One year ago, the Charlie Jazz Festival made a strong decision to expand its format from three to four nights to counter an unfavorable economic situation for music events. The risky gamble paid off as the event in Vitrolles broke its attendance record: 5200 spectators compared to 3825 in 2024. “We reached twice the maximum capacity of 1500 people on the 2025 edition, which is balanced,” smiled Aurélien Pitavy.
However, the director of the Charlie Free association, leading the festival, aims to maintain an event that is “human-sized.” While keeping the quality of reception that has built its reputation under the trees of the Fontblanche estate. Established as a must-attend event since its creation in 1998, the Charlie Jazz Festival returns from July 2nd to 5th, 2026 for its 28th edition, with its philosophy unchanged: “Offering a panorama of jazz music with very different propositions each evening. While maintaining the right balance between headliners, discoveries, and artists we are happy to see again,” Aurélien Pitavy recalled.
For the opening night, the director is pleased to welcome for the first time “a jazz legend with the guitarist…”.
