Ponta Lopud Jazz Festival Brings the World’s Jazz Elite Back to Croatia

The end of August is once again reserved for one of the Adriatic’s most unique musical events. From August 27. to 29. 2026, the enchanting island of Lopud, just off the coast of Dubrovnik, will host the fourth edition of the Ponta Lopud Jazz Festival – a place where world-class jazz, inspiring education, and the relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere come together to create an unforgettable experience.

One of this year’s biggest highlights is the return of Antonio Sánchez, the four-time Grammy Award-winning drummer and one of the most influential jazz musicians of our time. Sánchez is much more than a performer. Since the festival’s very first edition, he has been a mentor, educator, and one of the driving forces behind the festival’s artistic identity. Through masterclasses, discussions, and live performances, he continues to inspire young musicians from around the world, helping establish Ponta Lopud Jazz Festival as an increasingly important destination on the international jazz scene.

This year’s festival also welcomes another extraordinary artist. Renowned percussionist Jamey Haddad joins Ponta Lopud Jazz Festival as the festival’s Master. Widely respected for his remarkable versatility, Haddad has built a career that reaches far beyond the world of jazz. Over the past 25 years, he has performed alongside Paul Simon and collaborated with legendary artists including Sting, Yo-Yo Ma, Esperanza Spalding, Snarky Puppy, and many more, leaving a lasting mark on today’s global music landscape.

Dates:
27.08. – Camila Meza: Portal feat. Gabriel Chakarji, Alejandra Sofia and Elle Howell
28.08. – Rachel Eckroth & John Hadfield: Speaking in Tongues
29.08. – Donny McCaslin: Lullaby for the Lost feat. Jason Lindner, Maron, Antonio Sánchez

As always, visitors can look forward to unforgettable open-air evening concerts beneath the stars, inspiring encounters with world-class artists, educational workshops, and countless moments where improvisation becomes a shared musical experience. The close connection between performers and audiences, combined with the relaxed atmosphere of the island of Lopud, is what makes this festival truly unique.

We are especially proud that EURO-UNIT is once again supporting the festival as its official music sponsor, together with Yamaha Music Europe. By supporting events like Ponta Lopud Jazz Festival, we continue our commitment to fostering musical culture and creating opportunities for outstanding artists, young talents, and music lovers to connect, learn, and create together.

If you’re looking for a festival that offers much more than great concerts, Ponta Lopud Jazz Festival is an experience not to be missed. Three days of exceptional jazz, inspiring encounters, and the breathtaking setting of Lopud Island once again prove why this festival has become a must-visit destination for jazz lovers from around the world.