The Novi Sad Jazz Festival has reached the finals of the prestigious Heavent Festivals Awards 2026, an international award recognising Europe’s best festivals based on the success of their concepts. Nominated in the category for Best International Festival with a daily capacity of up to 15,000 visitors, the Novi Sad Jazz Festival is among the finalists distinguished not only by the quality of their music programmes, but also by the creativity and innovation of their concepts, production, sustainability, audience experience and contribution to the local community.
For the first time since the Heavent Festivals Awards were established, audiences have the opportunity to take part in selecting the winners this year, with their votes able to support the Novi Sad Jazz Festival on the international stage.
The awards are presented as part of Heavent Paris, one of Europe’s leading trade shows for the events industry, which brings together more than 20,000 professionals working in event organisation, production and promotion. The winners are selected by an international jury comprising representatives of the French Ministry of Culture, industry experts and representatives of major commercial brands such as Deezer, Coca-Cola, Generali and Campari Group.
The Novi Sad Jazz Festival’s place in the European finals comes following the launch of a three-year development strategy in 2025, through a collaboration between the Novi Sad Cultural Centre and the Novi Sad – European Capital of Culture Foundation, which led to the festival’s new concept this year. With the aim of bringing outstanding jazz music to a wider audience and strengthening the festival’s connection with Novi Sad’s identity, this year’s concept moved beyond traditional concert venues, transforming the city centre into one large open-air music stage.
Under the slogan “Lagano”, more than 80 performers from eight countries presented over 35 hours of programming across three festival days, bringing together world-renowned jazz artists, emerging musicians and contemporary musical styles. Concerts at the Summer Cinema, Catholic Church Courtyard, Njegoševa Street and Laze Telečkog Street, alongside a range of free events, made jazz accessible to audiences who had not previously attended the festival.
The success of the new concept is also reflected in the findings of an independent survey, according to which visitors rated this year’s Novi Sad Jazz Festival concept an impressive 4.73 out of 5, while as many as 53.8% of respondents were attending the festival for the first time. This result is particularly significant in terms of audience development and creating opportunities for new generations of jazz lovers.
Everyone who wishes to support the Novi Sad Jazz Festival on the European festival scene can cast their vote via the following link: https://www.heavent-paris.com/en/heavent-awards-vote
The winners of the Heavent Festivals Awards 2026 will be announced on 18 November in Paris.