18th Cairo Jazz Festival

Founded in 2009 by musician Amr Salah, the Cairo Jazz Festival brings jazz and world-fusion artists from Egypt, the Arab world, Europe, Africa and beyond to the capital each autumn. Its 18th edition is announced for 5 to 7 November 2026 at the American University in Cairo’s historic Tahrir Square campus, with concerts running across two stages in the evenings, plus workshops and talks for musicians. The crowd is young and relaxed, and it is a good chance to hear Egypt’s lively independent music scene alongside international acts. Day and festival passes are normally sold online through Egyptian ticketing platforms in the weeks before. Some listings give different dates, so confirm the final schedule on the festival’s official channels before booking.

Dates: announced by the organisers.

What to expect

Concerts usually run from early evening until late at night, with sets alternating between the stages so you can move from one act to the next. The music ranges from straight-ahead jazz to Arabic fusion, funk, Latin and African sounds. During the day, workshops and masterclasses give young musicians a chance to learn from visiting performers.

Getting there

The American University in Cairo’s Tahrir campus is in the heart of Downtown, a short walk from Sadat metro station, where Lines 1 and 2 meet. Taxis and ride-hailing cars can drop you nearby, though evening traffic around Tahrir Square is heavy, so the metro is often quicker.

Planning tips

• Early November evenings are pleasant but can feel cool after dark, so bring a light layer.
• Bring photo identification, as visitors to the campus are usually checked at the gate.
• Arrive early for headline sets, as the most popular stages fill up.
• Downtown has plenty of cafes and restaurants for a meal before or after the concerts.