Free Fixture and A Colossal Main Event:

The pre-festival Free Community Concert is a permanent feature, anticipating the main event every year since its inception. Hosted in Green Market Square — the undisputed heart of Cape Town — it draws thousands of attendees with a roster of world-class performers. And yet, the main event is bigger. Now hosted in Cape Town’s very largest venue, the Cape Town International Convention Centre, the festival attracts upwards of 37,000 attendees, essentially tripling in size since the beginning. Over forty performers — composed of a fifty-fifty split between South African and international artists—play on five different stages within the colossal events multiplex.

Last edition lineup highlights include:

2020: Sheila E, Afrika Mkhize, Eddie Parker, Amadou & Mariam, Angie Stone, BadBadNotGood, Benjamin Jephta Quintet, Jazz Attack, Peter White, Rick Braun, Euge Groove, Lizz Wright, Mafikizolo, Tsepo Tshola, Mark Turner, and Meshell Ndegeocello.

Cape Town Jazz Festival 2020 Tips:

• Fine art reprieve The Cape Town International Jazz Festival always hosts a photographic exhibition at the Duotone Gallery.

• Look sharp Each year, the Cape Town International Jazz Festival collaborates with a concurrent event, the Cape Town Fashion Festival, to mutually increase exposure and celebrate South African industry and artistry. The Fashion & All That Jazz Gala Dinner has become a staple of the festival; both highlight native craftspeople working in various disciplines.

• Workshops and mentorship The Cape Town International Jazz Festival hosts various workshops for youth musicians, some of whom are selected to perform each year on the main stage. Further, during the festival, panels addressing music industry trends are open to attendees.

• Especially chill fare The Rosies Stage is accessible to attendees for an extra fee and emphasizes understated, relaxed jazz music in a comfortable setting.