The Ottawa Jazz Festival is levelling up its lineup with new additions, led by global icon Wyclef Jean while putting a spotlight on Canadian talent with Toronto’s TOBi, Ottawa’s own BlakDenim, and Oshawa’s 646yf4t joining the bill.
Ottawa Jazz Festival Expands 2026 Festival with Extra Day of Programming on June 18 Featuring Wyclef Jean, TOBi, BlakDenim & 646yf4t
The Ottawa Jazz Festival will expand its 46th annual edition to June 18 to 28, 2026, with the addition of an extra day of programming on June 18, 2026, offering audiences an extended opportunity to experience live music in the heart of downtown Ottawa.
The Festival will officially announce this programming on Tuesday, April 28, with tickets going on sale the same day at 10:00 a.m. EDT. The added day is made possible through the support of Ottawa Tourism, reinforcing the Festival’s role in supporting the city’s cultural and tourism sectors.
“At Ottawa Tourism, we are proud to support the Ottawa Jazz Festival, a major festival that has become a staple of Ottawa’s tourism offering over more than four decades,” says Michael Crockatt, President & CEO of Ottawa Tourism.
“The fantastic line-up of artists this year features acts that will draw live music audiences from all over to experience Ottawa over 10 days this summer, including an additional festival date on June 18, giving fans even more reasons to visit. The economic impact from this expanded programming will include extended stays, dining out, visiting attractions, and the many ways that visitors provide a lift to Ottawa’s economy, all while adding energy and vibrancy to the downtown core.”
The Festival is also pleased to announce a new title sponsor for the 46th edition, CF Rideau Centre. Located in the heart of downtown Ottawa, CF Rideau Centre is the city’s premier retail and cultural destination, reflecting the Festival’s commitment to vibrant, accessible, and community-driven experiences.
Returning to downtown Ottawa, performances will be presented at Confederation Park and the National Arts Centre (NAC), continuing the Festival’s centralized footprint and walkable experience. The Festival’s layout brings audiences closer to the music, creating an environment where multiple performances can be experienced within a single, vibrant setting.
The June 18 programming expands the opening of the Festival with a dynamic lineup spanning hip-hop, R&B, jazz, and contemporary music, highlighting both established and emerging voices.
June 18 Programming
- 6:30 p.m. — BlakDenim – OLG Main Stage
- 7:30 p.m. — 646yf4t – Elgin St. Stage
- 8:30 p.m. — Wyclef Jean – OLG Main Stage
- 10:30 p.m. — TOBi – Elgin St. Stage
Headlining the evening is Grammy Award-winning artist Wyclef Jean, whose global influence spans hip-hop, R&B, and popular music. He is joined by TOBi, alongside rising artists BlakDenim and 646yf4t, reflecting the Festival’s commitment to supporting both established and emerging talent.
To mark the launch, all June 18 Day Pass purchasers within the first 48 hours will be automatically entered into a draw for complimentary upgrades, including Premium and Spotlight Day Passes, as well as a General Admission Full Festival Passes. Current 2026 Full Festival Passholders will also be entered for a chance to receive a Premium Full Festival Pass upgrade, with winners contacted by May 1, 2026.
In addition, June 18 Day Pass purchasers during this period will receive a 10% discount code valid toward another 2026 Festival Day Pass. Existing Full Festival Passholders will have access to June 18 programming at no additional cost.
These artists join a previously announced lineup that includes St. Vincent, WILLOW, BADBADNOTGOOD, Hiromi’s Sonicwonder, and Ibrahim Maalouf, among others, reinforcing the Festival’s wide-ranging and genre-spanning programming.
For full festival details and ticket information, please visit OttawaJazzFestival.com.
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