Festival

Bahrain's international
jazz festival

The Bahrain Jazz Fest® is Bahrain’s annual celebration of jazz, established in 2017. It’s grown to become Bahrain’s much-loved international music festival, and sits proudly on the national events calendar of the Kingdom of Bahrain. Owned, operated, and produced by Clockwork, a Bahraini marketing consultancy firm, the festival has seen more than 40,000 visitors over the last 6 years. It is also the only festival in the Middle East to be recognised by the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz/UNESCO as a Global Organizational Partner of International Jazz Day for its efforts to promote jazz development in the Middle East.

SUSTAINABILITY

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Bring Your Own Bottle (BYOB)

We provide free drinking water across the venue! Guests are encouraged to bring their own reusable bottles or purchase our limited-edition Bahrain Jazz Fest® bottles to reduce single-use plastic waste.

Paperless Festival Experience

From digital tickets and e-schedules to QR-based menus and cashless payments, we’re reducing paper waste and making the festival experience more seamless and sustainable.

Using Local Suppliers

We proudly source locally — from AV equipment and décor to merchandise and staging. This reduces our carbon footprint and supports the growth of Bahrain’s creative economy.

Promoting Local Food & Craft Businesses

Our food court and vendor zones are curated to highlight Bahrain-based food businesses, artisan and entrepreneurs, ensuring the festival directly benefits small, homegrown businesses.

Supporting the Music Community

We invest in Bahrain’s music ecosystem through paid performance slots, pre-festival gigs, and mentorship programs — creating a platform for local artists to shine alongside global talent.

Creating Employment & Upskilling Opportunities

The festival hires and trains local youth, freelancers and creatives in areas like production, logistics, media, and hospitality — generating valuable jobs and career experience.

Championing Gender Parity

We’re committed to balanced representation on our stages, with year-on-year increases in women-led acts, instrumentalists, and bandleaders. In 2024, over 40% of our main stage artists featured women in key roles.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Safety Accordion

On-Site Medical Team

Certified medics and first-aid stations are available across the venue to assist with any health concerns or emergencies.

Emergency Response Plans

We work carefully to implement clear emergency protocols, including weather alerts, evacuation routes and crowd management.

Festival Security & Crowd Safety

Our trained security team and crowd marshals are stationed throughout the venue to ensure a safe, smooth, and enjoyable experience for all.

Entry Checks & Prohibited Items

Outside food/drinks, sharp objects, illegal substances and drones are not allowed. Bag checks on entry help maintain a secure environment.

Hydration & Heat Safety

Stay cool with free water refill stations and shaded seating across the venue — designed with Bahrain’s climate in mind.

Safe & Fun Family Zones

Our secure Family Zone features kid-friendly programming, safety signage and trained support staff to help little ones enjoy the festival safely.

Safe Parking & Shuttles

Park with confidence at our designated lot at Derasat, where security staff are present throughout the day. Enjoy fast, air-conditioned shuttles running continuously between the parking area and the festival venue for a stress-free arrival and departure.

SUSTAINABILITY

We believe in the transformative power of music, not only as an artistic expression but as a force for positive change in the world. At Paribas Bahrain Jazz Fest®, sustainability is at the heart of our mission, reflecting our commitment to artist diversity, environmental responsibility, and the support of the local economy.

From an environmental standpoint, the festival leads the way as Bahrain’s first and only cashless and 95% paperless music event. With a strong emphasis on waste reduction, the festival continues to implement eco-conscious practices year after year, including the elimination of over 2,000 plastic bottles in 2024 from landfill by offering free drinking water and biodegradable cups to attendees.

In terms of artistic sustainability, the festival channels significant resources into the local music scene. Over $150,000 has been invested in artist grants and performance fees, helping to nurture homegrown talent. A strong commitment to inclusivity is also reflected in the festival’s pledge to ensure that at least 35% of performers on stage are women. Additionally, the festival actively supports the next generation by offering free jazz education and performance platforms to emerging Bahraini artists.

On the economic front, the festival prioritizes local partnerships, sourcing all logistics, fabrication, and merchandise through Bahraini suppliers. By supporting 100% Bahraini-based food vendors and micro-businesses, the festival helps stimulate the local economy and create employment opportunities, while championing grassroots enterprise and innovation.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

At the Bahrain Jazz Fest, the well-being of attendees is a top priority. The festival is committed to creating a secure and enjoyable environment through thoughtful planning, responsible policies, and collaboration with law enforcement and public safety agencies.

The festival’s approach to safety includes non-invasive entry screening processes such as bag checks and physical checks if required. These measures are designed to be discreet yet effective in maintaining a safe atmosphere for all.

Health and safety protocols are guided by expert recommendations and communicated clearly throughout the venue. In the event of an emergency, real-time updates and instructions are shared via video screens and stage announcements to ensure everyone remains informed.

Medical assistance is readily available onsite, with clearly marked medical tents and trained staff positioned to respond quickly when needed.

Guests are encouraged to be mindful of their surroundings and support the festival’s commitment to safety by reporting anything unusual to nearby staff or security personnel.

This proactive and collaborative approach helps foster a secure space where music lovers of all backgrounds can come together and celebrate in comfort and confidence.

SUSTAINABILITY

We believe in the transformative power of music, not only as an artistic
expression but as a force for positive change in the world. At the BNP Paribas
Bahrain Jazz Fest®, sustainability is at the heart of our mission, reflecting our
commitment to artist diversity, environmental responsibility, and the support of
the local economy.

PARTNERS

Our continued collaboration with our generous festival sponsors and fantastic partners helps us create
a musical and entertainment experience unlike any other in Bahrain.