Chicago Gets Set to Take in the 2026 Chicago Jazz Festival
Following Chicago’s Global Recognition as International Jazz Day Host City, Four Days of Free Performances at Millennium Park Celebrate Chicago’s Legacy as a Jazz Capital
Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) have announced the lineup for the 2026 Chicago Jazz Festival, presented by Wells Fargo, taking place Thursday, September 3, through Sunday, September 6, at Millennium Park (201 E. Randolph Street). The beloved Labor Day weekend tradition returns with four days of free performances featuring internationally acclaimed artists, celebrated Chicago musicians and rising talent.
“Chicago’s jazz legacy continues to shape the sound of music around the world, and the Chicago Jazz Festival is a celebration of the creativity, artistry and cultural spirit that define our city,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “This annual tradition brings together residents and visitors for unforgettable performances while honoring the generations of musicians who have made Chicago a global destination for jazz.”
“The Chicago Jazz Festival remains one of the city’s most treasured cultural traditions, bringing together legendary artists, innovative performers and audiences from across the globe for an unforgettable Labor Day weekend experience,” said DCASE Commissioner. “After an incredible roster of citywide programming that reflected Chicago’s jazz legacy for International Jazz Day, this year’s lineup showcases the incredible depth and diversity of jazz while continuing Chicago’s proud tradition of presenting free world-class arts programming in the heart of downtown.”
Produced by DCASE and programmed in partnership with the Jazz Institute of Chicago (JIC) and the Chicago Jazz Festival Committee, the Chicago Jazz Festival continues its tradition as one of the world’s premier free jazz festivals, spotlighting the city’s rich musical heritage while showcasing the evolving landscape of jazz. As the longtime programming partner for the Chicago Jazz Festival since 1979, JIC collaborates with DCASE to present an exceptional lineup of international, national, local and emerging jazz artists while continuing to celebrate and preserve the city’s rich jazz legacy.
Said Heather Ireland Robinson, executive director of the Jazz Institute of Chicago, “We are proud to continue our longstanding partnership with DCASE to bring the Chicago Jazz Festival to audiences from across the city and around the world. This festival celebrates the extraordinary legacy of jazz in Chicago while creating space for innovation, discovery and the next generation of artists.”
The 2026 festival features an acclaimed slate of headliners at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, including Grammy Award-winning vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater performing with acclaimed pianist Bill Charlap on opening night, genre-defying pianist and producer Robert Glasper, M.E.B. (Miles Electric Band) celebrating the Miles Davis Centennial, and Grammy-winning clarinetist and saxophonist Paquito D’Rivera. Glasper will also kick off the festival on Thursday, September. 3, with a riveting “Music to Movies Scoring Master Class”.
Additional festival highlights include performances by Joel Ross Good Vibes; Dr. Emma Dayhuff Innovations & Lineage: The Chicago Project featuring Dee Alexander, Corey Wilkes, Isaiah Collier, Michael King, and Jonathan Pinson; Paul Marinaro’s “Mood Ellington”; Patricia Brennan Septet; Bethany Pickens Soulful Coalition and Isaiah Collier performing “COLLIER plays COLTRANE.” Festivalgoers can also enjoy the return of the WDCB Jazz Lounge, an intimate performance space featuring local jazz artists and emerging talent in a relaxed setting that celebrates Chicago’s vibrant jazz community.
As in previous years, outside alcohol is not allowed for the Chicago Jazz Festival, but alcohol may be purchased inside the venue. Before visiting, please be advised of other Prohibited Items at MillenniumPark.org. For Millennium Park safety and security information, visit the Plan Your Visit page of MillenniumPark.org.
The Chicago Jazz Festival programming is generously supported by the following sponsors: 90.9fm WDCB, Capital Vacations, Chicago Jazz Publishing, Chicago Public Media, Chicago Transit Authority, Chicago Jazz Magazine, DownBeat Magazine, Humana, Lloyd A. Fry Foundation, Millennium Garages and Millennium Park Foundation.
For full scheduled and additional performance details visit ChicagoJazzFestival.us and Chicago.gov/DCASE.
