The Melbourne International Jazz Festival returns from 16–25 October 2026, bringing more than 550 artists from 18 countries to Melbourne for 10 days of live music.

With more than 150 events and performances across 30 venues, the program includes jazz, funk, soul, hip hop, poetry and contemporary classical music. Performances take place in concert halls, clubs, bars and outdoor spaces, with a significant program of free events across the city.

The 2026 festival features international jazz artists, Australian musicians and special collaborations, including 29 Australian premieres and 12 world premieres.

Festival Highlights

Second Line Street Party

The festival opens with the return of the Second Line Street Party, led by Grammy Award-winning New Orleans band Rebirth Brass Band. The celebrations continue at Fed Square with free performances from Rebirth Brass Band, Japanese keyboardist BIGYUKI and Melbourne artist Allysha Joy.

The Teskey Brothers at Sidney Myer Music Bowl

The Melbourne band celebrates 10 years since the release of their debut album Half Mile Harvest, performing the record in full alongside fan favourites. They will be joined by funk legend Fred Wesley & The New JBs and ARIA-winning singer Emily Wurramara for a day of soul, blues and jazz.

Haus Party

New for 2026, Haus Party takes over Spiegel Haus for a late-night program of jazz, groove, hip hop and electronic music. The line-up includes Don Glori, Deep Mind, Stogie T, Finn Rees Orchestra and other local and international artists.

International Jazz Artists

The wider program features acclaimed musicians including Dee Dee Bridgewater, Benjamin Clementine, Tigran Hamasyan, aja monet, The Bad Plus and Dave Holland's supergroup Aziza, alongside artists from Japan, South Korea, South Africa and the United Kingdom.

Free Events
You don't need a ticket to enjoy every part of the festival. Free performances take place at Fed Square, Prahran Square and venues across Melbourne's west, including Footscray Sunday Sessions and Jazz Westside: Moonee Valley.