The Ottawa Jazz Festival continues to build momentum for its 46th edition, with organizers unveiling another round of artists set to take the stage this summer. The latest announcement expands an already diverse lineup while offering new details about the festival’s downtown footprint and programming.
Check out the full press release below for the latest additions, venue updates and ticket information.
Ottawa Jazz Festival Announces Third Wave of Artists
The Ottawa Jazz Festival has announced its third wave of artists for its 46th annual edition, taking place June 19–28, 2026, further expanding its diverse and genre-spanning lineup. The third wave of artists was announced on Wednesday, with tickets going on sale earlier today, April 9 at 10 a.m. EDT.
Returning to downtown Ottawa, performances will be presented at Confederation Park and the National Arts Centre (NAC). By bringing the Festival’s outdoor programming into a more connected and walkable footprint, this expanded layout creates a unified musical experience at the heart of the city.
Situated between Elgin Street and the Lieutenant Colonel John By Fountain, the new Elgin St. Stage allows audiences to move seamlessly between performances, deepening their engagement with the Festival’s diverse programming in a shared, immersive environment.
Newly announced performers include Toronto’s BADBADNOTGOOD, the internationally acclaimed group known for redefining modern jazz through collaborations across hip-hop and beyond. They are joined by the Becca Stevens Trio, led by twice GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter Becca Stevens, whose work blends pop, jazz, folk, indie rock, and world music.
Also joining the lineup are saxophonist Tomoki Sanders, known for a sound rooted in spiritual jazz and contemporary influences, and trumpeter Takuya Kuroda, recognized for his fusion of jazz, funk, and soul.
Rounding out the announcement is Big Smoke Brass, known for high-energy performances and brass arrangements shaped by hip-hop, pop, and street culture. In addition to live performances, the Festival will present “In Conversation with the Grateful Dead’s Legacy Manager and Archivist David Lemieux,” offering audiences a behind-the-scenes look at the band’s legacy.
For more information, visit OttawaJazzFestival.com, and be sure to follow @OttawaJazz on Instagram.
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