FAQ
FAQ What is the history of the Montreux Jazz Festival?
The Montreux Jazz Festival is renowned for its rich history and stunning venue on the shores of Lake Geneva, attracting nearly 250,000 music lovers each year. For almost 60 years, this legendary event has brought its unparalleled ambiance and line-up to cities around the globe, from Miami, Tokyo, China and Rio de Janeiro. Over the decades, it has hosted legendary performances from artists like Nina Simone and Miles Davis and has a significant archive of recordings recognized by UNESCO.
In 2026, Franschhoek in South Africa proudly joined this prestigious list, marking a monumental moment as the festival’s first-ever African venue celebrating the synergy and unique blend of stunning natural landscapes and warm hospitality that exists between Montreux and Franschhoek. 2027 ushers in the African encore of the second edition of the multi-genre festival in Franschhoek.
In true Montreux tradition, it’s as much about artistry as it is about atmosphere – bringing global voices to Franschhoek, an intimate stage as one of South Africa’s most beautiful valleys. It’s a celebration of musicianship, spontaneity, and the joy of live performance.
FAQ When and where will it take place?
The second edition of the Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek is set to take place from Friday, 19 to Sunday, 21 March 2027. Creating a place where the world meets Africa through authentic human connections, exceptional culinary experiences, art, rich culture and jazz-inspired music on multiple stages.
FAQ When will the full line-up be released?
The programme will be released in phases starting late in 2026.
FAQ How many stages will there be?
Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek will have two ticketed stages, creating a festival journey from the main festival stage located at the Huguenot Monument at the top of the town to a second stage in an historic church in the Village with activations and events across the town.
FAQ Where can I buy tickets?
Tickets will be available for purchase on Ticketmaster when bookings open.
FAQ Is there an age restriction for this event?
Access to the festival is for over 12’s. No persons under the age of 18 years of age will be served at our bars.
FAQ What kind of music can we expect?
While inspired by jazz, Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek will present a broad musical palette from across the globe, true to Montreux’s heritage. Expect genre-blending performances and rare live moments that showcase musicianship, artistry, and storytelling.
FAQ When will the artists be announced?
The first artist announcement can be expected late in 2026.
FAQ When and where will tickets go on sale?
Ticket sales will be announced late in 2026. Ticketmaster has been contracted as the sole ticket provider for the Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek. They bring with them expertise in large scale music festivals, and the MJFF operational team have a longstanding working relationship with them providing a seamless experience for ticket buyers. Tickets are only valid if purchased from Ticketmaster. No tickets from third parties are valid and will not be honoured. Hospitality packages can be purchased directly from our team via hospitality@mjfsa.com
FAQ Are there hospitality options?
Yes. Exclusive corporate hospitality packages will be available offering the best views, curated dining, and premium service. These packages are ideal for entertaining clients or simply enjoying the festival in style. Please contact hospitality@mjfsa.com for further information.
FAQ Accessibility & Mobility
We’re committed to ensuring all guests can enjoy the festival comfortably. Reserved parking, accessible ablution facilities and a dedicated wheelchair viewing area alongside support for hospitality and guest services, are available for visitors with mobility needs — please get in touch to arrange assistance.
FAQ Should I book accommodation now?
Yes, absolutely.
Franschhoek is a small town with limited accommodation – and this event is towards the end of peak tourism. Booking early ensures the best options and allows you to stay within walking distance of the main festival venues. Partner hotels and guesthouses along with available hospitality packages will be announced closer to ticket launch, but visitors are encouraged to secure their preferred stay now. For accommodation suggestions please contact Franschhoek Wine Valley: ( https://franschhoek.org.za/accommodation/) or visit reputable booking platforms and agents.
Alternatively, accommodation can be found in nearby towns of Simondium, Paarl and Stellenbosch as well as the greater Cape Town area.
FAQ I'm an artist who would like to perform at Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek
Please send an email to talent@mjfsa.com.
FAQ Why is this festival different from other South African festivals?
It’s a curated encounter between Africa and one of the world’s most iconic cultural institutions in existence for sixty years. Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek merges Swiss legacy, South African creativity, Franschhoek’s warm hospitality and global artistry into one immersive experience. It’s about excellence, collaboration and the idea that music can connect continents – When Montreux Meets Africa in Franschhoek – an intimate stage for global voices – magic happens.
FAQ Who is organising the festival?
The festival is presented by South African-based Montreux Jazz Franschhoek (Pty) Ltd under license and in collaboration with Montreux Jazz International (Switzerland). The local edition is produced to global Montreux standards, with creative direction and production overseen by South African and international teams.
FAQ Does Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek have a license agreement with Montreux Jazz Festival Switzerland?
Yes, the organisers of the festival have a license and can provide a letter of confirmation from the Fondation Du Festival De Jazz De Montreux on request.
FAQ Will the event be streamed or televised?
No. The Montreux experience is designed to be intimate and in-person. However, select highlights, interviews, and post-festival content may be released through official media partners and Montreux Jazz International channels.
FAQ Why Franschhoek?
Because it’s the perfect setting for an intimate, world-class cultural festival.
The valley’s vineyards, art galleries, and architecture evoke the atmosphere of Montreux on Lake Geneva – but with a distinctly South African soul. It’s where heritage meets innovation and where audiences can truly slow down and listen.
FAQ Why is there a festival poster?
Every edition of the Montreux Jazz Festival – from the shores of Lake Geneva to the vineyards of Franschhoek – has its own official poster each year. It’s a symbol of the year’s spirit, created by an artist whose work reflects the soul of the festival.
Since 1967, legendary artists including Keith Haring, Niki de Saint Phalle, David Bowie, Andy Warhol and Damien Hirst have designed Montreux posters. Now that tradition expands with Africa’s second MJF – a celebration of art, music, and creative legacy.
FAQ Is there a new poster every year?
Yes. Each Montreux edition commissions a new artist to create an original work that captures the theme and mood of that year’s festival. Every poster becomes a collectible – a piece of cultural history that connects the artist’s vision to the music and moment.
FAQ Who has been commissioned for the 2027 Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek poster?
Cape Town-based multidisciplinary artist Michael Beckurts is the creator of the official artwork for Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek in 2027. His striking visual interpretation takes its place within the festival’s celebrated archive of poster commissions. Sam Nhlengethwa was the first in 2026.
FAQ Can I buy the poster?
Yes – a limited number of signed prints will be available during the Festival. These are authentic Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek collectibles and form part of the official global Montreux poster series. To express your interest in a poster, please email hello@mjfsa.com. General souvenir poster merchandise will be available to purchase at the Festival.
Pre-orders will open soon on the MJFSA website, with collection or delivery options available during or after the festival. Keep an eye on www.mjfsa.com for orders and more information.
FAQ Are there any beneficiary partners the Festival is supporting?
The Festival partners with FRANCO (the Franschhoek Resource and Network Co-Ordinating Organisation), the umbrella body for around 50 different organisations supporting a variety of needs across Franschhoek’s communities. Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek will also be supporting and working with Franschhoek’s Uncorked Music Academy and the Hospitality Academy whose talented young artists and students are involved in the festival throughout the town.
FAQ Does the festival have governmental support?
Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek works closely with the Franschhoek Wine Valley organisation, and has a signed letter of endorsement from the national Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture. We work with destination and tourism marketing partners like Wesgro and Cape Town Tourism to leverage and amplify destination marketing and global promotional opportunities.
FAQ Who is the presenting partner?
The presenting partner for the 2027 Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek is Nedbank.
FAQ How can I stay in the loop?
Sign up for the Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek newsletter on www.mjfsa.com for updates and behind-the-scenes content.
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