Free festivals are becoming increasingly rare in Lyon, so naturally, this one deserves a spot on your calendar. Jazz sur les Places is back for its 16th edition with four days of open-air concerts right in the heart of the Saint-Georges neighborhood.
Originally scheduled for June, the festival has been postponed to the start of the school year to avoid intense summer heat. A decision that now allows you to enjoy the last pleasant September evenings in a particularly well-chosen setting: Place Benoît Crépu, at the foot of the historic facades of Old Lyon.
Piano, tango, and rhythms from around the world
The 2026 lineup aims to prove that jazz is definitely so much more than a few standards played in a smoky basement. Over four days, audiences will travel between stride piano, Argentine tango, big band, Congolese rhythms, and creations from contemporary jazz.
n.
Nine free concerts are scheduled for this new edition, with a clear commitment to showcasing several facets of this music. This should appeal to both jazz festival regulars and curious visitors simply looking to enjoy a concert while strolling through Old Town Lyon.
Joel Forrester, exceptional guest from New York
The festival's highlight will undoubtedly be the concert by Joel Forrester, a New York pianist expected on Saturday, September 19th at 6:30 p.m. A singular figure on the American jazz scene, he is notably presented as the sole student of Thelonious Monk, one of the absolute giants of jazz piano.
Joel Forrester will perform solo, offering a paa particularly intimate performance in the middle of this open-air lineup. A pretty rare opportunity to discover their universe in such an unconventional setting, with the stones of Old Town Lyon as your backdrop and jazz as the soundtrack.
A jam session to end on a high note
And because a jazz festival couldn't possibly stop after the last concert, Jazz sur les Places will extend the festivities with a big jam session. It will take place on Sunday, September 20, from 11am to 3pm, and is open to everyone.
The event promises to transform Place Benoît Crépu into a big open-air musical stage to wrap up the weekend. A friendly way to keep the festival atmosphere going, between musicians and spectators, before heading back to the daily grind.
Place Benoît Crépu - Lyon 5th
September 16-19, 2026
Free entry
Learn more