Perth International Jazz Festival 2026

The Perth International Jazz Festival 2026 returns to Western Australia from 22 October to 1 November 2026, bringing an exciting program of Australian and international jazz artists to venues across Perth. Established in 2012, the festival has developed a strong focus on presenting inspiring jazz music while connecting local audiences with musicians from Australia and around the world.

A Celebration of Jazz in Perth

The Perth International Jazz Festival is designed as a citywide celebration rather than a single-venue event. The 2026 festival will feature performances throughout the Perth CBD, Hyde Park, Subiaco and other locations around Perth. The program combines ticketed performances with free community events, giving audiences different ways to experience jazz across the city.

The festival's 2026 program includes internationally recognised artists and ensembles representing a wide variety of contemporary jazz styles. Confirmed artists include Rebirth Brass Band, Kris Davis Trio, BIGYUKI, The Bad Plus, Tigran Hamasyan, Japan Jazz Nights, Belle Chen, Olivia Chindamo and Matthew Sheens, Jon Hunt with WAAPA and Ray Walker Nonet, Nik West, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and AZIZA featuring Dave Holland, Chris Potter, Lionel Loueke and Eric Harland.

International and Australian Artists

One of the defining features of PIJF is its combination of international performers with Australia's established and emerging jazz community. Audiences can expect a diverse musical program covering traditional jazz, contemporary jazz, soul, funk, brass, Latin influences, improvisation and other modern approaches to the genre.

The festival provides opportunities for audiences to experience internationally touring artists while also giving Western Australian musicians a platform. Collaborations involving WAAPA and local performers form part of the broader program, helping connect Perth's jazz community with visiting musicians.

Festival Launch at Brookfield Place

A major lead-up event is the 2026 PIJF Launch at Brookfield Place, scheduled for Saturday 10 October 2026. The free, ticketed event runs from approximately 4pm until midnight and takes over the Brookfield Place precinct in Perth's CBD.

Music will spread across different spaces and hospitality venues throughout the precinct, creating a festival atmosphere where visitors can move between performances. The launch program includes the WAAPA Jazz Vocal Ensemble, WAAPA Fusion Ensemble, Will Chiew Combo and Shameem, alongside performances across other Brookfield Place venues.

Major Festival Performances

The main festival program begins on 22 October with performances including Rebirth Brass Band, while subsequent days feature artists such as Kris Davis Trio, BIGYUKI and The Bad Plus. Other highlights include Tigran Hamasyan, Japan Jazz Nights, Belle Chen, Olivia Chindamo and Matthew Sheens, and further Australian collaborations.

The festival concludes on 1 November with AZIZA, featuring Dave Holland, Chris Potter, Lionel Loueke and Eric Harland, at His Majesty's Theatre in Perth. The quartet brings together internationally recognised musicians whose repertoire incorporates contemporary jazz alongside African, Caribbean and jazz-rock influences.

Discover Jazz Across Perth

PIJF encourages audiences to experience Perth through music. Different performances take place in theatres, clubs, public spaces, hospitality venues and other locations. This approach allows visitors to create their own festival experience while discovering different parts of the city.

The festival program also includes community-focused events. Free performances and accessible activities form an important part of PIJF's broader goal of introducing jazz to wider audiences and making live music available to the Perth community.

Sustainability and Community

The Perth International Jazz Festival also places emphasis on sustainability. The festival has highlighted initiatives including the use of recycled paper for printed programs and water refill stations. These initiatives form part of its effort to reduce environmental impact while delivering a large-scale cultural event.

PIJF also promotes safe workplaces in the performing arts and has adopted the We Have Voice Code of Conduct to promote safer workplaces within the industry.

Experience Perth Through Jazz

Whether you are a dedicated jazz enthusiast, a live-music fan or simply looking for something different to experience in Perth, the Perth International Jazz Festival offers a broad program throughout the city. With international headliners, Australian performers, emerging artists, community events and multiple venues, the 2026 edition provides many opportunities to discover different styles and expressions of jazz.

From intimate club performances to major theatre concerts and free outdoor celebrations, Perth becomes a meeting place for musicians and audiences from Australia and around the world. The 2026 festival runs from 22 October through 1 November, creating an extended celebration of jazz across Perth and Western Australia.