Tucson, AZ — The Tucson Jazz Festival returns January 16–24, 2026, with nine days of world-class performances and a citywide celebration. Sergio Mendoza and Friends open the festival at the Rialto Theatre alongside the Tucson Latin Jazz Orchestra featuring Justo Almario, a vibrant showcase of Tucson’s Latin and salsa jazz roots. For tickets and additional information visit http://www.tucsonjazzfestival.org/ or download the Tucson Jazz Festival app.
This year’s lineup also includes a landmark debut: the Hamilton de Holanda Trio inaugurates the new Paul & Alice Baker Center for Public Media at AZPM, offering a rare chance to hear Brazilian mandolin brilliance in a stunning new venue. Tickets for this debut concert—and for intimate Century Room shows—are expected to sell out quickly. Other festival venues include the new La Rosa in midtown, as well as the Fox Tucson Theatre, the Rialto, and Hotel Congress downtown.
The festival also features powerhouse performances: Cory Wong energizes the Fox Tucson Theatre with his funk-fusion energy; Dee Dee Bridgewater with Bill Charlap deliver a rare duo of GRAMMY® and Tony Award-winning masters; Emmet Cohen’s Miles and Coltrane at 100 honors two jazz legends; and Kirk Whalum’s Songs of Change blends jazz, gospel, and R&B in a stirring tribute to unity and resilience.
“This year’s festival is not only a tribute to Tucson’s rich musical roots and nod to early jazz icons, but it is also a step in exploring artists that are paving the way to the future. If you cherish community, artistry, and unforgettable live moments, these performances are not to be missed.”
— Khris Dodge, Executive & Artistic Director, Tucson Jazz Festival
The Tucson Jazz Festival isn’t just about music—it’s about belonging to a moment. For long-standing concertgoers, it offers evenings of sophistication and artistry, where each performance feels like a shared gift. For those who crave elevated experiences, Tucson’s historic theaters and new world-class venues provide the perfect backdrop for a night of dining, discovery, and unforgettable music.
For jazz lovers, the lineup unites icons and innovators who carry the spirit of the genre forward while honoring its deepest roots. For first-time attendees, the festival opens its doors wide—bringing unforgettable performances and connecting audiences with the heart of the city.
The Tucson Jazz Festival is more than a week of concerts. It’s a city-wide celebration where cultures meet, audiences connect, and music transforms. Whether you’re a lifelong jazz aficionado or simply searching for an extraordinary night out, this festival welcomes everyone into Tucson’s most vibrant winter tradition.
2026 Tucson Jazz Festival Concert Artists
Cory Wong
Dee Dee Bridgewater with Bill Charlap
Emmet Cohen Presents: Miles and Coltrane at 100
Sergio Mendoza & Friends | Tucson Latin Jazz Orchestra Featuring Justo Almario, Luis Torres-Conductor/Arranger
Kirk Whalum Songs of Change
Gerald Clayton Quartet | Sullivan Fortner Trio
Cuba Meets Brazil featuring Chuchito Valdes & Diego Figueiredo
Anat Cohen Quartetinho | Joe Farnsworth Big Room Quartet
Hamilton De Holanda Trio
ELEW Plays Sting | Jenny Scheinman's All Species Parade
Zona Libre Ep Release Party | Jeremy Pelt with UA Studio Jazz Ensemble
Terrel Safford Trio | Jonathon Pinson | Braxton Cook Quartet
About the Tucson Jazz Festival
Presented by HSL Properties, The Tucson Jazz Festival’s mission is to influence the discovery and celebration of live jazz performance and music education through community engagement anchored by a world‑class jazz festival in downtown Tucson. Since 2015, the festival has woven together international artists, rising stars, and Tucson’s vibrant cultural roots—bringing unforgettable performances, educational outreach, and artistic connection to the heart of the city. For additional information visit http://www.tucsonjazzfestival.org/. Artist photos and bios available upon request.
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