Sapporo City Jazz started in 2007 under the slogan "make Sapporo a city of jazz," and has now grown into one of the largest jazz festivals in Japan. Various events are held throughout the year both inside and outside Sapporo city. In the summer, the free-admission "Park Jazz Live" featuring over 200 groups of professional and amateur musicians will be held at about 10 venues in the city, including Odori Park in the center of Sapporo, as well as the "Park Jazz Live Contest" where young musicians compete, and the "North Jam Session" featuring musicians from Japan and abroad will be held at the Sapporo Art Park Outdoor Stage.