From 15–18 July 2026, the 28th edition of the Saulkrasti Jazz Festival will take place in Saulkrasti, Latvia, with this year’s programme placing a special focus on the art of rhythm. Across four stages, audiences will enjoy an outstanding selection of jazz artists from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States, with many performances highlighting the talents of exceptional drummers. The festival programme will also feature jazz masterclasses and the renowned Baltic Drummers League, where leading rhythm artists from all three Baltic countries will compete for the title of the region’s best jazz drummer.
The festival’s main events are two jazz-filled evenings at the Saulkrasti Open-Air Stage.
On Friday, 17 July, the programme will begin with the Baltic Drummers League, where three percussionists from the Baltic States will compete for the title of the Baltic region’s best jazz drummer of 2026. Latvia will be represented by the talented young drummer Kristaps Škapars. Historically, Latvian drummers have dominated the competition, and this year’s contest will determine whether the title remains in Latvia.
Following the competition, Ventspils Big Band will take the stage, featuring previous Baltic Drummers League winner Marks Markus Ābelītis. The ensemble will present “Spectrum”, the new album by pianist and composer Anna Wibe, scheduled for release later this year. According to the composer, the album’s title reveals its essence: a “spectrum” of musical and emotional colours, ranging from lyrical melodies to disco-inspired big band arrangements.
Ventspils Big Band director Renārs Lācis speaks highly of the project:
“Anna has a deep understanding of wind instruments, which makes this programme especially rewarding for a big band to perform. At first, ‘Spectrum’ seemed highly challenging, but audiences receive the music with remarkable ease. It is accessible, relatable, and beautifully written. ‘Spectrum’ is an outstanding example of music created for people. This is music that will stand the test of time.”
Saulkrasti Jazz 2026 will offer the only opportunity this summer to hear Anna Wibe’s complete album performed live.
The Friday evening will conclude with one of Europe’s most sought-after and dynamic jazz drummers, Nicolas Viccaro (France), and his project “Nicolas Viccaro Xperience.” Moving effortlessly between contemporary jazz, rock, and world music, Viccaro has performed alongside internationally acclaimed artists including Hans Zimmer, Bill Evans, Etienne Mbappé, John McLaughlin, Richard Bona, and Mike Stern. His latest project brings together an exceptional group of contemporary musicians, showcasing his distinctive musical voice through electrifying energy, subtle textures, and powerful rhythmic expression.
On Saturday, 18 July, the festival’s closing concert will begin with the Anglo-American jazz collective Enterplay, presenting a programme infused with soul and R&B influences. The ensemble features the charismatic vocalist Cheryl “Pepsii” Riley, while acclaimed drummer Nathaniel Townsley provides its rhythmic foundation. Townsley spent nearly two decades performing with legendary bassist Richard Bona and is widely regarded as one of the leading figures in contemporary gospel music.
The festival finale will offer audiences a truly memorable experience: a tribute to legendary drummer Buddy Rich, widely considered one of the greatest and most influential jazz drummers of all time. Joining the Latvian Radio Big Band on stage will be not one but three outstanding drummers, including Baltic Drummers League laureates Artis Orubs, Andris Buiķis, and Kristaps Jānis Sokolovs. More than a retrospective, the programme will celebrate the heartbeat of big band music—rhythm itself—and provide an energetic conclusion to Saulkrasti Jazz 2026.
Free Concerts Throughout the Festival
Jazz will fill the air across Saulkrasti throughout the week, with several free concerts open to all festival visitors.
Sun Square (Saules laukums)
15 July, 3:00 PM
- Sigulda School of Arts Contemporary Rhythm Music Department Ensemble, directed by Anrija Grinberga and Inese Bērziņa
- Ventspils Music Secondary School Ensemble, directed by Anna Wibe
16 July, 3:00 PM
- JMRMV Oskars Petrauskis Ensemble “Diskurss”
Seaside Stage (Ainažu Street 113, near the Elvi store)
15 July, 5:00 PM
- Jam Orchestra
16 July, 5:00 PM
- “Cita Dimensija”, featuring students from the jazz departments of Jāzeps Mediņš Riga Music Secondary School and Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music. The ensemble includes Baltic Drummers League contestant Kristaps Škapars.
Jazz Masterclass Camp
A cornerstone tradition of Saulkrasti Jazz is its youth jazz masterclass camp, which will take place from 13–18 July 2026. Young musicians aged 10–20 are invited to participate in an intensive week of learning, performance, and collaboration with internationally recognised jazz artists.
Further information about the 28th Saulkrasti Jazz Festival is available at www.saulkrastijazz.lv.
Tickets for festival concerts are available through Biļešu Paradīze ticket offices and online at www.bilesuparadize.lv. Festival passes covering both main concert evenings can also be purchased at the Saulkrasti Tourism Information Centre.
About Saulkrasti Jazz
Saulkrasti Jazz is Latvia’s oldest jazz festival and a nationally significant cultural event, held annually in Saulkrasti since 1997. The festival combines high-quality concerts, week-long masterclasses, and the Baltic Drummers League competition, attracting both local and international artists and jazz enthusiasts.
More than simply a music festival, Saulkrasti Jazz has become an important platform for the development of generations of jazz musicians through education, mentorship, and artistic exchange.
