50th edition poster for the Roma Jazz Festival

“Rereading Miles, Rethinking Jazz” — From November 1 to 24, 2026, Rome celebrates five decades of international jazz

From November 1 to 24, 2026, the Roma Jazz Festival marks its landmark 50th edition with performances at the Auditorium Parco della Musica Ennio Morricone, Casa del Jazz, and Alcazar. For music lovers visiting the Eternal City, the festival also offers a chance to combine live music with a few days in Rome.

This year’s overarching theme, Rereading Miles, Rethinking Jazz, spotlights Miles Davis’s enduring influence and how his sound continues to echo across generations. Far from a nostalgic tribute, the 50th edition — curated by artistic director Mario Ciampà — uses the centenary of Davis’s birth as a starting point for exploring his impact on contemporary jazz.

Fifty Years of History: From Janiculum Hill to Rome’s Premier Stages

It all began in 1976 on the open-air stage of the Teatro della Quercia del Tasso on Janiculum Hill. What started as an intimate summer gathering has grown into an iconic institution, evolving alongside the city itself.

Over the past five decades, the festival has hosted legends like Dizzy Gillespie, Sarah Vaughan, Sonny Rollins, Herbie Hancock, and Pat Metheny, right through to trailblazers like Esperanza Spalding and Kamasi Washington. With over 1,000 concerts in its history, the festival remains a vibrant bridge between jazz royalty and groundbreaking new voices.

Honoring Miles Davis: Paolo Fresu Opens the Festival

Dedicating the festival’s 50th edition to Miles Davis celebrates a deep connection with the city. The Prince of Darkness performed in Rome several times, culminating in a historic final concert on July 23, 1991, before 20,000 fans at the Stadio Olimpico.

Opening the festival on November 1 at 6:00 PM (Sala Sinopoli), renowned trumpeter Paolo Fresu presents Kind of Lives. Performing with two distinct ensembles, Fresu charts Davis’s revolution from acoustic lyricism to groundbreaking electric fusion. The project expands on Kind of Miles, Fresu’s acclaimed theatrical concert that has been performed more than 50 times.

Fresu’s festival appearance comes right on the heels of Quando ti rivedrò, the final unreleased track by Italian songwriting legend Gino Paoli, in which Fresu’s trumpet takes the place of the vocal line originally intended for Ornella Vanoni — a seamless blend of jazz and Italian lyric tradition.

Beyond the Davis tributes, this year’s lineup moves effortlessly across genres: from Steve Coleman’s intricate improvisations and Gonzalo Rubalcaba & Hamilton de Holanda’s piano-mandolin dialogue to the genre-defying grooves of Omasta.

Selected Highlights of the 50th Edition

• November 1 (6:00 PM): Paolo Fresu – Kind of Lives | Auditorium Parco della Musica – Sala Sinopoli
• November 4 (8:00 PM): Kurt Elling & Yellowjackets – Celebrate Weather Report | Auditorium Parco della Musica – Sala Petrassi
• November 5–6 (8:00 PM): Steve Coleman and Five Elements / Hamilton De Holanda & Gonzalo Rubalcaba – Collab | Auditorium Parco della Musica – Sala Petrassi
• November 7 (7:30 PM): EIC Eden Inverted Collective by Zoe Pia – Atlantidei | Casa del Jazz
• November 8 (6:00 PM): Domenico Rizzuto Trio – Disastri Quotidiani | Casa del Jazz
• November 13–14 (7:30 PM): Eleonora Strino Trio – Lumithia / Nexus Quartet – Appunti di Viaggio | Casa del Jazz
• November 17 (8:00 PM): Erik Truffaz & Antonio Lizana – New Sketches of Spain | Auditorium Parco della Musica – Sala Petrassi
• November 18 (8:00 PM): Gregory Hutchinson Kind of Now – The Pulse of Miles Davis | Auditorium Parco della Musica – Sala Petrassi
• November 20 (9:00 PM): Omasta | Alcazar
• November 21 (8:00 PM): Jeremy Pelt Quintet | Auditorium Parco della Musica – Teatro Studio Borgna
• November 22 (11:00 AM): Compagnia Teatro Popolare d’Arte – Fiabe Jazz – I Musicanti di Brema Swing Band | Auditorium Parco della Musica – Teatro Studio Borgna
• November 24 (8:00 PM): Jason Miles – 100 Miles for Miles Davis | Auditorium Parco della Musica – Sala Petrassi

For the full program and venue details, visit the official Roma Jazz Festival website. Tickets are available on ticketone.it

Stay at TriviHo during the Roma Jazz Festival

Experience Rome’s timeless beauty and modern comfort in the heart of the city

Staying at TriviHo – Luxury Hotel Rome allows you to soak in Rome’s historic charm by day before stepping out for live jazz by night. Begin your morning with a stroll to the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps, or explore the art collections at nearby Palazzo Barberini, then return to the hotel to relax ahead of the evening concert.

Located at Via Barberini 50 in the historic Trevi district, TriviHo is housed inside an iconic Rationalist building designed by renowned architect Marcello Piacentini. Here, sleek contemporary design, fine art, and architectural heritage come together to create a refined boutique hotel experience.

On the 7th floor, THRoof — the hotel’s panoramic rooftop — offers sweeping views across Rome, with the Vittoriano and St. Peter’s Dome on the horizon. It’s an elegant setting for a pre-concert aperitivo.

Check room availability for the Roma Jazz Festival dates.

Navigating the Venues from TriviHo

How to get to the Auditorium, Casa del Jazz, and Alcazar

Barberini – Fontana di Trevi Metro station (Line A) is just 200 meters from TriviHo, providing a convenient starting point for reaching the festival’s venues.

Auditorium Parco della Musica Ennio Morricone – Viale Pietro de Coubertin, 30

The festival’s main stage is easily accessible from TriviHo:

• By Metro & Tram: From Barberini, take Metro Line A (direction Battistini) to Flaminio. Transfer to Tram Line 2 towards Piazza Mancini and get off at Apollodoro, just a short walk from the Auditorium entrance.
• By Taxi: Taxis offer direct door-to-door service (travel time varies with evening traffic).

Casa del Jazz at Villa Osio – Viale di Porta Ardeatina, 55

• By Metro & Bus: Take Metro Line A from Barberini (direction Anagnina) to Termini, then catch Bus 714 to Colombo/Marco Polo — the stop for Casa del Jazz. From there, it’s a short walk to the park gates.
• Alternative Route: From Termini, switch to Metro Line B (direction Laurentina), get off at Piramide, and complete the journey with a brief walk or taxi ride.

Alcazar in Trastevere – Via Cardinale Merry del Val, 14

• By Public Transport: Take Metro Line A (direction Anagnina) to Termini, then take Bus H (direction Dei Capasso) to Mastai. From Mastai, Alcazar is a short walk away.

For up-to-date routes and timetable information, consult the ATAC website and Roma Servizi per la Mobilità.