Get ready to jazz things up: Newcastle Jazz Festival returns
Jazz lovers, this one’s for you. The 37th Newcastle Jazz Festival is set to return this year on Friday, August 28 to Sunday, August 30, filling Newcastle City Hall with three days of live music, dancing and non-stop rhythm from some of Australia’s finest jazz musicians.
Over the course of the festival, audiences can expect an incredible 55 hours of live music, with multiple bands performing across four rooms and dance spaces, all under the one roof.
Designed so patrons can move freely between stages, the festival creates an immersive musical experience where every room offers something a little different.
And when they say there’s something for every taste, they mean it. The lineup spans everything from Traditional Jazz, Swing and Mainstream through to Blues, Bebop, Contemporary, Gospel, Smooth, Fusion, Gypsy Jazz and Big Band performances.
The Newcastle Jazz Festival has built a loyal following over nearly four decades, attracting visitors from across Australia and New Zealand, while continuing to celebrate the city’s rich jazz history and thriving live music culture.
Festival President Murray Scoble says the Newcastle Jazz Club is proud of the festival’s long-standing place within the city’s cultural calendar.
“This festival has been running for 37 years, which is an amazing achievement,” he said.
This year also sees the return of the festival’s collaboration with NIMA, helping encourage and support younger musicians to perform as part of the event and ensuring the future of jazz continues to thrive.
Whether you’re a lifelong jazz fan or simply keen to settle in for an afternoon of live music, the Newcastle Jazz Festival offers a rare chance to experience so many styles and performers in one iconic venue.
37th Newcastle Jazz Festival
Where: Newcastle City Hall
When: Three-day festival | Fri 28 - Sun 30 August 2026
Featuring: 55 hours of live jazz across four stages and dance areas
Styles include:
Traditional Jazz • Swing • Blues • Bebop • Gospel • Fusion • Big Band • Contemporary Jazz and more
NHJC Members receive discounted festival and concert tickets. To purchase visit the Newcastle Jazz Festival.
