NEWSLETTER
Rochester, N.Y. (June 8, 2026) — In less than two weeks, from June 19 to June 27, the 23rd Edition of the Rochester Regional Health Rochester International Jazz Festival presented by M&T Bank will bring world-class jazz artists from around the globe to downtown Rochester, filling 19 indoor and outdoor venues with live music.
Of the nine-day festival's more than 300 concerts, audiences can enjoy more than 110 free shows, jam sessions, and free jazz workshops.
"One of the things that makes this festival special is that so much of it is free and open to everyone," said Marc Iacona, Producer and Executive Director of the Rochester International Jazz Festival. "With more than 100 free concerts and events, we're able to bring world-class music directly to the community and create unforgettable experiences for both longtime fans and first-time visitors. These performances help create a cultural experience that is second to none, one that transforms our city into a vibrant gathering place where music, creativity, and community come together. We are deeply grateful to our sponsors and community partners whose support makes this commitment possible and helps ensure that great music remains accessible to all."
Free headliner performances will be presented on two of the festival's largest outdoor stages, the East & Chestnut stage and Wegmans Stage at Parcel 5, featuring Robert Cray Band on June 20; Tito Puente Jr. and Nestor Torres on June 24; Galactic on June 25; Ana Popovic on June 26; and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue on June 27. Headliner shows all start at 9 PM with opening acts beginning at 7 PM. Music fans are encouraged to arrive early.
Free Shows to be Presented on 8 Stages
No tickets are required for free shows. All shows go on rain or shine.
Wegmans Stage at Parcel 5 - two free shows nightly starting at 7 & 9 PM, Wednesday, June 24 through Saturday, June 27. This is an outdoor stage on the lawn. Patrons may bring a low-profile chair. Food and beverages are available for purchase
East & Chestnut Stage presented by the City of Rochester - June 20th only, two free shows at 7 & 9 PM. No tickets are required. This is an outdoor stage on Chestnut St. Patrons may bring low-profile chairs. Food and beverages are available for purchase.
City of Rochester Jazz Street Stage presented by the Community Foundation - 50+ free shows; shows run from 3:45-10:30 PM daily. This is an outdoor stage on Gibbs St. Some seating is provided. Patrons may bring low-profile chairs. Food and beverages available for purchase.
Wegmans Pavilion at Rochester Regional Health Rhythm Square - 36 shows, with three shows daily starting at 6:00, 7:45, and 9:30 PM. This is a tented stage with high-top and outdoor seating. Food and beverages are available for purchase.
Jazz Starts at the Library - Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County, with five shows from Noon to 1 PM Monday, June 22 through Friday, June 26. Held outdoors, weather permitting.
Jazz Workshops: Eastman School of Music, Ray Wright Room 120, 1-2:30 PM, Monday, June 22 to Friday, June 26, open to music students of all ages who want to learn how to improvise from musicians playing at the festival.
Jam Sessions: Hyatt Regency Rochester The Street Craft Kitchen & Bar, (lobby level) jam sessions nightly June 19-27 from 10:30 PM, no cover.
RIJF Celebrates Rochester's Jazz Talent
Every year, the festival showcases the depth and diversity of its hometown talent, featuring Rochester-based artists, as well as those who hail from the region and now perform around the world. This year, more than 80 groups performing throughout the festival are from the Rochester region.
These artists will take the stage across a wide range of venues, including Hatch Hall, the Inn on Broadway, Temple Theater, the City of Rochester Jazz Street Stage presented by The Community Foundation, Wegmans Pavilion, Wegmans Stage at Parcel 5, and the Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County. They will also lead our Jazz Workshops and lively jam sessions at the Hyatt Regency Rochester and Vanni’s at the Inn on Broadway.
A cornerstone of the festival’s programming is its 25-year partnership with the University of Rochester’s Eastman School of Music. Through this enduring collaboration, the festival proudly presents performances by students, alumni, and faculty from this prestigious, nationally renowned institution.
Supporting local artists has always been at the heart of this festival,” said Rochester native and Festival producer and executive director Marc Iacona. “From emerging talent to internationally recognized musicians who got their start here, we’re committed to giving Rochester artists a stage to be heard, celebrated, and connected to audiences at home and beyond.”
Patrons May Redeem Club Pass Tickets for Passes Starting June 15 at the Ticket Shop
Starting June 15, patrons who have purchased Club Pass tickets can come to the festival's Ticket Shop at the corner of Gibbs St. and East Ave to redeem them for Club Passes and lanyards. Tickets must be redeemed before attending any shows. The Ticket Shop is located at 100 East Avenue at the corner of East Avenue and Gibbs Street. It is open June 15 – 19, from noon to 5 p.m., and June 19 – 27, from noon to 9 p.m.
Headliner Tickets & Club Passes On Sale Now
One, three, and nine-day Club Passes and headliner tickets are on sale now at Rochesterjazz.com/tickets.
Headliners include GRAMMY-winning trumpeter Chris Botti on June 25, the "Empress of Soul” Gladys Knight on June 26, and the Legendary Count Basie Orchestra on June 27. All Shows are at 8 PM at Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre.
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About the Rochester International Jazz Festival
The Rochester Regional Health Rochester International Jazz Festival, presented by M&T Bank, is one of the largest jazz festivals in the United States and the largest in New York State, transforming downtown Rochester, NY, each June into a walkable celebration of world-class live music. Over nine days, more than 1,750 artists perform in more than 300 concerts across 19 venues – from iconic concert halls and intimate clubs to free outdoor stages. With legendary performers, rising stars, and global talent, the festival delivers an unmatched mix of jazz and creative music in a lively festival setting. The unique European-style format allows audiences to experience multiple shows each night, creating one of the most immersive and musically diverse jazz festival experiences in North America. The festival is produced by RIJF, LLC, a privately held company owned by Marc Iacona (Producer and Executive Director) and John Nugent (Producer and Artistic Director). Since its founding in 2002, annual attendance has grown from 15,000 to over 210,000, generating more than $220M in regional economic impact and establishing the Rochester International Jazz Festival as a premier international summer music event.