The event, themed “Jazz Hanoi – Melody Without Borders”, is part of Hanoi’s roadmap under the UNESCO Creative Cities Network and reflects the capital’s ambition to develop the festival into a distinctive cultural brand while strengthening its position on the international music map.

According to the Municipal People’s Committee, the festival is intended to reinforce Hanoi’s role as Vietnam’s leading jazz hub, gathering artists, scholars and professional training institutions, as well as creating a platform for artistic exchange and new creative works.

A key focus of the festival will be the promotion of “Vietnamese Jazz” - a fusion of contemporary jazz language with traditional Vietnamese musical materials.

Beyond music performances, the event is also expected to contribute to sustainable socio-economic development through culture and creative industries. Authorities hope the festival will help promote the image of a dynamic, modern Hanoi that remains deeply rooted in its cultural heritage.

The Hanoi International Jazz Festival 2026 will kick off with a press conference in the first week of September. The main activities will consist of a Jazz & Street exhibition and a workshop titled Jazz language in traditional music, creating a space for international artists and Vietnamese experts to discuss the blending of jazz and traditional music.

The highlight of the first day will be the opening ceremony of the festival slated for 8 p.m. on September 17 at the Hanoi Opera House, featuring performances from leading national and international artists.

On September 18, under the theme “Dialogue”, the festival will host an international symposium titled “Hanoi and Jazz”, a concert named “Jazz – Beloved Winter”, and a “Jazz Jam Session”.

The awards and closing ceremonies are scheduled to take place on September 19. In addition, audiences will be able to enjoy unique street jazz performances by young bands in the pedestrian area around Hoan Kiem (Returned Sword) Lake.

The organiders expect the series of activities in these open spaces will attract 1,000-4,000 attendees each night.

During the festival, the organisers encourage unique and creative experiments such as the fusion of Jazz with traditional Vietnamese instruments namely đàn bầu (monochord zither), sáo trúc (bamboo flute) or traditional art forms including chèo (traditional stage art) and cải lương (reformed theatre) and electronic music, in order to affirm the distinct identity of Vietnamese Jazz.

Swiss diplomat proposes Hanoi jazz festival to mark 55 years of diplomacy

VOV.VN - Swiss Ambassador to Vietnam Thomas Gass has proposed holding a jazz festival in Hanoi to commemorate the 55th anniversary of Vietnam–Switzerland diplomatic relations (October 11, 1971 – 2026).