The Festival Roundup April 2026

JAZZAFFAIR (Three Rivers, CA) April 9-12

Jazzaffair 2026, hosted by the Sierra Traditional Jazz Club, takes place at three venues in Three Rivers: the Lions Club Arena, the Memorial Building, and St. Anthony’s Retreat.

Bands will include Ragabond Seven, Blue Street Jazz Band, Dave Bennett Quartet, The Memphis Speed Kings, Okie Weiss & the Zydeco Playboys, Groovus, Tom Rigney & Flambeau, Clint Baker All-Stars, Gino & the Lone Gunman, and St John’s Riverboat Band. Special Guests include TJ Muller, Andy Schumm, Pieter Meijers, Jim Martinez, and more!

Also Featuring: Zydeco Dance Lessons, Special Events Nights, Thursday’s Kickoff Dinner, Friday’s Rowdy Breakfast, and Dance floors at all three venues.

Visit the Sierra Traditional Jazz Club online to order tickets. www.threeriversjazzaffair.com Early bird discounted three-day badge available until March 15.

ZEHNDER’S 31st Annual RAGTIME FESTIVAL (Frankenmuth, MI) April 15-16

Zehnder’s 31st Annual Ragtime Festival will be staged at Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth, 730 S. Main St., in the colorful city nicknamed Little Bavaria. Also called “Muth” for short, the city is located in Saginaw County, in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, about 22 miles south of Lake Huron.

Step back in time and indulge in the golden age of American music with our captivating Ragtime and Jazz Shows, served alongside a delicious lunch or dinner experience. Enjoy the upbeat sounds of ragtime piano, the soulful swing of early jazz, and the timeless charm of vintage classics performed live by talented world-renowned musicians.

Whether you’re savoring a midday escape or an evening out, our shows offer a lively, toe-tapping atmosphere perfect for music lovers.

Ragtime & Jazz Events for 2026 Include: Lunch and Dinner Concerts on Thursday and Lunch Concert on Friday.

Reservations required. Book online at ticketing.zehnders.com or call (989) 652-0450 for more information.

DURANGO RAGTIME & EARLY JAZZ FESTIVAL (Durango, CO) April 16-19

JOIN US for this year’s Durango Ragtime and Early Jazz Festival in April 2026! The greatest ragtime and classic jazz musicians from around the United States will descend upon the beautiful mountain town of Durango, Colorado, for four days of concerts, silent movies, seminars, after hours jam parties, and much more. All events will take place at the Durango Arts Center and the Historic Strater Hotel, only two blocks apart. The Diamond Belle Saloon is one of the most ideal venues for this type of music in the country, and the DAC has a gorgeous 9-foot grand piano for our concerts. CELEBRATE America’s first truly original music—ragtime and jazz—in an incredible location, Durango, Colorado. Musicians will include Adam Swanson, Danny Coots, Frederick Hodges, Dr. Dave Majchrzak, Domingo Mancuello, T.J. Muller, and Matt Tolentino.

For more information, tickets, and hotel room festival packages visit durangoragtime.com.

FRENCH QUARTER FESTIVAL (New Orleans, LA) April 16-19

Since 1984, the French Quarter Festival has celebrated the essence of New Orleans with over 1,700+ musicians on 20 stages showcasing every genre of local music, from traditional jazz to brass bands and Zydeco. Known as the city’s “favorite festival,” this event highlights the culinary excellence of Louisiana, with over 60 food and beverage booths operated by some of New Orleans’ finest restaurants open throughout the festival weekend. It is the largest free music event in the United States, attracting visitors from around the world to the iconic French Quarter.

Extensive information including schedules and maps available at frenchquarterfest.org.

DJANGO A GOGO® 2026 MUSIC FESTIVAL AND GUITAR CAMP (Maplewood NJ) May 12-17

Since 2003, guitarist/composer/teacher Stephane Wrembel has produced the Django a Gogo Music Festival and Guitar Camp celebrating the life and music of legendary guitarist/composer, Django Reinhardt. The annual week-long event is held in Wrembel’s hometown of Maplewood, New Jersey, with additional concerts at Symphony Space in NYC and a closing super jam for performers and campers at Barbs in Brooklyn on Sunday night. . As the musical director, Wrembel brings together some of the finest musicians in the world to celebrate the Sinti guitar style in both live performances and education. The concert repertoire follows the Django canon and veers into reinterpretation, improvisation, and interplay between musicians from various backgrounds and instruments.

This year’s concert lineup includes various combinations of Stephane Wrembel on guitar, Josh Kaye on guitar and oud, Adrien Chevalier on violin, Steven Duffy on tuba and sousaphone, Scott Kettner on drums, David Langlois on washboard, Nick Driscoll on sax/clarinet, Joe Boga on trumpet and Sarah King on vocals. Special guests include Jean-Michel Pilc on piano, and Gismo Graf, Sebastien Felix and Angelo Debarre on guitar.

The “camp” is an intensive series of interactive workshops, class instruction and “jam sessions” for 40 students, with instructors focusing on rhythm and improvisation in the style of Django Reinhardt. Guitar instructors include Wrembel, Simba Baumgartner, Mozes Rosenberg, David Gastine, Antoine Boyer, Frank Anastasio, and Sam Farthing. Additionally, Yeore King will instruct on harmonica. For concert tickets, camp registration, and information, visit: www.djangoagogo.com.

52nd WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP OLD-TIME PIANO PLAYING CONTEST & FESTIVAL (Oxford, MS) May 21-24

Every year over Memorial Day weekend in Oxford, Mississippi, the World Championship Old-Time Piano Playing Contest is held to provide an opportunity for pianists to compete and learn in a stimulating atmosphere, and to educate people about old-time piano music written prior to 1940. Through the years, the contest has provided more than $70,000 in prize money to more than 500 piano players from across the United States and from five foreign countries. Players in 2025 will participate in three divisions—Regular, Junior & Senior, competing for cash prizes, trophies and medallions. The New Rag Contest, where aspiring composers present their original tunes, will also have its own cash prize and trophy. A variety of other activities include presentations, guest artist performances, silent movies, a youth master class, and after-hours events every night on the Oxford Square.

This is a weekend packed with Ragtime, Tin Pan Alley and Standard tunes played by amazing piano players. You don’t have to play piano to enjoy music that will have your toes tapping. You’ll have the time of your life at the World Championship Old-Time Piano Playing Contest.

For more information, go to oldtimepianocontest.com; Email: oldtimepianocontest@olemiss.edu; Telephone 662-801-2251.

SCOTT JOPLIN INTERNATIONAL RAGTIME FESTIVAL (Sedalia, MO) May 27-30

The 2026 Scott Joplin International Ragtime Festival will offer an exciting lineup of concerts and special events that celebrate the rich legacy of ragtime music and its enduring influence. From lively outdoor performances and elegant evening concerts to educational symposia, historic tours, and themed experiences like “Dining with the Stars” and “The Ragtime Dance,” there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The festival brings together world-class performers, historians, and enthusiasts for a joyful celebration of syncopated rhythms, period fashion, and historic charm—all in the heart of Sedalia, Missouri, where Scott Joplin’s legacy lives on.

For the most current information, please visit www.scottjoplin.org.

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: john@dglartists.com; 218-464-7097; 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. Save the date, and visit elkhartjazzfestival.com as information becomes available.

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!

As we prepare for the 55th Bix Jazz Festival (our “Emerald” anniversary), we are celebrating 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, other special sets highlighting other works of the time period, and the return of the special events you know and love!

Performances by Mike Davis’ New Wonders, Oliver-Smith Incomparables, Fats Waller Legacy Band, Chicago Cellar Boys, Graystone Monarchs, and the Bix Youth Band.

Discounted tickets available before March 10.

Check commonchordqc.org/bix/festival for information.

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

The 28th Historic Sutter Creek Ragtime Festival runs for 3 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.

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 on August 29-30 at the Medford Condon Shell, just minutes from Boston. Our evolving lineup will be announced later this spring!

Interested in playing at this year’s festival? Band applications are open! Find the link here: baystatehotjazzfestival.com/artist-application. Deadline: March 15

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. 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.

THE GREAT NORTHEAST JUG BAND FESTIVAL (Arlington, MA) September 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!