Thirty-five years ago, a small jazz festival took root in the heart of Winnipeg’s Exchange District. This June, that same festival welcomes 50 artists from eight countries, transforms downtown into a six-day live music hub, and invites the entire city to groove together — many events completely free of charge.

By Maplestime Events Desk | Winnipeg, Manitoba | May 22, 2026

Key Takeaways

• The TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival runs June 16 to 21, 2026 in the Exchange District
• This year marks the festival’s 35th anniversary under the theme “Groove Together”
• 50 artists from 8 countries including Canada, USA, France, Denmark, Iceland, and Spain
• Headliners include Miles Electric Band, Jason Marsalis, Molly Johnson, and Soul Supreme
• Old Market Square performances are FREE — the largest free music event in Winnipeg
• The Fort Garry Hotel hosts the International Jazz Showcase — bundle 3 shows for 25% off

Winnipeg Is About to Swing — Here Is Why Jazz Fest 2026 Is Special

Winnipeg is set to swing, sway, and celebrate this summer as Jazz Winnipeg officially unveils the full lineup for the 2026 TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival. Running from June 16 to 21, the festival marks its 35th anniversary with an ambitious, citywide program built around this year’s theme: Groove Together.

Thirty-five years is a milestone worth celebrating — and Jazz Winnipeg is not holding back. This is not just another summer music festival. It is six days of world-class performances, free outdoor concerts, intimate late-night shows, and the kind of community energy that reminds you why Winnipeg punches well above its weight on the Canadian arts scene.

As the city’s largest music event, the festival transforms the heart of downtown’s historic Exchange District into a vibrant hub of live music, drawing tens of thousands of festival-goers each year.

The 2026 Lineup — 50 Artists, 8 Countries, Something for Everyone

Featuring 50 artists from eight countries, Jazz Winnipeg’s 35th festival remains a place to discover and celebrate a rich, diverse tapestry of music. From fiery Latin rhythms to swinging standards and sophisticated sounds, this year’s festival shines a spotlight on the myriad styles and histories that shape jazz as a unique art form.

The Headliners You Do Not Want to Miss

Miles Electric Band — A tribute to one of the most influential musicians in jazz history. Miles Davis’s electric era reinvented jazz in the late 1960s and 1970s, and this ensemble brings that groundbreaking sound back to life with full force.

Jason Marsalis — Running from June 16 to 21, this year’s festival promises an impressive lineup of internationally acclaimed artists, including Jason Marsalis. A member of the legendary Marsalis family and a virtuosic vibraphonist and drummer, Jason brings deep jazz tradition and genuine innovation to the same stage.

Molly Johnson — One of Canada’s most celebrated jazz and soul vocalists. If you have never heard Molly Johnson perform live, this is your moment. Her voice is the kind that stays with you long after the music stops.

Soul Supreme Live in Concert: A D’Angelo Tribute — Soul Supreme Live in Concert: A D’Angelo Tribute joins the previously announced headlining artists Miles Electric Band and Jason Marsalis. D’Angelo’s neo-soul catalogue gets the full live treatment — expect a room that cannot stop moving.

The International Artists Bringing the World to Winnipeg

Performances range from the pop-jazz stylings of Elysia Biro to the progressive jazz rock of Iceland’s ADHD, alongside appearances by The Ostara Project and the duo of Albert Marquès and Rachel Therrien.

Artists are coming from France, Denmark, Iceland, Spain, Australia, and across North America. The Riebel, Tedesco, McGill Trio at the West End Cultural Centre on June 18 blends jazz with global influences and contemporary songwriting. This trio is an offshoot of a very well-known group called The Cat Empire, coming from Australia to Vancouver and playing dates across Canada after that. Their music draws on flamenco, Latin rhythms, and pop sensibilities, creating a sound that is both accessible and adventurous.

Old Market Square — The Free Heart of the Festival

Here is the most important thing for Winnipeggers who are watching their budget: you do not need to spend a single dollar to have an incredible Jazz Fest experience.

Each year, the free program at Old Market Square attracts thousands of attendees from across the province. At the heart of it all is The Cube — a vibrant, open-air hub where the city comes together for an unforgettable celebration of live music. Night after night, audiences gather to experience an eclectic lineup of local, national, and international artists, transforming downtown Winnipeg into a high-energy, community-centred party. As the largest free music event in the city, it is a cornerstone of the festival — welcoming everyone to discover something new, dance in the square, and be part of the sound of summer.

Bring a blanket. Bring your friends. Bring the kids. Old Market Square during Jazz Fest is one of the best free experiences Winnipeg offers all year.

The Fort Garry Hotel International Showcase — For the Serious Jazz Fan

If you want to go deeper into the festival’s global programming, the Fort Garry Hotel is your destination.

The International Jazz Showcase at the Fort Garry Hotel offers a deep dive into cutting-edge global jazz with eight performances over four days — a hub of discovery and late-night energy. Bundle any three shows from the global lineup and unlock 25% off your tickets.

Artists from Iceland, France, Denmark, and Spain take the intimate Fort Garry stage for performances that are genuinely unlike anything else available in Winnipeg. This is where the adventurous listener discovers their next favourite artist.

The Full Artist Lineup at a Glance

The 2026 TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival lineup includes UMO Jazz Orchestra, Stephane Wrembel, Winnipeg Swing Project, Danny Carroll, Molly Johnson, SHEBAD, Bluebloods, CJ the Grey, Vox Populi, Salin, Sir Luc and The Dukes, Casimiro Nhussi, Dr. Henry Band, Djabe, Charley Rose, Fractures, ADHD, Elysia Biro, Riebl Tedesco McGill, Jason Marsalis, Curubandé All Star, Son D’Arranke, Papa Mambo, Diogo Peixoto, Albert Marquès, Rachel Therrien, The Ostara Project, Jean-Michel Pilc, Kristin Korb, Mary Ancheta, Miles Electric Band, Irvin Miller, Blue Noise Band, and DB and The Deadbeats, among many others.

Everything You Need Before You Go

Dates: June 16 to 21, 2026

Location: Exchange District, Winnipeg — Old Market Square, Fort Garry Hotel, West End Cultural Centre, and venues throughout downtown

Free events: Old Market Square — nightly, no tickets required

Paid shows: Fort Garry Hotel International Jazz Showcase — bundle 3 shows for 25% off

Tickets: jazzwinnipeg.com

Theme:Groove Together — 35th anniversary edition

Are you heading to Jazz Fest this June? Which act are you most excited to see? Tell us in the comments and share this with your Winnipeg friends who love live music.