Montreal Jazz Fest Opens 46th Edition With 350+ Performances
The Festival International de Jazz de Montréal runs 10 days through July 4 in the Quartier des spectacles, with roughly two-thirds of shows free across multiple outdoor and indoor stages.
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The 46th edition of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal kicked off Thursday, June 25, in the Quartier des spectacles, launching 10 days of concerts running through July 4.
Organizers say this year's festival will feature more than 350 performances, with roughly two-thirds of shows offered free of charge across multiple outdoor and indoor stages. The lineup blends established names with emerging talent, with opening day featuring a multidisciplinary performance by Kid Koala combining live music, puppetry, miniature sets, and real-time filming and projection on stage.
Free concerts on the festival's main outdoor stage will draw crowds downtown with performances expected from artists including Patrick Watson, Angine de Poitrine, Willow, and Saint Levant.
This year's edition also marks the centenaries of Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Tony Bennett, with tribute performances scheduled across multiple venues. The festival will also recognize milestones tied to UZEB and J Dilla, highlighting key figures in jazz and contemporary music history.
The 2026 edition will run over 10 days, featuring a mix of free outdoor concerts, club shows, and indoor performances across Montreal's downtown core. Organizers say the festival continues to balance tradition and contemporary music styles while showcasing international and local artists.