36th edition of the "Jazz à l'Ouest" festival
From November 3 to 21, 2026, the iconic festival organized by the MJC Bréquigny will celebrate its 36th edition with over 60 events spread across 23 venues. Between essential international figures and gems from the emerging scene, jazz in all its forms is set to resonate throughout Brittany.
A program designed for vast spaces and intimacy
For more than three decades, Jazz à l’Ouest has established itself as the must-attend event of the Breton autumn. Staying true to its popular and open vocation, this 36th edition offers an ambitious musical itinerary traversing the Rennes metropolitan area. Over three weeks, the event will blend major concerts in venues, intimate meetings, workshops, and exhibitions.
The headliners of the 2026 edition
This year again, the program brings together big names with diverse sounds:
Angélique Kidjo (“Hope”) The diviner and five-time Grammy Award winner will light up Le Carré Sévigné (Cesson-Sévigné) on Thursday, November 5. Driven by her legendary energy, the Beninese artist will offer a masterful bridge between jazz, afrobeat, and world music.
Cantos Brujos (Jean-Marie Machado & the Danzas orchestra) A prestigious appointment on Saturday, November 7, at the Opéra de Rennes for an enchanting musical fresco at the crossroads of contemporary jazz and lyrical sounds.
Bachar Mar-Khalifé The Franco-Lebanese composer and multi-instrumentalist will settle at Pôle Sud (Chartres-de-Bretagne) on Thursday, November 12, for a poetic and hypnotic journey with piano combined with electro.
Youn Sun Nah (“Lost Pieces”) The famous South Korean singer with a golden voice will take over La Confluence in Betton on Thursday, November 19. A moment of suspended grace between jazz sensitivity and bold interpretations.
A musical marathon for all audiences
Beyond the major evening concerts, the festival stands out for its local roots and its desire to democratize the genre:
Day in the West (Sunday, November 8)
An unmissable event at the MJC Bréquigny (2:30 PM – 6 PM) for a completely free and festive afternoon designed for families, featuring concerts, activities, and opportunities for exchange.
The inauguration evening on Tuesday, November 3, will kick off the festivities at the MJC Bréquigny with the group Gosseyn (free with reservation).
Throughout the festival, gems such as Sarab, Desertronik, and the collective Maryll Abbas Trio will enrich a program of rare richness.
At the heart of this 36th edition, the thematic exhibition Women of Jazz, Another History of Jazz serves as the cultural and engaged thread of the festival. Presented at the MJC Bréquigny as well as at the Aimé Césaire Social Community Space from the opening day on Tuesday, November 3, this documentary and artistic fresco aims to rehabilitate the memory of pioneers, instrumentalists, composers, and conductors who have too often been overlooked by traditional narratives.
Through rare archives, iconographic portraits, and listening devices, the exhibition traces the journeys of major figures—from Lil Hardin Armstrong and Mary Lou Williams to contemporary scene virtuosos—while questioning the place of women in today's improvised music.
The exhibition "Women of Jazz" resonates directly with the female artists scheduled throughout the three weeks of the festival:
Youn Sun Nah ("Lost Pieces") The Korean virtuoso will present a poetic and bold vocal exploration at La Confluence in Betton (on November 19).
Laura Perrudin The Rennes-based harpist and singer will surprise the audience on Saturday, November 14, at the MJC Bréquigny with her solo "Tempus" as well as a unique stage encounter with the West Jazz Orchestra.
Leïla Martial & Élie Dufour ("Karma Bazar") Known for her acrobatic vocal mastery and sense of improvisation, Leïla Martial will share the stage on November 12 at the MJC Bréquigny alongside Marie Mp3.
Marie Baudoin 5tet ("Djabalka") The pianist and composer will lead her quintet on Wednesday, November 18, at the MJC Bréquigny for a concert with Creole and mixed tones.
Closing with Sarāb The group led by the enchanting voice of Climène Zarkan will close the festival on Saturday, November 21, blending alternative rock, jazz, and traditional Arab music.
In addition to concerts and the exhibition, Jazz à l'Ouest offers a variety of interactive cultural activities and original partnerships throughout the metropolitan area:
The Miles Davis Centenary at Cinema Arvor
On Sunday, November 15, the festival will take over the dark rooms of the Arvor cinema to celebrate the centenary of Miles Davis's birth. A special screening of Louis Malle's masterpiece, Ascenseur pour l'échafaud, will allow audiences to hear the legendary soundtrack improvised by the trumpeter on the big screen.
Unique Partnerships: Jazz & Sport
As a sign of its popular roots, the festival partners with the professional men's handball club (CRMHB) by offering a unique combined ticket that grants access to the concert of Angélique Kidjo (on November 5) and the CRMHB–Toulouse sports match (on November 13).
Practical Information & Ticketing
Dates: From Tuesday, November 3 to Saturday, November 21, 2026.
Locations: MJC Bréquigny (Rennes), Opéra de Rennes, Le Carré Sévigné (Cesson-Sévigné), La Confluence (Betton), Pôle Sud (Chartres-de-Bretagne), Les Champs Libres, Cinema Arvor, etc.
Accessibility: 23 free events, "Triple Jazz" Pass options, and accessible pricing through the Sortir! initiative.
Reservations: On the official festival website and with partner venues.
