The Blue Note Jazz Festival celebrates 15 years of cultural authority with a 2026 lineup that reinforces its reputation for singular curation. Running throughout June, the festival features headlining performances from Ledisi, Durand Bernarr, and Big Freedia, spanning multiple iconic venues across New York City. The programming remains a definitive playlist of taste, bridging the gap between progressive R&B and the most essential voices in contemporary jazz. This is an event designed for those who value individual artistry and the forward movement of music culture.
The festival kicks off June 1 at Sony Hall with a performance by hip-hop collective Arrested Development, setting a high-impact tone for the month. From there, the schedule expands into the Blue Note Jazz Club and SummerStage, incorporating a diverse range of sounds from the bounce of Big Freedia to the technical mastery of Brian Blade and Chief Adjuah. The inclusion of acts like Kokoroko and Cymande ensures a global perspective, while the Blue Note Jazz Fest Midnight Jam provides a late-night focus on improvisation and collaboration.
Director of Programming Alex Kurland describes this year’s roster as a collection of “your favorite artists’ favorite artists.” The focus is squarely on performers who push the boundaries of their respective genres, including standout vocalists like Destin Conrad and UMI. By maintaining a balance between legendary ensembles like The Dirty Dozen Brass Band and modern innovators like MonoNeon and Brandee Younger, the festival remains a primary destination for serious listeners. It is a month-long residency of soul and technical brilliance.
Tickets and information for all performances are available now through the festival’s official portal. Beyond the primary evening sets, the 15th anniversary edition includes jazz brunches and specialized programming across the city’s jazz landscape. This milestone year captures the festival’s mission to present singular voices that creatively propel the sound forward. Blue Note continues to prove that jazz is not just a genre, but a living, evolving state of music.
2026 Festival Schedule:
June 1, 2026 at Sony Hall: Arrested Development
June 26, 2026: Blue Note Jazz Fest Midnight Jam
June 1–30, 2026 at Blue Note Jazz Club: Select Dates and Artists
June 1–30, 2026 at SummerStage: Select Dates and Artists