The Festival International de Jazz de Montréal returns for its 46th edition June 25 through July 4, presenting more than 350 concerts, two-thirds of which are free, across the heart of downtown Montreal. Presented by TD Bank Group in collaboration with Rio Tinto, the Guinness World Records-recognized largest jazz festival on the planet delivers a 2026 program that balances deep historical reverence with genuine contemporary discovery. Director of Programming Maurin Auxéméry frames it well: “Across its many branches, we celebrate the genre’s pivotal moments and living legacy, while introducing the artists shaping its future.”
The centennial birthdays of Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Tony Bennett, all born in 1926, anchor some of the festival’s most anticipated ticketed events. Marcus Miller, Davis’s final musical director, leads “We Want Miles” at the Maison Symphonique. Isaiah Collier performs ‘A Love Supreme’ in its entirety at Théâtre Jean-Duceppe. John Pizzarelli honors Tony Bennett at Théâtre Maisonneuve. DJ Jazzy Jeff celebrates the 20th anniversary of J Dilla’s ‘Donuts’ with the Montréal Loves Dilla collective at Club Soda, and UZEB marks their 50th anniversary with the premiere of a new documentary and live performances at Le Gesù.
Free programming on the TD Stage brings international draw with Patrick Watson, Willow, Saint Levant, and Angine de Poitrine, while rising stars Mohini Dey, Annahstasia, and Destin Conrad represent the next generation of the form. Main stage highlights include Larkin Poe making their FIJM debut, The Barr Brothers performing from their latest album ‘Let It Hiss’, KOKOROKO, Smino, and Naïka. DOMi and JD Beck return to MTELUS three years after opening for Herbie Hancock, the Louis Cole Big Band brings viral future-sonic-funk to the Rogers Stage, and Christian McBride and Julian Lage pair up at Théâtre Maisonneuve. Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind and Fire will have the Bell Centre on its feet.
TD Bank Group Chair for Quebec Abe Adham puts the festival’s cultural significance plainly: “Every summer, this iconic event transforms the city into a vast open-air stage, bringing together emerging artists, renowned jazz figures, and audiences from all walks of life.” Ten days, 350-plus concerts, and a city that becomes the global meeting point for jazz lovers worldwide. June 25 through July 4 at Festival International de Jazz de Montréal.