Musical magic at Lake Maggiore

Melodic evenings and Mediterranean lifestyle

Between the end of June and the beginning of July, Ascona pulsates to the rhythm of jazz: International musicians, dreamy summer evenings by Lake Maggiore, and a picture-book setting make the “JazzAscona” festival an unmissable experience.

The music
What began as a small tribute to the jazz heartland of New Orleans in 1985 has now developed into one of the most important jazz festivals in Europe: JazzAscona brings the authentic flair of the Southern States to Ticino with heart, soul, and plenty of improvisation.
Over 10 days, the pulsating energy of the American jazz scene fuses with the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle of the Swiss Riviera in Ascona. More than 200 live concerts take place in the town’s charming squares, gardens, bars, and on the famous lakeside promenade, most of them free of charge. What makes the festival special is the lack of distance between performers and the audience: Musicians and guests meet as equals. Artists mingle with the crowd and spontaneous jam sessions are a common occurrence – and that’s the real magic of JazzAscona. In this informal atmosphere, everywhere is a stage – and jazz is brought to vibrant life.

The food
Besides the musical highlights, the festival also offers culinary delights of the highest calibre. The cuisine is all about the “New Orleans Experience”: Right on Lake Maggiore, selected restaurants such as al Piazza serve Creole specialities such as jambalaya, gumbo, or po’ boys: authentic, spicy, and exciting. The atmosphere is relaxed, very informal, and always stylish, with a touch of international flair. The sounds of jazz, culinary discoveries, and the summer evening air come together to create a lifestyle that is best described as: jazzy dolce vita.

The hotel
The Vista Lakefront Boutique Hotel offers festival guests the perfect home away from home: elegant, inspiring, and just a stroll away from the action. After the last exuberant notes have faded, it’s time for a glass of wine on the terrace with a view of the lake. That’s what we call dolce vita with a jazz beat.