This year, Jazz in the Park Competition sets a new record: 308 bands registered from 50 countries!
Alongside bands from Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Romania, and Poland, we also received entries from countries such as Morocco, Mozambique, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, and Venezuela.
Out of all these bands, 12 finalists will be selected to perform live on the stage in Central Park, Cluj-Napoca, between September 19-21.
The preselection results will be sent to the bands on May 20, and in the following months, we will announce the full festival lineup.
As in every edition, besides the competition bands, we will also have special guest headliners closing each festival evening.
Prizes worth €25,500
In addition to the guaranteed €1,000 fee for each finalist band, participants will compete for total prizes worth €25,500 and will have the opportunity to perform in front of industry professionals who could invite them to future concerts and festivals.
The prizes are:
- First Prize: €5,000, plus an invitation to perform at Jazz in the Park 2026 (contract worth €1,500 net, including accommodation and transport) and to close the 2026 edition of the competition.
- Second Prize: €3,000
- Third Prize: €1,000
- Best Romanian Band Award: €1,000
- Best Composition Award: €500
- Three Special Mentions for Outstanding Musicians: €500 each
- Audience Award: musical equipment offered by our competition partners
A festival for all music lovers
We’re preparing a vibrant autumn edition in Central Park, filled with live stages, relaxation areas, and activities for all ages.
Entry is free for the public!
