Jazz al Parque 2026

Jazz al Parque is Bogota’s free outdoor jazz festival, held each September in the Simon Bolivar Metropolitan Park. First established in 1996 as part of the city’s Al Parque festival series, it has grown into one of the most respected jazz events in Latin America, drawing audiences of more than 50,000 across its three days and presenting a lineup that mixes Colombian jazz artists with international acts from the Americas, Europe, and beyond.

The festival format

The 2026 edition runs from Sunday 13 to Tuesday 15 September in Parque Simon Bolivar (the dates occasionally shift year to year — confirm on the official website closer to the event). Entry is entirely free, which makes Jazz al Parque unusual among international jazz festivals of comparable artistic ambition. The stages are set up within the park, with the main stage handling larger-scale performances and secondary stages devoted to more experimental, acoustic, and Latin jazz.

The programming covers the full range of jazz idioms: traditional swing, bebop, Afro-Colombian jazz fusions, Brazilian influences, free jazz, and contemporary composition all appear across the three days. Colombian artists typically anchor the early afternoon slots, with international headliners performing in the evening. The festival has historically attracted artists from Cuba, Argentina, the United States, France, and Scandinavia, among others.

Getting to Parque Simon Bolivar

The park occupies a large central area in Bogota’s Teusaquillo district. The nearest TransMilenio stations are Ricaurte (on the Calle 13 corridor) and Avenida 68; from either, it is a short walk to the park entrances. Taxis and app-based services reach the park easily from La Candelaria, Chapinero, and Usaquén.

September falls within one of Bogota’s transitional seasons — afternoon rainfall is common, so bring a waterproof jacket or poncho. The city sits at 2,600 metres, which means the air is cool even when the sun is out; layers are useful.

What to expect on the day

Arrive early for afternoon sets if you want a comfortable position near the main stage — the park fills steadily from mid-afternoon, and evening headliners draw the largest crowds. Bring a blanket or foldable seat if you prefer to sit on the grass rather than stand. Food stalls and vendors operate throughout the park during the festival.

The atmosphere is relaxed and multigenerational. Families with children, students, and older listeners coexist easily across the festival grounds. Because entry is free, the event is accessible to a wide cross-section of Bogota’s population, which gives it a different character from ticketed jazz festivals — less formal, more communal.

Keep your belongings secure in the crowd; the festival is generally safe but draws the pickpocket activity common to any large free outdoor event in a major city.

For city context, see our Bogota city guide and our Colombia in September guide.