The 2026 edition of Nice Jazz Fest’ opened its doors last night. Run by the city of Nice, this first evening welcomed six artists on the stages of Masséna and the Théâtre de Verdure. Coming from all walks of life, festival-goers let themselves be swept away by the richness of the musical universes on offer.
The kickoff of Nice Jazz Fest’ was launched on Thursday, July 23rd. For one evening, festival-goers stepped out of their everyday lives to surrender to the rhythms and musical sounds.
The city of Nice made a point of reducing the cost and restoring a sense of simplicity to the emblematic Nice festival. The 2026 edition offers a setting with a guinguette feel, with string lights and straw huts. Anchored at the heart of the festival, the La Merenda village opened its doors. Relaxation areas, food stalls and refreshment stands occupy the space. Most festival-goers praised the smooth organization. “The layout of the stalls, stage and village allows for good circulation and the food offerings are great,” said Anna, attending Nice Jazz Fest’ for the first time.
Until July 25th, festival-goers will be able to immerse themselves in different musical universes, including international artists. This must-see Nice event has once again managed to appeal to all generations.
The success of the two stages confirmed
Festival-goers wandered between the Théâtre de Verdure stage and the Masséna stage. Early in the evening, the space was gradually filled by the audience. From jazz to contemporary genres, there was something for everyone. “For this first evening, the musical programming is very good, with emerging and sophisticated artists depending on the stage,” said Hervé, a regular at the Festival.
Gabrielle Cavassa opened the show with her captivating voice on the Théâtre de Verdure stage. Some enthusiasts sang in unison with the artist. The fervor of the musicians completed the win over the audience. The enchantment was maintained by the talent of Kassa Overall and his musicians. Their devotion to music kept the audience on the edge of their seats. Buoyed by the enthusiasm of festival-goers, they offered a truly suspended moment for music lovers.
This moment was also an opportunity for some spectators to discover artists. “This festival is perhaps less mainstream, but that’s what I expect from this event, like the artist Kassa Overall that I discovered,” said Hervé.
To close the evening on the Théâtre de Verdure stage, Olive Jones revealed with refinement and singularity her pen imbued with poetry. With tenderness, she managed to envelop the audience in a delicate emotion.
On the Masséna side, the trio GIRLBAND! spread its overflowing energy throughout the village. These artists brought a breath of fresh air in this scorching weather. Later in the evening, Naïka captivated her audience with her enchanting universe, from her admirers to simple curious onlookers. “Naïka’s arrival was sublime,” confessed Anna.
Intergenerational music
Early on, the evening of July 23rd was sold out. The arrival of Sting brought together fans of the artist. “You could feel that the vast majority of the audience came for Sting, so the atmosphere was slightly less present for the first two artists who were young and sang in a different style,” explained Anna. The spaces around the stage were saturated, making circulation on Place Masséna difficult.
It’s hard not to notice the emotion on faces when the pop rock icon took the stage. “I think Sting’s participation in this festival makes it shine. The audience is very international, I spoke to many people who had come from elsewhere specifically for that,” said Anna.
Facing the Masséna stage, all generations were won over by the leader of The Police. “We are with friends and family. My mother-in-law, who is his age, loved this intergenerational moment and it was felt in the audience,” confided Hervé. Festival-goers are unanimous, Sting’s appearance was their favorite moment of the evening. “When they played ‘Every breath you take’, it was literally breathtaking,” exclaimed Anna.
For this evening, the price doubled, rising to 90 euros. Nevertheless, festival-goers showed up. “Certainly, this type of artist brings in audiences easily despite the price difference, but it also offers a strong moment,” concluded Hervé.
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