Every July, Valletta sheds its quiet charm and pulses with rhythm. As the sun dips behind the limestone skyline and the harbour sparkles, music begins to echo through the narrow streets. The Malta Jazz Festival 2025 returns from Monday 7th to Saturday 12th July, and it promises to be bigger, bolder, and more soulful than ever.
For over three decades, this week-long celebration has brought world-class jazz to the Mediterranean. Think sultry vocals, electrifying brass, toe-tapping rhythm sections, and once-in-a-lifetime jam sessions – all against the backdrop of one of Europe’s most beautiful capital cities. Whether you’re a seasoned jazz head or a curious newcomer, this is one of Malta’s standout cultural events. It’s more than a music festival. It’s an experience.
What to Expect: Music, Atmosphere, and Magic
The festival spans six days and a mix of venues, each offering a different flavour of the jazz world. Expect intimate theatre performances, sprawling open-air concerts, late-night bar sessions, and even jazz for kids. And the best part? It’s all walkable. You can go from soaking up a saxophone solo at MUŻA to sipping wine by the Grand Harbour while a quartet plays beneath the stars.
The programme is varied and internationally respected. It features a rich blend of traditional jazz, modern interpretations, experimental sounds, and homegrown talent. With events hosted in Valletta’s most atmospheric locations – like the Ta’ Liesse Church Wharf, Spazju Kreattiv, and the MUŻA museum courtyard – you’ll not only hear great music but feel it.
The Full Festival Line-Up
Let’s break down the highlights day by day:
Monday 7 July
Anecdotes of Jazz in Malta
Valletta Campus Theatre
The festival kicks off with a deep dive into Malta’s own jazz story. This is more than a concert – it’s part music, part documentary, exploring how jazz made its way to the islands, who shaped the scene, and why it still matters today. Expect a mix of archival tales, local performances, and a heartfelt celebration of Malta’s musical heritage.
Tuesday 8 July
Lukmil Pérez Quartet
City Theatre
Cuban-born drummer Lukmil Pérez brings a fierce blend of Latin jazz and Parisian cool. His quartet delivers improvisation at its finest – explosive, delicate, and constantly shifting. If you love percussion and rhythm that keeps your pulse racing, this is a must.
Late Session + Jam with Richard Sears Trio
Offbeat Music Bar
The party continues late into the night. Grab a drink and settle in for some of the festival’s most spontaneous music-making. The jam sessions are relaxed, raw, and full of surprises. Free entry and perfect for night owls.
Wednesday 9 July
Franck Amsallem Trio
City Theatre
Slick and sophisticated, this trio delivers modern jazz that’s deeply personal. Amsallem’s piano style is both lyrical and sharp – he’s the kind of performer who commands silence without ever asking for it.
Late Session with Richard Sears Trio
Offbeat Music Bar
Another chance to witness jazz in its wildest, freest form. There’s something magical about seeing world-class musicians just having fun and riffing off each other.
Thursday 10 July
Rebecca Martin, Larry Grenadier & Bill McHenry
City Theatre
A powerhouse trio where voice, double bass, and saxophone blend into something truly intimate. Rebecca Martin’s voice is soft and steady – the kind that invites you to lean in and really listen.
MUŻA Courtyard Performances Begin
MUŻA Museum
Across three days, MUŻA hosts free courtyard sessions in a more laid-back, sunlit setting. These performances mix rising talent with seasoned players and offer a casual way to dip in and out of jazz without needing a full concert commitment.
Final Late Session with Richard Sears Trio
Offbeat Music Bar
One more jam before the weekend crowds descend. If you haven’t been yet, this is your last chance to see the jazz community really let loose.
Friday 11 July
Ta’ Liesse Day 1
Quarry Wharf
This is what many consider the main event. With the harbour twinkling behind you and music rising into the night, the energy at Ta’ Liesse is electric. Big-name artists, huge sound, and a buzzing crowd. Bring a light jacket, a good friend, and your best festival attitude.
Saturday 12 July
Children’s Concert: Viktorija Gečytė and Daniel Gassin
Spazju Kreattiv
Jazz for little ears. This short, interactive session introduces children to jazz in a playful and accessible way. It’s creative, fun, and perfect for families visiting Valletta with kids in tow.
Ta’ Liesse Day 2
Quarry Wharf
The grand finale. More music, more dancing, more harbour magic. Expect local acts, international legends, and one unforgettable end to the festival.
MUŻA Courtyard Final Sessions
An ideal way to ease into your evening before heading to Ta’ Liesse. Casual, calm, and completely free.
Why We Love It
There’s something undeniably special about this festival. You’re not just watching jazz – you’re immersed in it. You’re seated in centuries-old venues where every echo feels sacred, walking cobbled streets that lead you from one rhythm to another. You’re surrounded by music lovers, artists, travellers, and locals all sharing the same heartbeat.
The Malta Jazz Festival also does a brilliant job at keeping things fresh. One night you might be hearing a traditional trio paying homage to Miles Davis, and the next you’re watching an experimental percussionist loop beats and blend genres you didn’t know could mix. There’s variety, personality, and a true sense of discovery.
Our Tips
- Book early. The theatre nights have limited seating and the Ta’ Liesse events sell fast.
- Go for the Festival Pass if you want the full experience – it offers excellent value.
- Wear comfy shoes. Valletta’s all hills and steps.
- Plan a late dinner. Malta’s nightlife comes alive after dark, especially during the festival.
- Bring a notebook if you’re the journaling type – between the music, the venues, and the people, inspiration is everywhere.
How to Join In
Tickets are available now at festivals.mt/mjf, including individual bookings and full festival passes. You’ll also find set times, venue maps, and details on all free events.
Final Word?
If you’re visiting Malta this summer, this is the event to circle in red. You’ll leave with a head full of melodies, a camera roll of sun-drenched memories, and a new appreciation for the magic of live music. Jazz has never felt so alive – and it’s waiting for you in Valletta.
