Franschhoek set to host the first-ever Montreux Jazz Festival in Africa
Franschhoek is poised to become the first African host of the iconic Montreux Jazz Festival in 2026.
The Franschhoek Wine Valley is set to make history as the first African destination of the Montreux Jazz Festival.
For almost 60 years, this legendary event has been held in cities around the globe, from Miami, Tokyo, and Rio de Janeiro.
Now, Franschhoek proudly joins this prestigious list, marking a monumental moment as the festival's first-ever African venue. Details for this landmark event will be finalised in late 2025, paving the way for its highly anticipated debut in March 2026.
Following a visit to South Africa in January, during which the festival planning committee explored and scouted venues in Franschhoek, Montreux Jazz Festival organizers have confirmed the valley as the ideal location for their first festival in Africa in 2026.
This announcement will significantly benefit the region's tourism industry by drawing international attention and creating local job opportunities.
Since its inception in 1967, the festival has been a cultural cornerstone of the global music industry, held in Montreux, Switzerland, and celebrated for its diverse musical line-up, which spans jazz, blues, pop, and rock.
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