The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

The 17th edition of the annual Cairo Jazz Festival is coming back for unforgettable nights of music and good vibes. People of all backgrounds enjoy the festival’s events and wait patiently for it each year, and this year is no different. If you are planning to go, here’s everything you need to know. 

Where And When Is the Cairo Jazz Festival 17

The festival spans nine days of festivities, from the 30th of October to the 7th of November, so there is enough time for you to go and enjoy yourself on any day that suits you. It’s hosted at multiple venues across Cairo, including AUC Tahrir, El Sawy Culture Wheel, Rawabet Art Space, and Teatro Arkan. 

The Theme of the Festival: Ziad Rahbani

Each year, the festival is held with a theme, and this year is no different. This year, the festival is dedicated to Lebanese composer and singer Ziad Rahbani. Renowned for his bold creativity, Rahbani frequently weaved satire, irony, and political critique into his music and theatrical works, capturing the complexities of Lebanon’s social and political landscape. 

Activities Of Cairo Jazz Fest 2025

The festival is set to burst into life with captivating jazz rhythms from every corner of the world. Showcasing artists from 15 different nations, including Egypt, Australia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland, the event will feature over 20 performances across nine days, celebrating jazz’s rich global heritage.

Alongside the live shows, audiences can enjoy an exciting variety of activities, from educational workshops and insightful Jazz TALKS to film screenings, late-night jam sessions, energetic club performances, and a fun-filled “JAZZININOO Jazz for Kids” programme designed especially for young audiences.

Cairo Jazz Festival 17’s Lineup 

The Cairo Jazz Festival 2025 is set to bring an exceptional lineup of local and international talent to stages across the city. The nine-day celebration will feature standout performances by renowned artists such as Joseph Tawadros & the Egyptian Recording Orchestra, Wust El Balad, and Hazem Shaheen, alongside international acts like the Marco Mezquida Trio and the Timo Vollbrecht Fly Magic Quartet.

Celebrating Jazz from All Over the World

The festival also highlights the diversity of the jazz scene with artists including Ziad Hisham, Hany Must, Sanem Kalfa, Joao Barradas Trio, Laura Kipp, and The Gypsy Jazz Project, among many others. Showcasing everything from Arabic jazz fusion to avant-garde improvisation, this year’s edition promises an eclectic mix of sounds and styles that reflect Cairo’s growing reputation as a global hub for jazz and cultural exchange.

Of course, with a well-organised event like this, tickets sell out fast. The ticket prices start at 300 EGP, and there is a separate ticket for each day. Hurry up and get yours here.