Monterey Jazz Festival Announces 69th Annual Lineup

Herbie Hancock, Wynton Marsalis, and more set to perform at the iconic California festival.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:35am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of shimmering gold sequins and glittering disco ball fragments, capturing the glamour and energy of a jazz music festival.The 69th annual Monterey Jazz Festival will bring world-class performances and a celebratory atmosphere to the California coast.Monterey Today

The Monterey Jazz Festival has unveiled the lineup for its 69th annual event, set to take place from September 25-27, 2026 at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center. The festival will feature performances by jazz legends Herbie Hancock, Wynton Marsalis, and Ravi Coltrane, as well as rising stars like Christone "Kingfish" Ingram and Cécile McLorin Salvant. Ticket packages will go on sale this Friday, April 10.

Why it matters

The Monterey Jazz Festival is the longest continuously operating jazz festival in the world, drawing music fans from around the globe to the California coast each year. The 2026 lineup celebrates the centennials of jazz icons Miles Davis and John Coltrane, cementing Monterey's status as a premier destination for discovering both established and up-and-coming talent in the genre.

The details

In addition to Hancock and Marsalis, the 2026 festival will feature the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, the Charles Lloyd Quartet, and a joint performance by Christone "Kingfish" Ingram and Shemekia Copeland. The program will also include multiple sets by Artist-in-Residence Ambrose Akinmusire, weekend jam sessions honoring bassist Ray Drummond, and appearances by spoken word artists aja monet, Reggie Watts, and Amy Tan.

  • Ticket packages will go on sale on Friday, April 10 at 10:00 a.m. PST.
  • The 69th annual Monterey Jazz Festival will take place from September 25-27, 2026.

The players

Herbie Hancock

Legendary jazz pianist and composer who will perform in a duo appearance with Ron Carter at the festival.

Wynton Marsalis

Acclaimed trumpeter and bandleader who will perform with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.

Ravi Coltrane

Saxophonist and son of jazz icon John Coltrane, who will be featured in the festival's centennial celebrations.

Christone "Kingfish" Ingram

Rising blues guitarist who will perform a joint set with Shemekia Copeland.

Cécile McLorin Salvant

Grammy-winning jazz vocalist who will take the stage at the 2026 Monterey Jazz Festival.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're thrilled to welcome back so many legendary artists and rising stars to the Monterey stage this year. This lineup truly celebrates the past, present, and future of jazz.”

— Tim Jackson, Artistic Director, Monterey Jazz Festival

What’s next

Ticket packages for the 69th annual Monterey Jazz Festival will go on sale this Friday, April 10 at 10:00 a.m. PST through the festival's website and by phone. Single-day tickets will be available starting on May 10.

The takeaway

The 2026 Monterey Jazz Festival promises to be a landmark celebration of the genre, honoring jazz icons while also shining a spotlight on the next generation of talent. Music fans won't want to miss this iconic event on the California coast.