Are you a music lover, perhaps a jazz fan, and you happen to be in Sicily this June?
There’s a special event you won’t want to miss!
Each June, Palermo becomes the stage for one of the most vibrant musical happenings in
the country: the Sicilia Jazz Festival. A unique event that brings together renowned
orchestras, international soloists, and the unmistakable energy of the Sicilian capital.
Palermo is a city that has a rhythm all its own: with its warm breeze, lovely food and long
evenings, it pulses with life all year long. But in June, Palermo turns into an open-air
concert hall and wraps music lovers in such a magnetic atmosphere.

Imagine orchestras playing jazz classics and new compositions alike in stunning
venues, like historic theaters or open piazzas lit by the warm Mediterranean night. That’s
what the Sicilia Jazz Festival is about and it’s without a doubt one of the best events
taking place in Sicily during the summer.
Exploring Palermo is already a treat, but the combination of sophisticated jazz and laid-
back Sicilian vibe will be the cherry on top of your Italian holiday. Add to that the city’s
striking architecture, food culture, and lively street life, and you’ve got the perfect
setting for an unforgettable stay.

It’s a festival held every June in Palermo that attracts music lovers from all over the world:
a week-long immersion into jazz, culture, and Sicilian flair, with concerts and
performances in every corner of the city.
Launched by The Brass Group, a foundation with deep roots in Italy’s jazz scene, the
festival shines a spotlight on orchestral jazz and creative collaborations. It features a rich
program with tributes to legends like Miles Davis and Ella Fitzgerald, alongside
experimental performances that blend jazz with local folk traditions.
Over the years, the festival has become a cultural highlight of the season, an
unmissable experience for all those spending their summer in beautiful Sicily.

If you're planning to attend the Sicilia Jazz Festival, don’t forget to leave time to visit the
city. From the vibrant Ballarò market to the golden mosaics of the Palatine Chapel,
there’s no shortage of things to do in Palermo between concerts.
Pair your evenings at the festival with day trips to seaside towns, archaeological parks,
or food experiences (like street food tours or wine tastings in the hills near Palermo).
And of course, don't miss wandering Palermo’s neighborhoods, from the bustling
Vucciria market to the refined elegance of Teatro Massimo. Visit ancient churches with
Arab-Norman architecture, or simply relax with a granita at an outdoor café.
Take a walk along the waterfront, indulge in arancine and panelle, or visit one of the city’s
many rooftop bars for a nightcap with a view, preferably with some live jazz in the
background.

June is a perfect time to visit Sicily: the weather is sunny but not too hot, and the
crowds of peak season haven’t arrived yet.
The Jazz Festival in Sicily usually takes place in the second half of June, and tickets for
the big concerts sell out quickly. That’s why we recommend booking early, both for the
shows and for accommodation in the historic center of Palermo.
Not sure where to start? Our team can help you build a custom itinerary around the
festival, combining music, culture, food, and relaxation. Reach out at
info@citylightstours.com: we’ll take care of everything, you just bring the love for music!