2026 schedule of events

We are excited for you to join us for the 2026 edition of the Syracuse International Jazz Festival!

Jazz Fest 40 kicks off on Thursday, July 9th at Syracuse University’s spectacular National Veterans Resource Center (NVRC) located on campus at 101 Waverly Avenue. Presented in association with Syracuse University’s Office of Veteran and Military Affairs, the evening will feature an exclusive Upstate New York regional performance by the World-renown USAF Airmen of Note Big Band 22-piece big band, which will be musically celebrating the Nation's 250th anniversary. Seating for Jazz Fest Opening Night will be on a first-come, first-seated basis with seating priority being given to Syracuse area veterans. 

Schedule for July 9th:

    • 5:30PM - Doors open

    • 6:00 PM - 7:30PM - USAF Airmen of Note performance

    • 7:30 – 8:30 PM - Reception to follow

For the first time in the festival’s history, Jazz Fest will bring its Friday and Saturday programming to the Beak & Skiff Apple Hill Concert Venue, a nationally recognized destination for live music and events, that was recently named "One of the Best Apple Orchards in America."  

Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards

(Campus Opens at 2:30pm, Music in Tasting Room at 3:30pm, Concert Field Opens at 5:30pm)

(2708 Lords Hill Rd, Lafayette, NY 13084)

3:30pm - Mike Houston & Sam Wynn Trio

5:00pm - SU Student Jazz Combo ORANGE JUICE

6:00pm - Hejira (50th Anniversary Celebration of the Jazz of Joni Mitchell, direct from London - North American debut!)

7:45pm - Dumpstafunk (Dumpsta Plays Sly)

9:30pm - Tower of Power

10:30pm - Pocket Nod (late night party)

Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards

(Campus Opens at 12:00pm, Music in Tasting Room at 1:00pm, Concert Field Opens at 4:30pm)

(2708 Lords Hill Rd, Lafayette, NY 13084)

1:00pm - Drew Serafini Quartet

2:00pm - The Five Families Ensemble

3:00pm - The Tim Herron Quartet

4:00pm - Frank Grosso Organ Trio

5:30pm - Nathan Williams Sr & the Zydeco Cha Cha’s

7:00pm - Sweden’s Queen of Swing Gunhild Carling w/ the Carling Family Band’s Tribute to Louis Armstrong featuring the Syracuse Horns

9:00pm - Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue

10:30pm - Los Blancos (late night party)

Syracuse University Campus

Syracuse University Quad & Hendrick’s Chapel

(121 Crouse Drive, Syracuse, NY 13244)

The festival will conclude on Sunday, July 12, with the beloved Return to Community: Gospel to Jazz IV program at Hendricks Chapel on the Syracuse University Quad. The free concert event will feature rousing and uplifting performances by three outstanding Gospel choirs and will be open to the public with seating available on a first-come, first-seated basis. Prior to the 3:00 pm Hendricks Chapel indoor Gospel program, Syracuse University will host a complimentary picnic lunch on the Quad in a tented area located directly in front of the chapel beginning at Noon, continuing the festival’s tradition of bringing the community together through music and shared experience.

Schedule for July 12:

    • 12:00 – 2:30 PM - luncheon reception on the Quad

    • 2:30 – 3:00 PM -  transition to Hendricks Chapel

    • 3:00 – 4:30 PM - Gospel Jazz Service, Hendricks Chapel

The “Return to Community” Sunday Gospel Jazz Service Gathering features Winston-Salem State University Concert Choir, Syracuse Community Choir & the Black Celestial Choral Ensemble.