Our city will soon come alive with the rhythm of jazz, thanks to the return of the Melbourne International Jazz Festival. Get ready for over 150 performances and events across the city, from the streets of Melbourne to intimate venues and grander stages. The line-up this year features over 550 artists from 18 countries. There will be ticketed shows, as well as a huge program of free events, so everyone can join in on the fun. The Melbourne International Jazz Festival (MIJF) will run from October 16 to 25.
Melbourne International Jazz Festival 2026
Every year since 1998, the sound of jazz takes over Melbourne. Over ten exciting days, you can look forward to performances around Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Fed Square, Spiegel Haus and more.
“From NYC jazz to NOLA funk to South African hip hop and Memphis soul, this year’s Festival genuinely offers something for everyone,” said CEO & Festival Director Hadley Agrez. “We believe it is one of the most ambitious and artistically exciting programs in the Festival’s history.”
Special events
The first Saturday of the Festival will kick things off with the Second Line Street Party. Back for another year, this joyous celebration will bring the energy of New Orleans’ street parades to Melbourne. GRAMMY Award-winning New Orleans legends Rebirth Brass Band will lead a march along the Yarra, taking the party to Fed Square, where they will be joined on stage by BIGYUKI and Allysha Joy.
At Sidney Myer Music Bowl, ARIA winners The Teskey Brothers will headline a day of soul, funk, jazz and blues. Joining them for Jazz at the Bowl are trombonist and funk pioneer Fred Wesley & The New JBs, and 2024 ARIA Award winner Emily Wurramara.
Haus Party is bringing something new for 2026, with a late-night celebration of jazz, groove, hip hop and electronic music at rooftop venue, Spiegel Haus. Look forward to eight international and local live acts, with Don Glori, Deep Mind, Stogie T, Finn Rees Orchestra, Erica Tucceri, Iwuda, Live Slug Reaction and Soliloquy on the line-up, alongside DJ sets.
For each weekend during the festival, the JazzLab will light up with the festival’s popular Late Night Jams. Led by The Rookies, you’ll find local and international festival artists on stage, with improvised and unrepeatable music sessions after hours.
On opening night, Joey Alexander Trio and Young Monk will take over Melbourne Recital Centre for a special double bill, presented in partnership with New York’s Jazz at Lincoln Centre. Celebrate the timeless music of Thelonious Monk, and listen to music from GRAMMY-nominated pianist Joey Alexander’s album, Celestial Keeper.
Free events
After the excitement of Rebirth Brass Band, BIGYUKI and Allysha Joy on stage at Fed Square on Saturday, the first Sunday of the festival will be devoted to Jazz on Film. Head to Fed Square and see Disney and Pixar’s Oscar-winning Soul, and celebrate jazz, creativity and the pursuit of purpose.
At Prahran Square, you can expect a free afternoon of jazz, soul and Afrobeats. Listen to South African vocalist, trumpeter and composer Mandisi Dyantyis, presenting a collaboration with Afrospace Interchange, as well as performances from Owelu Dreamhouse and the Melbourne Conservatorium Big Band.
In the west, look forward to Footscray Sunday Sessions. Taking place across two Sundays, you can expect free music from artists like Ajak Kwai, Chikchika and Solomon Sisay Group across some popular neighbourhood venues.
At Jazz Westside: Moonee Valley, look forward to music from Slow Poke, Emma Gilmartin Quartet and Cold Hands Warm Heart, as well as guided sound walks, at Crown Street Stables.
Meanwhile, budding music lovers can head to ArtPlay for Inside Out: Jump, Jive, Jazz. Children aged 2 to 7 can explore live jazz through music, movement, art and creative play.
To see the full program, click here.
