First Wave Announced: Ottawa Jazz Festival 2026

We’re thrilled to share the first wave of artists confirmed for the 46th annual Ottawa Jazz Festival, returning to downtown Ottawa June 19–28, 2026, in Confederation Park and at the National Arts Centre.

This initial lineup sets the tone for an unforgettable summer, featuring internationally acclaimed artists, genre-defying innovators, and some of the most exciting voices in contemporary jazz and beyond.

What’s New for 2026

A Reimagined Festival Experience

Confederation Park becomes a true musical hub with the introduction of the Elgin St. Stage, a second stage located between Elgin Street and the Lieutenant Colonel John By Fountain, allowing you to enjoy multiple performances without leaving the park grounds.

New & Improved Pass Experiences

A redesigned Premium Lounge (formerly the Gold Circle Tent) featuring flexible seating, an expanded bar, artisanal cocktails, and a relaxed lounge atmosphere.

A reimagined Premium Pass, offering more single-ticket availability and advance seat selection for select NAC performances.

The return of our former Platinum area as the Spotlight Section, offering guaranteed access to reserved areas located directly at the front, left, and right of the main stage.

First Wave Artists: 2026 Lineup

Tickets on Sale: Thursday, January 15 at 10am EST

Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra

June 20, 8:30pm, Main Stage, Confederation Park

Actor and jazz pianist Jeff Goldblum leads his longtime ensemble through stylish, playful interpretations of classic jazz and American Songbook standards with world-class musicianship and charm.

WILLOW

June 26, 9pm, Main Stage, Confederation Park

Genre-defying singer-songwriter WILLOW blends alt-rock, R&B, pop-punk, and experimental sounds across boundary-pushing albums like Empathogen, showcasing her evolving artistic vision.

Ibrahim Maalouf

June 28, 8:30pm, Main Stage, Confederation Park

Virtuoso French-Lebanese trumpeter, composer and producer known for fusing jazz, classical and world music with cinematic flair and cross-cultural depth.

KOKOROKO

June 24, 10:30pm, Elgin St. Stage, Confederation Park

London’s acclaimed Afrobeat collective celebrated for their vibrant, horn-driven fusion of jazz, soul, and West African rhythms.

The Dip

June 26, 10:30pm, Elgin St. Stage, Confederation Park

Seattle-based soul and funk band serving infectious grooves and retro-inspired rhythms rooted in R&B, jazz, and danceable soul.

The Soul Rebels

June 20, 10:30pm, Elgin St. Stage, Confederation Park

New Orleans’ dynamic brass ensemble that blends jazz tradition with funk, hip-hop and global influences to electrify audiences.

Kassa Overall

June 28, 10:30pm, Elgin St. Stage, Confederation Park

Forward-thinking drummer, producer and MC who pushes the boundaries of jazz by weaving hip-hop, experimental electronic and improvisational styles.

SALIN

June 27, 10:30pm, Elgin St. Stage, Confederation Park

Innovative project blending modern jazz with eclectic global influences and genre-bending textures.

Avishai Cohen Big Vicious (2 Shows)

June 25, 7pm & 9pm, Azrieli Studio, National Arts Centre

Israeli trumpeter Avishai Cohen’s powerhouse ensemble fuses jazz with rock, electronica and ambient elements for an adventurous and groove-infused sound.

Larnell Lewis Band ft. Joy Lapps

June 19, 10:30pm, Elgin St. Stage, Confederation Park

GRAMMY-winning drummer Larnell Lewis teams with steelpan virtuoso Joy Lapps for exhilarating, rhythm-rich fusion that bridges jazz, funk and global grooves.

Myra Melford’s Fire & Water Quintet

June 27, 7pm, Azrieli Studio, National Arts Centre

Visionary pianist Myra Melford leads her adventurous ensemble blending free improvisation, deep lyricism and genre-bending jazz.

Brandon Woody’s UPENDO

June 21, 6:30pm, Fourth Stage, National Arts Centre

Trumpeter Brandon Woody shares soulful, spiritually rooted jazz that reflects community, joy and forward-looking creativity.

Dálava

June 21, 9pm, Fourth Stage, National Arts Centre

Transatlantic ensemble marrying Eastern European folk traditions with jazz improvisation and rich, evocative vocals.

The Free Label

June 25, 10:30pm, Elgin St. Stage, Confederation Park

Energetic Toronto collective delivering vibrant funk and soul grooves with a bold, modern edge.

Flore Laurentienne

June 27, 6:30pm, Fourth Stage, National Arts Centre

Cinematic project by composer Mathieu David Gagnon, merging lush orchestral textures with electronic and ambient nuance.

The Ostara Project

June 27, 9pm, Fourth Stage, National Arts Centre

All-women and non-binary ensemble spotlighting contemporary jazz innovation and creative expression.

daltonists

June 26, 6:30pm, Fourth Stage, National Arts Centre

Cutting-edge jazz collective blending groove, experimentation and modern compositional flair.

Charley Rose Trio

June 24, 6:30pm, Fourth Stage, National Arts Centre

Saxophonist Charley Rose leads a sharp, modern jazz trio rooted in melodic exploration and expressive improvisation.

Stephane Wrembel Quartet

June 24, 9pm, Fourth Stage, National Arts Centre

Esteemed guitarist Stéphane Wrembel brings dazzling gypsy jazz inspired by Django Reinhardt’s spirited tradition.

Norma Winstone w/ the Atlantic Jazz Collective

June 25, 9pm, Fourth Stage, National Arts Centre

Legendary jazz vocalist Norma Winstone joins a stellar ensemble for intimate, expressive performances.

The Plastic Waste Band

June 24, 6:30pm, Main Stage, Confederation Park

Playful and innovative collective blending genre-bending improvisation with bold, adventurous soundscapes.