Modena Open Jazz

Posted by mariagiraldi83 on 01/24/26 04:51 AM

Hello

We have purchased tickets for the Open Jazz in Italy. We will be seeing Joss Stone/Jamie Cullum.

We have no idea how this Jazz festival is like. Here in Montreal, the Jazz fest is free except the indoor shows. We just walk around and see all the free shows and purchase tickets for indoor shows.

What is it like in Modena? Can we see shows as we walk around? Do we go all day or is it only at the time scheduled for the show?

And if you have been to see a jazz concert at open jazz in Modena, did you stay in Bologna?

Thank You
Maria

Posted by Kate

Minnesota 🎒

01/24/26 01:06 PM

17912 posts

Hi Maria -
According to the official "Jazz Open" + "Visit Modena" websites, this is the first year this particular festival will have occurred in Modena so no one will have had prior experience at this particular location.

https://www.visitmodena.it/en/jazzopen#:~:text=Jazz%20Open%20comes%20to%20Modena%3A,July%2013%20to%2018%2C%202026.

https://www.jazzopen-modena.com/en

They do note that there will be a free stage area (Giardino Ducale Estense) but the lineup has yet to be announced. It's as yet unclear if the Il Baluardo "club stage" will be free or involve tickets but I might guess it's ticketed. Best just to keep a finger on the website for latest updates?

Posted by Becky

seattle

01/24/26 06:05 PM

2324 posts

I just did a google search for Modena Jazz festival 2026 and was quickly led to a site that sells tickets.

Posted by Kate

Minnesota 🎒

01/28/26 10:51 PM

17912 posts

The OP said they already have tickets, at least to one of the main stage shows.

Posted by ricky

Vignola, Modena, Italy

01/29/26 09:10 AM

637 posts

As told by Kate is the first time this event will be in Modena. Anyway, the places where will be are usually used for concerts during the summer. The main stage is in Piazza Roma (in front of the Academy, the former Duke's Palace) and for sure will be closed. Probably from the streets around will be possible listen a little bit of music. But we don't know where they'll put the stage, so from which direction will arrive the sound. But is something locals often do: maybe you like a little the music but not too much to purchase the tickets, so you stop for a while in the proximity listening.
The Gardens where there will the free stage are the backyard of the same Duke's palace, so very close from the main stage. Usually the stage for concerts and other shows is near Palazzina Vigarani.
The Baluardo is a club. The most of shows are free, but you pay for food and drink. Sometimes you pay to enter, so maybe the concerts of this events wont be free. When you pay usually is included the dinner.
About where to sleep: if you stay in Bologna or in the countryside better rent a car, because probably some concerts will finish very late when there aren't trains. Or to give you the freedom to stay and chat a little longer and don't rush to the train station.