Ageas CoolJazz announces final line-up and new inclusion measures

With one of its most ambitious editions to date, Ageas CoolJazz has revealed the final names for the 2026 line-up and announced several updates for the festival, which takes place between 8 and 31 July. For the first time, specific concerts will include Portuguese Sign Language (LGP) interpretation and sensory vibration vests for the deaf community, aiming to make the venue more accessible and inclusive.

The measures were presented this Thursday, 8 May, during the festival's press conference at the Hipódromo Manuel Possolo. The concerts by Gilberto Gil (8 July), David Byrne (14 July), Franz Ferdinand (25 July), and Scissor Sisters (29 July) will all feature LGP interpretation.

On these dates, vibration vests will also be available, designed to allow deaf attendees to feel the musical experience. The organisers also reminded guests that companion tickets for people with disabilities are now free of charge upon presentation of a valid disability certificate.

The 2026 edition is growing to eight nights—one more than last year—and is expanding its footprint within Parque Marechal Carmona. There will be a new entrance near the Cascais Marina, a larger food court, and more lounge areas. The Cascais Lazy Sundays, the free DJ sets held on Sundays, will also move inside the park.

Each night of the festival is once again split across three stages, featuring the Cascais Jazz Sessions, the opening act, the main concert, and Late Nights with DJ sets until 1am. The stage dedicated to national jazz reinforces its commitment to emerging Portuguese talent, while the festival’s talent competition now includes a cash prize.

Maria Luiza Jobim joins Gilberto Gil on 8 July, while Bia Maria takes the stage before David Byrne (nearly sold out, according to organisers) on 14 July. Ana Lua Caiano performs on 15 July, on the night headlined by Loyle Carner, and Moullinex presents a special disco DJ set before Jamiroquai on 18 July.

The line-up continues with Gisela Mabel supporting Diana Krall on 22 July, Bombazine on the Franz Ferdinand night (25 July), Saint Caboclo before the Scissor Sisters (29 July), and Luís Severo on the festival’s final night, 31 July, before Chet Faker.

The Cascais Jazz Sessions by Smooth FM stage remains dedicated to new national talent, hosting Marta Garrett (8 July), Bardino (14 July), Marta Rodrigues (15 July), Maria Carvalho and Bruno Ponte (18 July), Quarteto Nuno Tavares (22 July), The Brothers (25 July), Terra Terra (29 July), and Miguel Marôco (31 July).

Meanwhile, Late Nights will extend the festival vibe until 1am with DJ sets from Petrolati (8 July), João Gomes (14 July), Mei Glez (15 July), Paulo Fernandes (18 July), Sofia Morais (22 July), the trio Mão na Anca (25 July), Manuel Moreira (29 July), and Nicolle Velcro (31 July).

The free Cascais Lazy Sundays return every Sunday in July between 5pm and 8pm. This year, the decks will be manned by Joana Barrios (12 July), the duo Pequenas Reivindicações de Liberdade (19 July), and the trio from the Lei da Paridade podcast (26 July).

Parque Marechal Carmona, Praceta Domingos D’Avilez Av. da República (Cascais). 8-31 Jul. €35-€75.