Complete Listings: DownBeat’s 2026 Jazz Festival Guide

By DownBeat I Apr. 22, 2026

Trombone Shorty draws a huge crowd at last year’s Rochester International Jazz Festival.
(Photo: Thom Bell/RIJF)

In preparation for this year’s jazz festival season, DownBeat brings you a detailed preview of the best fests scheduled to take place in the months to come. Be sure to check for festivals happening in your area — be it East, West, South or Midwest regions of the U.S. and Canada, or International locations in Europe and beyond. And for all you jazz travelers and globe-trotters out there, there are dozens upon dozens of worldwide destinations worth exploring in our guide. This feature ran in our May issue. You can view it as a magazine HERE or click on the cover of our 2026 Festival Guide below for a glimpse of 126 great festivals happening between now and the end of the year. Happy festival-hopping! DB

Click on the image to see the special section!

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Check Out the College Guide!

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