Melbourne swings into ten huge days of jazz, improvisation and adventurous contemporary music for the 29th Melbourne International Jazz Festival. From grand concert halls and intimate late-night bars to open-air stages, the city-wide program brings together international stars, Australian favourites and fearless new voices. Highlights include The Teskey Brothers, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Aziza, Tomeka Reid Quartet, Rebirth Brass Band, aja monet, Kris Davis Trio, The Bad Plus and Tigran Hamasyan.
The festival runs 16–25 October 2026 across multiple Melbourne venues, with many headline performances typically beginning around 7:30pm. Tickets currently start from $69, with higher-priced sessions available; check the official program and booking page for the exact venue, session time, ticket inclusions and availability. It is a brilliant pick for serious jazz lovers, curious first-timers, date nights and anyone keen to discover the city through live music.
Accessibility varies by venue. The festival ticketing team can help with accessible seating and venue questions, and Companion Card holders may request a complimentary companion ticket. Book through the official Melbourne International Jazz Festival website or contact ticketing@melbournejazz.com / (03) 9001 1388.
