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 first artist announcement has just been made for the 2026 program, with the red-hot line-up set to include:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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