Curaçao is preparing for one of the island’s biggest local event weekends as the 2026 Curaçao North Sea Jazz Festival gets underway in Willemstad.

The festival runs from September 3 to 5 at the World Trade Center Curaçao, bringing an international lineup spanning jazz, Latin, reggae, soul and pop. Confirmed performers include Rubén Blades, Toto, Jon Batiste, J Balvin, Sean Paul, The Jacksons and Stephen Marley.

The celebrations begin even earlier, with AFRO 23 scheduled to perform a free opening concert at Kura Hulanda Village on September 1, giving residents and visitors an additional opportunity to experience live music before the main festival programme.

The event is expected to bring together local residents, regional visitors and international music fans, adding another major attraction to Curaçao’s September events calendar.

Beyond entertainment, large cultural events can support restaurants, hotels, transportation providers and other local businesses as visitors move around Willemstad and surrounding areas.

The 2026 festival therefore represents not only a major music event but also an important moment for Curaçao’s cultural and tourism calendar.