Denver Jazz Fest Announces Jam-Packed 2026 Lineup

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The Denver Jazz Fest is returning for its second year from April 7-12, 2026, with a packed schedule of 40 shows across 15 venues in Denver and Boulder. The festival will feature national headliners like Branford Marsalis and Bob James, as well as a special Miles Davis centennial tribute directed by John Beasley. Organizers are positioning the festival as a way to honor Denver's jazz legacy while also bringing in fresh talent and drawing new listeners to the genre.

Why it matters

The Denver Jazz Fest aims to fill a void left by the discontinuation of the long-running Five Points Jazz Festival, which previously served as a free, large-scale anchor event for the city's jazz scene. The new multi-venue setup allows the festival to showcase a diverse range of jazz styles while also honoring Denver's rich jazz history and culture.

The details

The Denver Jazz Fest will run from April 7-12, 2026, with 40 shows across 15 venues in Denver and Boulder. Top-billed events include 'An Evening with Bob James,' the pianist's first Denver appearance in roughly 40 years, and 'Unlimited Miles: Miles at 100,' a Miles Davis centennial program directed by John Beasley. The broader lineup features acts like the Branford Marsalis Quartet, Jose James, Dominic Lalli and the Blue Bird Quintet, and up-and-coming local talent.

• The Denver Jazz Fest will run from April 7-12, 2026.
• The festival will feature 40 shows across 15 venues in Denver and Boulder.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Tickets for the 2026 Denver Jazz Fest are on sale now, with pricing, dates, and box-office details available on the festival website. The festival's membership program offers early access to select shows and reserved seating.