At the very start of the Festival period, the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival treats the city to a pair of free events, totalling nine solid hours of music over the two days of its first weekend.  The Festival's early timing means these events are largely attended by locals.

Mardi Gras

The very next day, Jazz on a Summer's Day takes over the Ross Bandstand in Princes Street Gardens, entertaining all comers for six solid hours with music drawn from the Festival's older styles.  Again, all viewing options are subject to the weather; you can either use the plastic seating facing the bandstand or, better for a fine day, picnic on the grass and listen in.  The programme starts around 12:30 and continues till the early evening.

About the Jazz and Blues Festival

The weekend events are the curtain-raiser for the week-long Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival, the annual lead-in to the August Festival season.  This most laid-back of gatherings takes full advantage of its pre-Fringe scheduling, temporarily occupying some of the Festival's most iconic venues for its busy and varied programme.

Though Jazz and Blues events routinely sell out, there's likely to be good availability for most gigs until after the opening weekend.  The canniest way of approaching the Festival is to use the free events to sample what's on offer - then get in quickly for tickets to see the acts you like the most.

For more details on this year's Jazz Festival, see our Ticket Alert on the programme launch.