Umbria Jazz Festival 2025: why attend?

If you’re looking for the perfect excuse to spend your summer in Italy, Umbria Jazz Festival 2025 is exactly what you need. 

Imagine world-class music echoing through ancient piazzas and narrow medieval streets, warm evenings filled with soul and swing, and afternoons spent sipping wine in sunlit cafés. Every July, the medieval city of Perugia becomes a vibrant open-air stage, where jazz legends and emerging artists from all over the world gather in a celebration of rhythm, culture, and Italian flair.

Whether you’re a seasoned jazz fan or just someone who loves the idea of blending music with travel, Umbria Jazz is more than an event—it’s an experience. And it’s one that captures the very best of what Umbria has to offer: authenticity, elegance, and pure joy.

What is Umbria Jazz?

Umbria Jazz began in 1973 as a bold experiment: to bring jazz to the piazzas, theaters, and hilltop towns of central Italy. The very first concerts were free and held in towns like Perugia, Todi, and Gubbio. From the start, the festival was groundbreaking—not only for its music but for the way it connected artists and audiences in the heart of historic Italy.

In the decades since, Umbria Jazz has become one of the most important jazz festivals in Europe, attracting global stars like Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Herbie Hancock, and more recently, names like Diana Krall, Norah Jones, and Lenny Kravitz. The festival is known for its diversity of sound—from traditional jazz to soul, funk, gospel, Latin, and even pop—and for its unique ability to turn the whole city into a stage.

Today, the festival is centered in Perugia, where a mix of paid and free concerts fills venues ranging from the Arena Santa Giuliana to small corners of the historic center. There are also collaborations with major institutions like Berklee College of Music, giving the stage to young international talents and student ensembles.

More than just a music event, Umbria Jazz has become a cultural institution—one that celebrates creativity, freedom, and the beauty of gathering together through sound.

Who’s Playing in 2025?

The lineup for Umbria Jazz 2025 is already generating serious buzz, especially with the announcement of Lionel Richie, who will perform on July 20 at the Arena Santa Giuliana. Expect hits like Hello, All Night Long, and Easy to echo through the warm Umbrian night.

The program also includes a rich mix of genres and talents, from big band ensembles and international jazz greats to innovative young artists. Keep an eye on the festival’s official website for the full schedule.

More Than Just Music

What makes this festival so special is not only the quality of the performances but the setting. Perugia becomes a stage in itself: concerts spill into piazzas, cloisters, and intimate jazz clubs. During the day, you can enjoy free outdoor performances, sip an espresso in a sunlit café, or explore the medieval streets and hidden corners of the city.

Where to Stay in Perugia during Umbria Jazz

Perugia offers a range of accommodations—from charming B&Bs to boutique hotels. To enjoy the festival and the city the fullest, the best choice is the choose a stay in the Historic Centre or in the city near a Minimetrò station.

Here are a few great options:

• Hotel Giò Wine & Jazz Area – Elegant residence with rooftop and pool just outside the historic centre
  
• Sina Brufani – A luxurious choice in the heart of Perugia right near the main venues.
  
• Etruscan Chocohotel – A quirky, fun hotel for chocolate lovers, just outside the city center, close to a Minimetrò station.
  
• Hotel Priori Secret Garden – A lovely hotel right in the historic centre with local charm and modern comfort.
  

Tip: Book early—rooms sell out quickly during the festival!

What to Do in Perugia aside attending Umbria Jazz Festival 2025

While Umbria Jazz Festival is the main event, Perugia itself deserves your full attention. This medieval hilltop city offers a perfect blend of art, history, local life, and breathtaking views. In fact, Perugia is the capital of Umbria, and since the medieval age it's been one of the most important city in Italy, meaning that today the city offers a lot for every traveler. 

1. Corso Vannucci and the city centre

Start your exploration along Corso Vannucci, the elegant main street lined with historic cafés, boutique shops, and street performers. At one end, you'll find the Piazza IV Novembre, one of the most beautiful squares in Italy, home to the Fontana Maggiore, the Palazzo dei Priori, and the Cathedral of San Lorenzo.

2. Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria

Art lovers should visit the Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria, located right in the Palazzo dei Priori. It houses masterpieces by artists like Perugino, Pinturicchio, and Piero della Francesca—offering a deep dive into central Italy’s Renaissance heritage.

3. Perugia Underground

For something more offbeat, descend into the Perugia underground. Beneath the city lie layers of Etruscan, Roman, and medieval history. The Etruscan Well, Rocca Paolina, and Hypogeum of the Volumni give visitors a fascinating glimpse into the city’s ancient past.

4. Food & Wine

Foodies will also be in heaven here. Perugia is famous for chocolate (don’t miss a stop at Sandri, one of Italy’s oldest pasticcerie), as well as Umbrian delicacies like truffle dishes, wild boar ragù, and norcineria. Pair it all with a glass of Montefalco Rosso or Sagrantino, two of Umbria’s finest wines.

5. Relaxing at the "Percorso Verde"

Finally, just outside the city center, nature lovers can enjoy the Percorso Verde (literally translated to Green Path), a scenic walking and biking route along the Tiber River—perfect for a relaxing break between sets.

Why Umbria Jazz Belongs on Your Travel List

Umbria Jazz Festival 2025 is more than a music event—it's a celebration of everything travelers love about Italy: culture, food, history, beauty, and passion. Whether you’re a jazz aficionado or simply looking for a magical summer experience, this is a unique way to connect with the heart and soul of Umbria.

 

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