is located in the Gers region, about 1.5 hours from Toulouse and 2 hours from Bordeaux. By car, take the N21 then the D943. Shuttles are organized from Tarbes SNCF station or Toulouse-Blagnac airport. Large free parking lots are available around the village.
Concerts under the big top are ticketed, with prices ranging from €25 to €80 depending on the evening and artists. The Off concerts in the village square are completely free. Passes for multiple evenings are offered at advantageous rates.
Accommodation in Marciac and its surroundings is in high demand during the festival. It is recommended to book several months in advance. Campsites, gites, B&Bs, and hotels are available within a 30 km radius.
Numerous food stalls are set up in the village during the festival, offering Gascon cuisine, grilled meats, tapas, and international specialties.
No photo yet. Share yours!
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Aidez-nous à garder cette fiche à jour. Toute proposition est relue par notre équipe avant publication.
No rating yet — be the first!
No review yet. Be the first!
Share your experience with the community
Chapiteau de Marciac et Place du Chevalier d'Antras
Place du Chevalier d'Antras, 32230 Marciac