The Koa Jazz Festival 2026 takes place in Montpellier, in the Occitanie region of southern France, from 1 to 5 November 2026. Over five days the city hosts a jazz festival built around live music, with concerts that suit both committed listeners and those who are simply curious about the genre.
What to expect
- Live music throughout the festival, with an atmosphere geared towards discovery as much as familiar names.
- A five-day programme, so there is room to attend several evenings or to take in one performance as a short trip.
- A lively city setting, one of the more animated places in southern France.
Between the concerts
Montpellier's historic centre is well suited to an unhurried pace between sets. Its elegant squares invite a slow walk, and its cafés and wine bars give you a place to sit, talk over what you have just heard and plan the next evening. The south of France in early November is often mild, so time outdoors between performances is a pleasant part of the visit.
If you are considering the trip, the festival suits anyone who enjoys live jazz in a city where the day can be as enjoyable as the evening. Plan your dates around the five-day run, and leave space to explore the centre on foot.