Shanghai's iconic jazz celebration, JZ Spring 2026, returns from April 30 to May 5. This year, the festival will feature more than 100 performances by a lineup of 150 musicians from China and abroad. The event is centered on two major themes: "West Bund Breeze" and "Brazil Town", spanning the Xuhui Riverside and the Hengshan Road-Fuxing Road Historical and Cultural Block.

A special highlight of this year, JZ Spring coincides with the China-Brazil Year of Culture. In partnership with Brazil's Ministry of Culture and the Consulate General of Brazil in Shanghai, the festival will celebrate the strong cultural ties between the two countries through a dynamic musical exchange.

The West Bund Grand Theatre will host the premier indoor performances, offering five nights of world-class shows. On April 30, to mark International Jazz Day, Brazilian legend Ivan Lins will take the stage to perform highlights from his illustrious career. The lineup continues with harpist Edmar Castaneda on May 1, jazz piano titan Kenny Barron on May 2, and a special guitar gala on May 3 featuring six virtuosos from China, Brazil, and Russia. The indoor series will conclude with a performance by rising R&B star The Crane on May 4.

Located south of the theater, the West Bund Dream Center will transform into a vibrant fusion of Brazilian energy and Chinese jazz. Visitors can enjoy pop-up performances at the industrial silos, encounter roaming parade bands, and experience floral-themed shows at Gate M Nest Park. Throughout these six days, jazz will be in full swing across every corner of the West Bund.

To the north of the theater, the West Bund waterfront will become a "mobile sound museum" that chronicles a century of jazz. Guests can board a vintage "Jazz Bus" for only 5 yuan (about $0.70) per ticket and travel along the waterfront accompanied by a live onboard band. Each stop along the route represents a different era of jazz, offering a unique encounter through the genre's history.

For a more relaxed pace, the Sky Oasis will host three daily performances alongside a boutique market. It's the perfect spot to lie on the grass, enjoy the spring breeze, and let the music set the mood.

The celebration also extends to JZ Club and the surrounding area of No 8 Hengshan Road. Here, the "Brazil Town" theme will infuse the neighborhood with Latin culture through samba performances, vinyl markets, and themed food and drinks. Additionally, jazz masterclasses will bring musical education directly to the streets, further blending professional artistry with urban life.

Tip: While the five headlining shows at the West Bund Grand Theatre require tickets, the majority of the outdoor performances and activities are free and open to the public.

Source: WeChat account of the Xuhui district administration of culture and tourism