Festival Roundup June 2026

NORTH SHORE JAZZ SUMMIT (Duluth, MN) June 11-13

The Count Basie Orchestra, Stan Kenton Legacy Orchestra, and Buddy Rich Tribute Band—for the first time ever, on the same stage! Join us for three nights of swing, soul, and serious fire at Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth, Minnesota.

The North Shore Jazz Summit isn’t just a festival—it’s a citywide celebration of music, art, food, and culture. Over three days, Duluth and Superior transform into a vibrant hub for jazz enthusiasts, foodies, artists, and cultural explorers.

Friday’s mainstage will feature the Dina Preston Band, Vinnie and the Hitmen, and top college, university, and high school jazz bands. The Basie, Kenton, and Rich bands will swing on the stage on Saturday night. Additional festival performers include the Scott Routenberg Trio, Robert Hurst, Rob Dixon Quartet, and Benny Benack III. City-wide pop-up jazz clubs, at both secret and official venues throughout Duluth & Superior, will be hosting late-night jam sessions, surprise headliners, and unannounced performances.

Other festival highlights include a Food Truck Festival, the Northland BBQ Festival, and the Urban BBQ Collaboration, where innovative culinary crossovers blending traditional and modern flavors. A Vendor & Art Show, will present artisans, record vendors, rare vinyl, and visual artists from across the Midwest.

Be part of a historic event that blends world-class jazz performances with culinary delights, artistic expressions, and vibrant nightlife.

Tickets on sale now. For group rates, sponsorships, or more information: write john@dglartists.com, call 218-464-7097, or visit dglartists.com/north-shore-jazz-summit.

38th ELKHART JAZZ FESTIVAL (Elkhart, IN) June 18-21

Since 1988, jazz legends and fans have gathered each summer at the Elkhart Jazz Festival which combines warm, intimate, small-town hospitality with the excitement of big-city jazz. Known as the Band Instrument Capital of the World, Elkhart companies employ nearly 2,000 skilled craftsmen in the production of musical instruments. 2025 included over 35 acts, with many of them appealing to TST readers. Visit elkhartjazzfestival.com for more information.

ROCHESTER JAZZ FEST (Rochester, NY) June 19-27

Experience nine incredible days of world-class jazz at the 23rd Edition Rochester Regional Health Rochester International Jazz Festival presented by M&T Bank. Explore the lineup at 19 venues in downtown Rochester, NY—featuring legendary performers, rising stars, and global discoveries. As one of the world’s largest and most celebrated jazz festivals, we present an unforgettable lineup of Ticketed Headliner Shows, Free Concerts, Club Pass Series, Jam Sessions, and Jazz Workshops. rochesterjazz.com.

SYRACUSE INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL (Syracuse, NY) July 9-12

For 40 years, the Syracuse International Jazz Fest has stood as a defining cultural tradition in Central New York, built on a simple but powerful promise: world-class music, always and forever free. Since its founding in the early 1980s, the festival has grown into one of the largest and longest-running free jazz festivals in the United States, welcoming generations of music lovers to experience performances that transcend boundaries and genres.

Rooted in jazz but never limited by it, the festival has consistently brought together artists and audiences through a dynamic blend of jazz, funk, soul, R&B, gospel, and global sounds—reflecting the true spirit of the music as a living, evolving art form.

As it marks its 40th anniversary, Syracuse International Jazz Fest enters an exciting new era, expanding its footprint while staying true to its roots. This milestone celebration will take place from Thursday, July 9th through Sunday, July 12th, with events held across the Syracuse University campus and Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards—two iconic destinations that reflect both the festival’s history and its forward momentum. Performers include Gunhild Carling; Nathan Williams Sr. and the Zydeco Cha-Chas; Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue. Syracusejazzfest.com.

BERT BARR JAZZ CAMP (Eugene, OR) July 23-26

Trad jazz enthusiasts are hosting an adult trad jazz camp July 23-26 at Lane Community College in Eugene, Oregon. We are recruiting musicians to join us for a weekend of instruction, jams, sectionals, food and fun. Registration is only $350. We are new to the process of organizing a band camp but have recruited top instructors, have an excellent venue, and will do whatever we can to ensure campers have a memorable experience. We are delighted to welcome participants to our beautiful Oregon community and will offer full days of instruction, sectionals, lessons and ensemble playing. Reserve your spot soon for a memorable weekend of trad jazz participation!

More information and a registration form can be found at www.bertbarrjazzcamp.com.

EVERGREEN JAZZ FESTIVAL (Evergreen, CO) July 24-26

Over 22 years, Evergreen Jazz Festival has brought the best in international, world class bands to the mountains of Colorado. Just like jazz, every year brings a new variety of styles and musicians. Thirty minutes southwest of Denver, the scenic mountain community of Evergreen provides an idyllic setting for the 3-day event. Five distinctive, intimate venues give audiences a delightful variety of up-close-and-personal listening experiences. No big crowds. No big stages. No big sound systems. Just a big jazz experience you’re sure to enjoy. Make your plans to join us for the 2026 Evergreen Jazz Festival!

This year’s line up includes After Midnight, The Carl Sonny Leyland Trio, Jon-Erik Kellso & the EarRegulars, Floyd Domino’s Western Swing All Stars featuring Elana James, The Hot Tomatoes Dance Orchestra, Le Jazz Hot, The Poudre River Irregulars, The Rocky Mountain Rascals, and The Queen City Jazz Band with Wende Harston.

Go to evergreenjazz.org for more information.

BIX BEIDERBECKE JAZZ FESTIVAL (Davenport, IA) July 30-Aug. 1

Join us once again at Rhythm City Casino in Davenport as we celebrate a new era of the Bix Jazz Festival! Since 1971, the Bix Jazz Society has preserved the music and memory of Bix Beiderbecke through the annual Bix Jazz Festival, the Bix Youth Band, and more. After years of partnership, Common Chord and the Bix Jazz Society are excited to announce that these programs will merge into Common Chord under the guidance of the Bix Society Advisory Board, a committee of dedicated Bix volunteers!

The 55th Bix Jazz Festival (our “Emerald” anniversary), celebrates our merger with Common Chord by highlighting Bix’s collaborations with Jean Goldkette. The 2026 Festival will have a special set featuring this important musical team-up, sets highlighting other works of the time period, and special events including a riverboat cruise, a silent film with live accompaniment, and a concert at Bix’s gravesite. There will be multiple performances by Mike Davis’ New Wonders, Oliver-Smith Incomparables, Jeff Barnhart’s Fats Waller Legacy Band, Chicago Cellar Boys, Graystone Monarchs, TJ Muller’s Jazz-O-Maniacs, and the Bix Youth Band.

For tickets and more information, check commonchordqc.org/bix/festival/

SANTA CRUZ JUG BAND FESTIVAL (Santa Cruz, CA) Aug. 6-9

The 2nd Annual Santa Cruz Jug Band Festival features a Thursday night sing-along, a jug band history presentation, a dance party, and a day of performances by five area jug bands. The festival takes place at four locations near Abbott Square Markey, and features The Trolley Drops, The Puffball Collective, The Quake City Jug Band, The Rivertown Skifflers, and The Washboard Rhythm Company. The festival culminates with a jug band happy hour on Sunday afternoon at the Shanty Shack Brewery, where various members of the five jug bands will perform some of their favorite songs in a more intimate setting. Free admission for all events!

For more information, contact thetrolleydrops@gmail.com or visit facebook.com/thetrolleydrops.

HISTORIC SUTTER CREEK RAGTIME FESTIVAL (Sutter Creek, CA) Aug. 7-9

The 28th Historic Sutter Creek Ragtime Festival runs for three days, Friday thru Sunday, August 7—9. Festivities start at 4 pm on Friday afternoon and ends Sunday afternoon after the finale concert. Music is performed at eight venues along main street, which includes two special concerts highlighting the performers. And of course, we will have Silent Movies with piano accompaniment at the Hotel Sutter this year. There is almost always after hours jamming at the hotel and other venues as well along with more open piano times. Performers include Richard Dowling, Frederick Hodges, Paul Orsi, Carl Sonny Leyland, Jeff & Anne Barnhart, The Amador Clarinet Quartet, Isaiah Burton, Michael Chisholm, Danny Coots, Eve Elliott, Dave Flores, Michael Flores, The Free Badge Serenaders, Kevin Gunia, Alex Hutchinson, John-Patrick Hutchinson, Vincent M Johnson, Charlie Judkins & Miss Maybell (Lauren Sansarico), and Max Libertor.

Look for information on the different venues, lodging choices and festival pricing at:

historicsuttercreekragtime@gmail.com or call 209 304-0835.

BAY STATE HOT JAZZ FESTIVAL (Medford, MA) Aug. 29-30

Save the date for the 2026 BAy State Hot Jazz Festival! The 4th BASH Jazz Festival is a FREE community celebration featuring 8+ traditional jazz bands from all over the country, raising the roof with set after set of incredible music. This year’s festival of ragtime, hot jazz, stride, New Orleans, and other early jazz styles will take place outdoors on August 29-30 at the Medford Condon Shell, just minutes from Boston. Our evolving lineup will be announced later this spring!

For more information about the BASH Jazz Festival, visit baystatehotjazzfestival.com.

HOT JAZZ JUBILEE (Sacramento, CA) Sept. 4-7

Prepare to enjoy four days of exciting live music performance all under one roof! Tickets are now on sale for the 11th Annual Hot Jazz Jubilee. The DoubleTree by Hilton Sacramento is the home of the Jubilee, providing outstanding music venues including three large dance floors. Performances by Crescent Katz, San Lyon, Katie Cavera and the Lost Boys, Steve Lucky and the Rhumba Bums, and many more.

Book your room early for Labor Day weekend, as this event will sell out. A limited-time, discounted rate is available through June 30. Hot Jazz Jubilee is FUN for everyone, regardless of age (children under 18 are always admitted free), so come on out, listen, dance, and enjoy!

Check hotjazzjubilee.com for details, tickets, and updates on 2026’s event.

PENTASTIC HOT JAZZ & MUSIC FESTIVAL (Penticton, BC) Sept. CANCELLED

The Board of Directors of the Pentastic Jazz Society has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2026 28th annual Pentastic Hot Jazz & Music Festival. Significant issues related to U.S. band travel across the border, a decline in grant funding, rising operational costs, and an aging demographic were all major factors considered in reaching this conclusion.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all supporters, past and present, and especially to the dedicated volunteers whose efforts have made the festival a warm and welcoming event for our city.

For more information: pentasticjazz.ca.

CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA RAGTIME AND AMERICAN MUSIC FESTIVAL (Orbisonia/Rockhill Furnace/Huntingdon, PA) Sept. 10-13

Since 2009, the twin boroughs of Rockhill Furnace and Orbisonia, Pennsylvania have been filled with the strains of America’s first popular music: Ragtime, brought to life by some of America’s leading ragtime and early jazz artists. Enjoy America’s Original Music in one of its most historic towns!

Join us September 10-13 2026 for the 16th Annual Central Pennsylvania Ragtime & American Music Festival. Four fun-filled days of music, silent movies, lectures, open houses, and more. Hear Ragtime favorites, Jazz, Boogie-Woogie, Stride, Blues, and hits from the Great American Songbook, all performed by Grammy Award winning musicians. Plus, enjoy rides on the town’s two signature attractions, the historic East Broad Top Railroad, and the neighboring Rockhill Trolley Museum!

Our festival is by far the most intimate of the ragtime gatherings—where else in America can you enjoy our nation’s musical heritage in such a historic setting? Past performers include Adam Swanson, Frederick Hodges, Andy Schumm, Martin Spitznagel, Bryan & Yuko Wright, Brian Holland, Danny Coots, Domingo Mancuello, Joey Antico, Bill Edwards, Andrew Greene and the Peacherine Ragtime Orchestra, Ed Clute, Daniel Souvigny, Richard Dowling, Dan Levinson, Terry Waldo, T.J. Muller, Brian Nalepka, Charlie Judkins, Lauren Sansariq, Andy Stein, and Joyce Richardson. Come join us for some great music!

Learn more about the festival by and find links to tickets by visiting www.rockhillragtime.com You can also call the East Broad Top Railroad directly at (814) 447-3285 to purchase tickets over the phone.

THE GREAT NORTHEAST JUG BAND FESTIVAL (Arlington, MA) Sept. 25-26

Save the date for New England’s ONLY Jug Band Festival, now in it’s sixth year. We’ll showcase early blues, jazz, and string band traditions from the 1920’s and 30’s, and the modern evolution of this good-time music. Jazzmo and the Jug Nuts kick off the weekend with a Friday night jam. This year’s Saturday lineup features three fabulous women-lead bands: the very vaudevillian Zoë Lewis and The Educated Fleas; direct from Brooklyn, The Dirty Mother String Band; and local favorite Annie and the Jug Tappers. The festival is free!

For a look at last year’s festival information, visit: acarts.org/jug-band-festival. Updates coming soon!

REDWOOD COAST MUSIC FESTIVAL (Eureka, CA) Oct. 1-4

The Redwood Coast Music Festival is Eureka’s celebration of American roots music. Jazz, Swing, Blues, Zydeco, Rockabilly, Americana, Western Swing, Country—we’ve got it all. You’ll find iconic venues, top-notch music, multiple dance floors PLUS special sets and band combinations you won’t see or hear anywhere else! Situated along the spectacular Northern California coastline, the City of Eureka is one of California’s best kept secrets, bordered on one side by beautiful Humboldt Bay and on the other by mountains lush with giant Redwoods.

Performers include The Hot Club of Cowtown, Dave Stuckey & The Hot House Gang, Jonathan Stout’s Campus Five Featuring Hilary Alexander, Tom Rigney & Flambeau, Katie Cavera & The Lost Boys, Naomi Uyama & Her Handsome Devils, On The Levee Jazz Band, The Hot Baked Goods, Miss Jubilee, Clint Baker’s Jazz Band, Dan Barrett, Steve Lucky & the Rhumba Bums, The Black Market Trust, Dave Stuckey & The Hoot Owls, Holland Coots Jazz Band, Benny Amon’s New Orleans Pearls, Colin Hancock’s Texas Stompers, The Lovestruck Balladeers, Jonathan Doyle Swingtet, NOIR, Sam Rocha, San Lyon, Charlie Halloran & The Tropicales, Kris Tokarski’s Chicagoans, Mikiya Matsuda’s Alcatraz Islanders, Alice Spencer, Josh Collazo’s Jazzboree, Marc Caparone’s Allstars, Groovus, New Orleans Night Owls, TJ Muller’s Jazz-O-Maniacs, Hal Smith’s Swing Central, Andy Schumm, Riley Baker, Dave Kosmyna Incendiary Seven, Dennis Lichtman, Dalton Ridenhour, Mike Davis, Nick Rossi Swing Six, Laura Windley, Danny Tobias, Matt Weiner, The Redwood Dixie-Gators—and more!

Tickets and details, including special hotel packages, at rcmfest.org.

SUN VALLEY JAZZ & MUSIC FESTIVAL (Sun Valley, ID) Oct. 15-18

The Sun Valley Jazz and Music Festival unites an incredible lineup of artists who fill the mountains with unforgettable music. From world-class bands to rising stars, each performer shares not just their music–but their passion, energy, and love for counting with an audience. Every note you hear is part of the magic that makes this festival unforgettable. Swing, blues, gospel, big band, boogie, and beyond–you’ll find it all here, performed by musicians who make Sun Valley their stage.

Bands include Terry Myers Big Band; Tom Hook; Tom Rigney and Flambeau; Dave Bennett Six; San Lyon with Katie Cavera; Noir; Terry Myers’ Hot Jazz Collective; The Racketmakers featuring Sherri Colby, Jason Wanner, Matty Bottel Danny Coots, TJ Muller & Riley Baker; and more!

Tickets and more information at sunvalleyjazz.com.

ROSWELL JAZZ FESTIVAL (Roswell, NM) Oct. 21-25

Every year since 2006, something more magical happens for five October days in southeastern New Mexico. A kaleidoscope of live music floats on crisp air, mingling with the brilliant gold and red leaves of fall. Free and ticketed venues feature a vibrant mix of world class musicians beginning Wednesday, October 21nd through Sunday, October 25th. Tickets for the 2026 Roswell Jazz Festival will be available for purchase on our website this summer and they will sell out fast. You can get an idea of official schedule of free and ticketed venues, by viewing what we did in 2025 on the ’Official Schedule’ tab now. Check back for the 2026 updated schedule this summer and join us for some music magic in 2026!

For more information, visit roswelljazz.org.

MIKE DURHAM’S INTERNATIONAL CLASSIC JAZZ PARTY (Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK) Nov. 6-8

Here is the globe’s foremost gathering of classic jazz musicians and fans in a three-day concert series featuring live music of a rarely heard quality and authenticity, performed by a truly international roster of world-class performers. The International Classic Jazz Party is a unique event like none other in the Jazz festival calendar. The Party was founded in 1990 by Mike Durham in Whitley Bay, near Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, UK, and has grown bigger and better with each successive year.

From midday on Friday until late on Sunday evening, the Party takes the form of a series of special themed concerts chosen and curated by the musicians themselves and drawn from the canon of the first 40 years of jazz. At the end of each day, musicians and audience relax and enjoy themselves at the legendary after-hours jam sessions in the hotel’s bar, often going on into the wee small hours. The concerts take place in 4-star luxury, with audience members being assigned to cabaret seating of 8 to a table. A twice-daily rotation system is in place to ensure that everybody gets a good view.

This year’s stellar line up includes Enrico Tomasso (UK), Lewis Taylor (UK), Colin Hancock (USA), Mike Davis (USA), Andy Schumm (USA), Malo Mazurié (France) on trumpet; Lorenzo Baldasso (Italy), Michael McQuaid (UK), David Lukács (Netherlands), Natalie Scharf (USA) David Horniblow (UK), Richard Exall (UK), Laurin Habert (Germany) on reeds; T.J. Müller (USA), Alistair Allan (UK), Graham Hughes (UK) on trombone; Andrew Oliver (USA), Morten Gunnar Larsen (Norway), Mathieu Meyer (France) on piano; Thomas “Spats” Langham (UK), Martin Wheatley (UK), Félix Hunot (France), Curtis Volp (UK) on guitar & banjo; Phil Rutherford (UK), Malte Tönißen (Germany), Harry Evans (UK) on brass bass & string bass; Nicholas D. Ball (UK), Josh Duffee (USA), Nick Ward (UK) on drums & percussion; Emma Fisk (UK) on violin; and Thomas “Spats” Langham (UK) and Nicolle Rochelle (France) on vocals.

Details at whitleybayjazzfest.com.

SUNCOAST JAZZ FESTIVAL (Clearwater Beach, FL) Nov. 20-22

Join us at the beautiful Gulf beaches in Sand Key, Clearwater Beach, Florida, for the 36th Annual Suncoast Jazz Festival, November 20-22, 2026. Held indoors at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort, the Suncoast Jazz Festival has three venues with continuous music rotating all day and all night through the weekend. With a variety of jazz genres, and listening lounge, dancing, and “sip and mingle experiences” offerings, the Suncoast Jazz Festival truly has something for everyone

John Pizzarelli, Dave Bennett Quartet, Diego Figueiredo, Professor Cunningham and his Old School, Jason Marsalis, and Tom Rigney & Flambeau will perform, with more artists to be announced.

NORTH CAROLINA JAZZ FESTIVAL (Wilmington, NC) Feb. 4-6, 2027

Wilmington gives a warm welcome to all of the jazz lovers attending our 46th North Carolina Jazz Festival! This historic city located on the bank of the Cape Fear River has many interesting shops, art galleries, museums and restaurants, as well as a movie studio, nearby beaches, plus Revolutionary and Civil War sites to explore during your days here. We will fill your evenings with exciting performances by some of the greatest traditional jazz musicians from around the globe!

Thursday Night Showcase: Noel Freidline and Maria Howell will headline the 46th annual opening night’s Special Event.

Friday and Saturday Nights: All evening concerts begin at 7:30 pm and are held at the Hotel Ballast ballroom. We will continue our celebration with All-Star musicians playing in the traditional seven sets of six or seven players, each set with a different leader. We will continue our celebration with All-Star musicians playing in the traditional seven sets of six or seven players, each set with a different leader. You will hear many of our favorite NCJF musicians plus new additions to our lineup. You will not want to miss this exciting 46th Annual North Carolina Jazz Festival! These will be 4 ½ hour concerts. Scheduled musicians include Shaye Cohn, Ehud Asherie, Adrian Cunningham, Herman Burney, Brandi Disterheft, Kevin Dorn, Chloe Feoranzo, Wycliffe Gordon, Bruce Harris, Nate Najar, Ben Polcer, Chuck Redd, Jonathan Russell, Rossano Sportiello, and Dion Tucker.

On Saturday from 10:30 until 2pm we treat our patrons to a musical brunch, when all of our All-star musicians play for their pleasure while everyone enjoys a delicious meal. Patrons can participate in the jam session during brunch.

General admission and patron tickets are available on our web site through ETIX or by contacting the NC Jazz Festival by phone: 910-399-6536.

For more information visit www.ncjazzfestival.org, e-mail ncjazzfest@yahoo.com, or call (910)-399-6596.