Jazz in the Park Competition, one of the most prestigious jazz contests in Eastern Europe, announces the headliners for its 8th edition. 14 finalist bands from 10 countries, selected from a record 308 applications across 50 countries, will compete for €50,000 in prizes between 19–21 September, in Cluj-Napoca’s Central Park. Each evening will conclude with…

The 8th edition of the Jazz in the Park Competition is coming up (September 19-21), and this year we want to build our best edition yet. To make it happen, we need your help! If you’re into meeting new people, listening to live music, and you're curious to see what it’s like behind the scenes of…

14 bands from 10 countries will compete in Cluj! Jazz in the Park Competition, the most important jazz competition in Eastern Europe, dedicated to young jazz bands, has selected its finalists who will perform on stage in the “Simion Bărnuțiu” Central Park in Cluj-Napoca, between September 19–21, 2025. Although only 12 spots were initially planned…

This year, Jazz in the Park Competition sets a new record: 308 bands registered from 50 countries! Alongside bands from Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Romania, and Poland, we also received entries from countries such as Morocco, Mozambique, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, and Venezuela. Out of all these bands, 12 finalists will be selected to perform live on…

Jazz in the Park Competition it’s a three days jazz competition looking just like a festival, in the centre of the city, with young artists from all around the world that are waiting to show you their talent.  Now we’re officially opening registrations for the 2025 edition: https://bit.ly/3XhnrrU When? September 19 - 21, 2025 Where?…

An interview with daoud, last year’s winner on how the competition impacted their journey For emerging jazz musicians, finding the right stage, the right audience, and the right support can be a game-changer. Jazz in the Park Competition has been that springboard for many artists over the years. Last year’s winner reflects on their experience,…

  This year, judging was truly a challenge. All the artists managed to create a special connection with the audience and make us dance. At the same time, they proved their talent and passion for music. The jury appreciated both the artists' technique and their ability to captivate the audience. It was difficult to choose…

The French band Daoud won the grand prize at the Jazz in the Park 2024 international competition! During a weekend full of festivals across Romania, a special event took place in Cluj-Napoca: the Jazz Competition organized by Jazz in the Park. This contest, held in the city's Central Park, focused on talent, discovery, and the civic…

A simple concept, yet very important. A gesture that can unite a community. An optional ticket that transcends the ephemeral nature of a festival, transforming it into a community celebration and a civic exercise. Here’s the story of our initiative: In 2015, Jazz in the Park reached its third edition and had already become one of the…

As every year, we have selected an independent jury (separate from our organizing team) to ensure the objectivity of the competition. They will evaluate based on five criterias: Band cohesion Performance quality Connection with the audience Originality of compositions Adaptation to the festival rules The bands are competing for the following prizes: 1st Place: 5,000…

Just like every year, we're back in the park with lots of great music worth discovering. The artists who will take the stage at the Jazz in the Park Competition come from different corners of the world and are ready to make you dance to their rhythms. At the 7th edition of the Jazz in…

Did you know that at the start of their careers, The Beatles spent an entire year in a club in Hamburg? Or that Rammstein made their mark at a band contest in Germany? Everyone has to start somewhere. However, these days, getting started is increasingly challenging. The world is full of bands, but opportunities for…