Jersey City Jazz Festival Reveals 2026 Lineup
The free waterfront event at Exchange Place Plaza draws over 30,000 attendees annually
The Jersey City Jazz Festival will return in 2026 with its biggest event yet, inviting music fans of all ages to experience jazz from across the spectrum including straight-ahead, Latin jazz and more throughout an unforgettable three-day celebration. Presented by Exchange Place Alliance, the free event runs from Friday evening, May 29 through Sunday, May 31 along the Hudson River waterfront at Exchange Place Plaza, offering sweeping views of lower Manhattan. Designed to welcome both locals and visitors, the Jersey City Jazz Festival continues to grow as a destination event that's easy to reach via PATH train and Hudson-Bergen Light Rail for a day trip or a full weekend immersed in live music, culture and community.
Drawing more than 30,000 attendees annually, this year's event will bring the Jersey City Jazz Festival together with the Jersey City Latin Jazz Festival for the very first time and extend the music into a three-day experience that reflects the full spectrum of jazz.
Performances will take place across multiple stages, creating a dynamic, open atmosphere where audiences can move freely between styles, sounds and spontaneous musical moments. Known as a true “musician's hang", the festival fosters an environment where artists connect, collaborate and celebrate their craft in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
Beyond the music, attendees can explore a curated artisan marketplace, enjoy a wide selection of food trucks and take part in the Community Zone, which features free activities for children along with interactive dance classes for all ages.
This year's lineup brings together acclaimed international performers, standout New York City talent and rising voices shaping the future of jazz:
Andromeda Turre
Alex Wagner & Alex DeLazzari Quintet
Bobby Sanabria & Ascension
Charlie Sigler Organ Band
Chembo Corniel Quintet
Chicha Libre
Dave Kikoski Quartet featuring Billy Hart, Steve Nelson, & Joe Martin
Honk NYC!
Hyeseon Hong Jazz Orchestra
Joe Lovano “Trio Tapestry” featuring Marilyn Crispell & Carmen Castaldi
John Benitez and Revolution
Melvis Santa & Jazz Orishas
Moses Patrou
Nate Smith
Nelson Gonzalez
Saha Gnawa
The Eddie Palmieri Experience feat. special guests Conrad Herwig, Jimmy Bosch, and Zaccai Curtis presented by Louis Fouché & Luques Curtis
The Roy Hargrove Band
Tim Berne 6
Winard Harper & Jeli Posse
Riverview Jazz All-Stars
NJCU Jazz Combo
UCMP's Latin Jazz Ensemble
Leading up to the main event, a pre-festival Jazz Week offers a series of ticketed performances across Jersey City venues, providing an intimate prelude to the waterfront celebration, including:
May 26
Emily Braden at The Junto
Tim Berne 4 at Pet Shop
Nobuki Takamen Trio at 87 Sussex
May 27
Champian Fulton at The Junto
Ian Kenselaar Jam Session at Pet Shop
LaMP and Beninghove's Hangmen at White Eagle Hall
Seg March & Live in the Garden Jam at Sip Studios Presents
May 28
Brooklyn Circle at Pet Shop
Lezlie Harrison at The Junto
Swingadelic at Brennan Courthouse
Edmar Castaneda at The Statuary
Open to the public at no cost, the Jersey City Jazz Festival continues its mission of accessibility while offering options for those seeking enhanced experiences. Limited VIP packages are currently available, which include premium reserved seating, a private lounge, access to Jazz Alley, dedicated restrooms and an exclusive tote filled with festival merchandise and essentials for $200. Jazz Alley passes are also available, offering entry to a dedicated stage and bar area with additional performances (click HERE for Jazz Alley schedule). Pricing is $50 for a single day or $95 for the full weekend. To purchase a VIP package or Jazz Alley pass, please click HERE.
Videos