Sax in the city? Yes, please. The Melbourne International Jazz Festival (MIJF) returns from October 16–25, bringing world-class jazz to venues across the city. Since 1998, MIJF has championed contemporary jazz – from cutting-edge improvisers to legendary names – with more than a third of performances free to attend.
The 2026 program has been just updated and includes these acclaimed jazz artists:
The Teskey Brothers: Sidney Myer Music Bowl, October 17
Beloved Australian band The Teskey Brothers will headline the MIJF launch with a special tenth anniversary performance of their breakthrough album Half Mile Harvest, bringing their signature blend of soul, blues and vintage sounds to the stage. Returning to their Melbourne roots, the band will perform the album in full, plus favourites spanning the band’s acclaimed catalogue. Joining them will be trombonist legend Fred Wesley backed by The New JBs, plus ARIA Award-winning artist Emily Wurramara.
Rebirth Brass Band: 170 Russell, October 18
Bringing the unmistakable spirit of New Orleans to Melbourne, Grammy Award-winning Rebirth Brass Band will make their Australian debut at MIJF. Hailed as a “New Orleans institution” by The New York Times, the band blends second-line rhythms with jazz, funk, soul and R&B for a high-energy sound that gets crowds moving. From the streets of the French Quarter to stages around the world, Rebirth Brass Band has become a defining force in New Orleans music, delivering joyful, brass-powered performances for more than three decades.
Kris Davis Trio: The Jazz Lab, October 19 & 20
Pianist Kris Davis leads a trio featuring bassist Robert Hurst and drummer Johnathan Blake across two nights. A leading figure in contemporary jazz, Davis is known for her complex harmonic language and fluid approach to form. At The Jazz Lab, expect tightly woven dialogue and moments of exploratory playing.
The Bad Plus: Melbourne Recital Centre, October 21
Boundary-pushing collective The Bad Plus return for their final Australian appearance on their farewell tour. For over two decades they’ve redefined modern jazz with angular rhythms, dynamic interplay and a rock-informed edge. This performance marks the closing chapter of their run defined by fearless reinvention and tight ensemble work.
Aja Monet: Max Watts, October 22
Brooklyn-born poet and musician Aja Monet brings her surrealist blues to Melbourne for the first time. Emerging from New York’s spoken-word scene, she weaves poetry, jazz and soul into a politically charged, emotional performance. Expect a set that feels both intimate and urgent with sharply observed storytelling at her Max Watts' performance.
Tigran Hamasyan: Melbourne Recital Centre, October 23
Armenian pianist and composer Tigran Hamasyan brings his genre-fusing sound back to MIJF with Manifeste. He blends jazz improvisation with progressive rock energy and Armenian folk motifs. At the Melbourne Recital Centre, expect a set that moves between structured composition and improvisation.
Dee Dee Bridgewater and Helen Sung: Hamer Hall, October 24
Three-time Grammy Award winner Dee Dee Bridgewater returns to Melbourne after a decade away. Renowned for her bold phrasing, scat flair and reinterpretations of the Great American Songbook, she joins pianist Helen Sung for an intimate duet performance. Sung, a Guggenheim Fellow, blends lyrical sensitivity with intricate harmonic ideas, moving fluidly between jazz and classical influences. At Hamer Hall, they promise an expressive set spanning Ellington, Sondheim and more, with plenty of improvisational dialogue.
Tomeka Reid Quartet: The JazzLab, October 24 & 25
Celebrated cellist, composer and bandleader Tomeka Reid brings her acclaimed quartet to The JazzLab for a special two-night residency. One of the most exciting voices in contemporary jazz, Reid blends classical traditions, African diaspora influences and adventurous improvisation into a sound that is entirely her own. Joining her are guitarist Mary Halvorson, bassist Jason Roebke and drummer Tomas Fujiwara, forming an ensemble known for their intuitive interplay and boundary-pushing performances.
Aziza: Hamer Hall, October 25
The Melbourne International Jazz Festival will close in spectacular fashion with modern jazz supergroup Aziza to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their acclaimed debut album. Featuring four giants of contemporary jazz – bassist Dave Holland, saxophonist Chris Potter, guitarist Lionel Loueke and drummer Eric Harland – the quartet brings together decades of experience, extraordinary musicianship and a shared passion for musical exploration. It’s a fitting finale to a festival celebrating jazz’s endless possibilities.
With more announcements still to come, MIJF 2026 is shaping up as a wide-ranging celebration of global jazz and improv. Get your tickets now via the website.
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