The Vitoria Gasteiz Jazz Festival is a "must-see" on the Spanish musical calendar. It is part of the International Jazz Festival Organisation, which brings together the most important jazz festivals in Europe and the USA. The concerts are held in the Principal Theatre, the Mendizorroza sports centre, the NH Canciller Ayala Hotel and the Campas de Armentia esplanade.

Big name artists perform alongside up and coming youngsters - an attractive proposal for all jazz lovers. There are also the popular New Orleans bands that march through the streets, and late-night jam-sessions held in the town's clubs. Furthermore, a Jazz Seminary course is to be held in conjunction with the Juilliard School (New York), an educational project open to music students and professionals alike.