Marquee acts you don't want to miss at Vancouver International Jazz Festival
This year’s highly anticipated Vancouver International Jazz Festival is happening from Friday, June 19, to Monday, July 5, and there is plenty for fans to discover this year.
The 2026 edition will be one of the longest in the festival’s recent history, with over 175 concerts and events, and several new stages hosting performances this year.
As in every year, there are several standout events happening that you’ll want to add to your concert calendar.
Vancouver International Jazz Festival
“This year’s lineup reflects everything we love celebrating about this music: collaboration, openness for the unexpected, and the transformation that happens when audiences and musicians both are giving their attention to the moment,” says Cole Schmidt, co-artistic director of the Vancouver International Jazz Festival, in a release.
The 41st annual Vancouver International Jazz Festival is a citywide summer staple, with internationally renowned artists, Marquee Series performances, and plenty of free programming.
To get you ready for this year’s event, here are some of the must-see performances happening this year.
Brandon Woody’s Upendo – June 24 at Fox Cabaret
Brandon Woody
Brandon Woody is known as one of contemporary jazz’s fastest rising artists. The Blue Note Records artist is a trumpeter and composer who blends jazz, gospel, improvisation, and Black musical traditions.
Woody’s deeply personal performances revolve around themes of love, resilience, and community. The Baltimore-born musician has collaborated with artists such as BADBADNOTGOOD, Robert Glasper Black Radio Orchestra, Solange Knowles, and Terri Lyne Carrington.
The Ex with Grdina/Lillinger – June 26 at Hollywood Theatre
The Ex/Susana Martens
Internationally renowned experimental punk band The Ex is beloved by fans for its signature blend of punk, improvisation, and global musical influences.
The Netherlands-based group has a career that stretches over 45 years and 20 full-length albums. Alternative, experimental, and niche music enjoyers are discovering The Ex during each and every show, and their performance at Hollywood Theatre is your chance to get in the know.
Tomoki Sanders Quartet with Todd Stewart Trio – June 25 at The Birdhouse
Tomoki Sanders/Erik Bardin
Tomoki Sanders is one of the most exciting emerging voices in contemporary jazz and avant-garde music, working with artists like Moses Sumney, Ravi Coltrane, Kassa Overall, and the Jack DeJohnette Trio.
The child of saxophone legend Pharoah Sanders, Tomoki (they/them) explores jazz, electronic, urban music, and Great Black Music influences with their work.
Tomoki also reveals a perspective shaped by their Afro American and Japanese identity and non binary experience, working to bring queer representation and new generation jazz audiences into the conversation. Their show is presented in association with the Queer Arts Festival.
You can find shows all over the city, including Granville Island, Downtown, the North Shore, and more.
This year also marks the return of Downtown Jazz, a free concert series taking place
outside the Vancouver Art Gallery at šxʷƛ ̓ ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square on June 27 and 28.
The event will include live performances, youth stages, DJs, community experiences, artisan vendors, and food trucks.
Vancouver International Jazz Festival
Vancouver International Jazz Festival features 30 free shows and 43 “Pay What You Can” (PWYC) performances throughout the 16 days.
Make plans for the free lunch hour concerts on the Dunsmuir Patio at Bentall Centre, and head to Granville Island for a full day of PWYC concerts on July 1 at Ocean Artworks.
All PWYC shows will have tickets available at the door, and no one will be turned away for lack of funds at those events.
The full festival schedule and tickets are available online.
Vancouver International Jazz Festival
When: June 19 to July 5, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Various venues across Vancouver
Tickets: Free and ticketed events