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The Riviera Maya Jazz Festival is one of Playa del Carmen’s most iconic musical events, uniting the charm of the Mexican Caribbean with the talent of international jazz stars each year at the end of November. Since its first edition in 2003, this festival has captivated thousands of attendees, turning Playa del Carmen into an epicenter of unforgettable melodies, vibrant rhythms, and magical nights under the starry sky.
Although the event entered a restructuring phase in 2024, its grand return is expected in 2026 , with a renewed and even more spectacular offering. The next edition promises to exceed all expectations, reaffirming the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival as a must-see for music and culture lovers. Get ready for a unique experience, where the magic of jazz and the Caribbean paradise merge in perfect harmony!
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History of the Jazz Festival | Riviera Maya
Immerse yourself in the magical world of jazz at one of the world’s most prominent festivals: the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival. Ranked among the top ten jazz festivals in the world, this event stands out for offering free admission to all concerts, making it a unique and accessible experience for all music lovers.
The Riviera Maya Jazz Festival was born from the aspiration to give Playa del Carmen its own cultural identity, elevating this event to a status of national and international recognition. Since then, it has become an annual tradition that celebrates musical diversity and creates unforgettable memories under the starry Caribbean sky.
In the vibrant fall of 2003, three creative and passionate minds—Fernando Toussaint (drummer and producer, founder of Aguamala), Jean Agarraista (president of the Riviera Maya Hotel Association from 2004 to 2018), and Martin Ruiz, then Director of the Riviera Maya Tourism Promotion Trust—had a gleaming idea. They decided to launch the first festival under the name Latin Jazz Festival, which later evolved into the name we know today, the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival, reflecting its international and inclusive nature.
Over the years, it has provided the perfect setting for this musical gathering. This charming spot has welcomed more than 60,000 fans over three days of celebration, where music mingles with the gentle lapping of the waves under a starry sky.
In the 2021 edition, we’re celebrating an incredible 19 consecutive editions, overcoming challenges and facing all kinds of eventualities with the same passion that has driven us from the beginning. We look forward to many more years of melodious notes and unforgettable nights!
Location Riviera Maya Jazz Festival 2023
This free, open-air festival comes to life in an incomparable setting: the beautiful beaches of the Riviera Maya , specifically in front of the iconic club in Playa del Carmen.
The stage, lighting, and sound are designed to match the magnitude of this international event, providing the perfect platform for local and international artists to showcase their best music.
Festivalgoers have the opportunity to enjoy the festival in comfort, as it’s common to sit on a towel in front of the stage. Snacks and drinks are also welcome to complete the experience!
Line up | Riviera Maya Jazz Festival 2024
The Riviera Maya Jazz Festival lineup always stands out for its excellence, presenting iconic representatives of this musical genre each year.
Get ready for an unforgettable show featuring:
2023 Edition
- Spanish Harlem Orchestra
- Arturo Sandoval
- Pedrito Martínez
- Iraida Noriega
- Chris Botti
- Snarky Puppy
- Antonio Sánchez
- Jellyfish
2021 Edition
- Brian Skonberg
- Elizabeth Meza
- Ravi Coltrane
- Luri Molina
- Kurt Elling ft Charlie Hunter
- Alex Campos
- Dannah Garay
- Roberto Verástegui
- Zaicocirco
- Giovanni Figueroa
- 20 varos
2020 Edition
- Jellyfish
- Shaman
- Elite Band
- Diego Maroto Quartet
- Memo Ruiz Bolero Flamenco
- Pepe Hernández
- Paco Rosas Quintet
In addition, a digital edition was held with live broadcasts from the festival’s official YouTube and Facebook channels. Music at its finest!
Tickets
As is tradition, admission to the festival is free, with no ticket required. The event typically runs over two or three days, beginning around 7:00 PM.
If you’re looking for a more exclusive experience, there’s the option of a VIP section, which offers a more intimate setting with fewer people and is located closer to the stage, all for approximately $1 USD.
Meeting point
The magical setting for this event is located on 28th Street North, right next to the beach, in the Gonzalo Guerrero neighborhood . Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant festival atmosphere in this incredible corner of the Riviera Maya!
Conclusion
The Riviera Maya Jazz Festival is a celebration where music, culture, and the stunning beauty of the Mexican Caribbean come together to create an unparalleled experience. While the event is undergoing a reorganization for 2026, its return promises to be nothing short of spectacular, with a renewed vision and an even more exciting lineup. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this extraordinary journey, where every note resonates with magic and every moment becomes unforgettable. Get ready—2026 will mark a new chapter that will exceed all expectations!
Are you ready to discover the evolution of the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival this year?
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