TD Halifax Jazz Festival 2026 | Event Information & Guide
Whether you are a fan of the jazz genre or simply enjoy a lively music festival atmosphere, the TD Halifax Jazz Festival is one event you don’t want to miss when visiting Halifax in the summer. From participating venues to the exciting lineups of musical performances, discover everything you need to know about the 2026 Halifax Jazz Festival in this event guide.
Don’t forget to book your room at Cameo Suites – the best place to stay for the event.
TD Halifax Jazz Festival 2026: General Information
Started in 1987, the TD Halifax Jazz Festival is the oldest jazz festival in Atlantic Canada and has grown into one of the largest summer festivals in Halifax, attracting more than 65,000 visitors, 400 volunteers, and over 350 local musicians each year.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the event and is poised to be bigger and better than ever, with an exciting lineup of musical performances, free concerts, and complementary attractions and activities.
Designated as a Hallmark Event by the Halifax Regional Municipality, the festival brings internationally recognized performers to the city while continuing to support local Nova Scotian talent and emerging artists.
Event Dates
The Halifax Jazz Festival is a six-day event traditionally held every July. This year, the 40th annual TD Halifax Jazz Festival will run from July 7 to 12, 2026.
- Dates: July 7–12, 2026
Locations
Participating venues can be found throughout downtown Halifax and along the waterfront. The Halifax Jazz Festival features a mix of outdoor stages and indoor venues across the city.
- TD Main Stage (19+) – Halifax Waterfront (Salter Lot)
Indoor City Stage venues include:
- Joseph Strug Concert Hall
- The Carleton
- Marquee Ballroom
The TD Main Stage hosts nightly headlining performances, while City Stages offer a more intimate concert experience across multiple venues.
Ticket Prices
Tickets to the festival's official concert stages can be purchased through their TIXR portal. Single show tickets are available for each of the festival's headlining performers. However, the best way to experience the event is with a festival pass, which includes access to all shows throughout the six-day event.
Full festival passes for 2026 start at $175 plus taxes and fees, with additional pass tiers available depending on access and seating options.
Festival passes include:
- Guaranteed entry to all TD Main Stage shows
- Early entry (30 minutes before doors)
- Access to additional performances, subject to capacity
Individual tickets are also available for select shows.
Age Requirements
Evening shows at the TD Main Stage are 19+ (ID required).
Passholders under 19 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, who must remain onsite and are responsible for supervision.
While the official main stage shows are designated 19+, there are also free and community events available for all ages throughout the festival.
TD Halifax Jazz Festival 2026 Schedule
The 2026 Halifax Jazz Festival features a diverse lineup of international acts, Canadian artists, and genre-spanning performances across multiple stages. Additional artists and performances may be announced closer to the event.
The festival also includes a significant amount of free programming throughout the week, with daytime performances and community events open to the public.
Featured Lineup
Some of the featured performers for 2026 include:
- Tower of Power – July 8
- Broken Social Scene – July 11
- Men I Trust – July 10
- Etran De L’Aïr – July 10
- Ari Hoenig – July 8
- The Mingus Project – July 9
- Elysia Biro – July 10
- Atlantic Jazz Collective ft. Norma Winstone – July 7
Special guests such as Luna Li and Loviet will also appear throughout the festival.
Jazz Labs
Jazz Labs are free and suitable for all ages, offering a behind-the-scenes look at making music through artist talks, master classes, and interactive concerts.
As part of the Halifax Jazz Festival’s Music Education Program, which includes the Creative Music Workshop, Jazz Labs take place throughout the year at various venues across Halifax.
Specific Jazz Lab events and locations are typically announced in advance and may occur both during the festival and at other times throughout the year.
Festival Programming
In addition to its headline performances, the TD Halifax Jazz Festival offers a full schedule of events throughout the week across its main stage and city venues.
Each day typically builds from daytime programming into evening performances, with free concerts and community events taking place earlier in the day, followed by ticketed shows at indoor venues and nightly headliners on the TD Main Stage.
Programming is spread across multiple venues, including the Joseph Strug Concert Hall, The Carleton, and the Marquee Ballroom, allowing attendees to move between larger performances and more intimate shows throughout the festival.
Where to Stay for the Halifax Jazz Festival 2026
Check out Cameo Suites if you are looking for a convenient place to stay for the Halifax Jazz Festival. Located within walking distance of all stages and participating venues, our charming hotel is among the best accommodations in Halifax for immersing in all the festivities of the biggest Atlantic jazz festival. But be sure to reserve your room now, as we are sure to book up quickly as the anticipated festival dates approach.
Don't forget to check out other upcoming events in Halifax with our complete festival guide.