Chicago is proud to be the official host city of International Jazz Day 2026, a global celebration that honors jazz and its unique power to unite people around the world.
This year’s celebration will spotlight Chicago’s legendary role in the evolution of jazz. Known as the birthplace of modern jazz innovation, Chicago has fostered some of the genre’s most influential artists, including Louis Armstrong, Nat King Cole, Herbie Hancock, Sun Ra, and more.
Jazz Day in Chicago
International Jazz Day 2026 will include a month-long series of concerts, programs, and community events across Chicago. Explore some of the exciting upcoming events this spring and dive deeper into Chicago’s historic jazz scene.
International Jazz Day 2026 in Chicago
At the heart of International Jazz Day 2026 is the 15th Anniversary All-Star Global Concert, the largest and most ambitious in Jazz Day history.
The genre-spanning lineup will include more than 40 artists from Chicago and across the globe, blending jazz, blues, classical, hip-hop, and global music traditions with artistic direction by Herbie Hancock and Kurt Elling.
Performing artists include Melissa Aldana, John Beasley, Terence Blanchard, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Till Brönner, Terri Lyne Carrington, James Carter, Jacob Collier, Béla Fleck, Renée Fleming, James Genus, Robert Glasper, Christian McBride, Marcus Miller, Gregory Porter, Dianne Reeves, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Bobby Watson, and Lizz Wright, among many others, including Chicagoans Bobby Broom, Ernest Dawkins, Marquis Hill, Joel Ross, and Jahari Stampley.
Learn more about the All-Star Global Concert and more can’t-miss events happening throughout the month in honor of International Jazz Day.
International Jazz Day 2026 event schedule
Jazz in the Chi Public Concert
April 25, 2026
Whitney M. Young Magnet High School
Join in a day of learning and community building at this concert featuring local jazz musicians, presented by the Jazz Institute of Chicago.
At the Forum – The Bronzeville Roots of Chicago Jazz
April 25, 2026
The Forum Cafe
Explore Chicago’s historic Bronzeville neighborhood as a living jazz museum, via free public walking tours, a jazz heritage bus tour, performances, and conversations centered around a landmark cultural space.
Tangible Sound: Arrival to a Higher Ground
Opens April 25, 2026
Chicago Cultural Center
This immersive exhibition translates the energy of Chicago’s improvised music scene into color, movement, and visual form.
Our Jazz Life: A Celebration of the History of Jazz Radio in Chicago
April 26, 2026
Chicago Cultural Center
This panel discussion will focus on the eras and decades of jazz radio in Chicago, featuring audio recordings, guest testimonials, photos and more.
Celebrating International Jazz Day with John Clayton and Steve Wilson
April 26, 2026
Ravinia Festival
Attend this free concert with John Clayton and Steve Wilson, featuring alumni from Ravinia’s Steans Institute and the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz.
Chicago Jazz Philharmonic presents Sketches of Spain: Revisited
April 27, 2026
Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts
The Chicago Jazz Philharmonic will honor Miles Davis’s centennial birthday with this orchestral reimagining of the 1960 classic recording.
Jazz Club Tour Experience
April 27, 2026
Citywide
Hop on a luxury coach bus and visit jazz clubs and venues all over the city, showcasing some of the city’s most beloved and historic spots.
BIRDMAN LIVE, performed by Antonio Sánchez
April 27, 2026
Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts
Grammy-winning composer Antonio Sánchez will present a special live-score screening of the Oscar-winning film BIRDMAN, starring Michael Keaton.
Tulips & Trumpets: A Mile Full of Jazz
April 28, 2026
The Shops at North Bridge
This event will bring live performances to The Shops at North Bridge, creating a vibrant gathering place in the heart of North Michigan Avenue.
A South Side Celebration of Chicago Jazz
April 28, 2026
Compassion Baptist Church
A part of the Neighborhood Jazz night, this evening event will feature a panel discussion and performances from the South Side Jazz Coalition.
World Premiere: “Fannie Lou Hamer: No One Could Contain Her”
April 28, 2026
Hamilton Park Cultural Center
A part of the Neighborhood Jazz night, this world premiere performance composed by Ernest Dawkins will feature the Live the Spirit Residency Big Band.
International Jazz Day 2026 All-Star Global Concert
April 30, 2026
Lyric Opera of Chicago
With artistic direction by Herbie Hancock and Kurt Elling, this blockbuster concert is the centerpiece of International Jazz Day 2026 in Chicago and will feature a record number of acclaimed artists from around the world.
Isaiah Collier: ‘In Tribute to the Classics of John Coltrane’
May 1, 2026
Logan Center for the Arts
With his band, The Chosen Few, Isaiah Collier channels the spirit of John Coltrane’s legendary quartets for a powerful performance on the city’s South Side.
Mike Reed’s Chicago Inspirations
May 1, 2026
Symphony Center
This evening concert will honor the legacy of jazz in Chicago, featuring a collection of songs composed in the city and a tribute to Chicago bassist Fred Hopkins and his deep influence on avant-garde jazz.
Check out the full schedule of International Jazz Day events.
What is International Jazz Day?
International Jazz Day was initiated in 2011 by Chicago native and jazz legend Herbie Hancock.
Today, International Jazz Day is celebrated annually in more than 190 countries and recognized on the official calendars of the United Nations and UNESCO.
This year’s celebration in Chicago will be the most expansive program in the event’s 15-year history. It also marks the return of the global celebration to the United States after a decade abroad.
When is International Jazz Day?
International Jazz Day is celebrated globally on April 30, though Chicago will host concerts and events throughout the month. Many of the featured events will take place from Saturday, April 25 to Saturday, May 2, 2026. The celebration culminates in an All-Star Global Concert on Thursday, April 30, broadcast live worldwide from the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
The event is supported by the Chicago Jazz Alliance, the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, and UNESCO.
This year’s International Jazz Day aligns with America 250, a nationwide celebration of the country’s 250th anniversary — creating a truly once-in-a-generation cultural milestone.
Explore more: Immerse yourself in Chicago’s historic jazz scene, from legendary venues to the iconic Chicago Jazz Festival.
