Jazz Fest 2026
Headliner: Lakecia Benjamin | Academy of Music | Sat., Sept. 26
2026 Northampton Jazz Festival
September 25 and 26
Jazz Fest Day
Saturday, September 26, 2026
11:00 am - 6:30 pm
Our FREE music lineup features jazz musicians from across the country and the region performing in downtown venues throughout the day.
Jazz Fest 2026 culminates in a special evening with Lakecia Benjamin performing a ticketed show from 7:30-9:00 at the Academy of Music.
Free Music All Day
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William Hill III
Young lion of a pianist
12:00 to 12:45 PM and 1:30 to 2:15 PM
Click Workspace
9 ½ Market Street -
Sarah Hanahan Quartet
Dynamic & soulful alto saxophonist
1:00 to 1:45 PM and 2:30 to 3:15 PM
Iron Horse
18 Center Street -
Pasquale Grasso
Transporting the language of the piano onto six strings
1:30 to 2:15 PM and 2:45 to 3:30 PM
Parlor Room
32 Masonic Street -
Champian Fulton
Jazz pianist & vocalist stewarding the jazz tradition
2:00 to 2:45 PM and 3:30 to 4:15 PM
Unitarian Society
220 Main Street -
Johnny O’ Neal Trio
Legendary pianist & singer
2:30 to 3:15 PM and 4:00 to 4:45 PM
Edwards Church
297 Main Street -
Bad News Jazz & Blues Orchestra
Playing a mix of classic big band favorites to modern era rock & funk music.
3:00 to 4:00 PM
Pulaski Park
240 Main Street -
Hot Club of New England
New England's top swing, gypsy, & hot jazz musicians
5:00 to 6:30 PM
Pulaski Park
240 Main Street -
Ask Me About Jazz!
Interactive jazz for young people led by percussionist Richie Barshay
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Northampton Center for the Arts
33 Hawley Street -
Expandable Brass Band
Plays and marches throughout downtown
12:00 – 12:45 pm
Northampton Center for the Arts
to Pulaski Park -
The Downbeat with Jack Frisch
12:45 to 2:30 PM
Pulaski Park
240 Main Street
Downtown Jazz Strut
Friday, September 25, 2026
Free live jazz all night
Stroll, sip and dine your way through downtown Northampton to the sounds of jazz ensembles at establishments across town. The Jazz Strut features free evening jazz performances in breweries, bars and restaurants throughout downtown Northampton. Catch the music at an early set, late set, or stick around for the late night jazz jam. You can catch a lot of live jazz and good times on Jazz Strut night!
Please patronize the food establishments by ordering food or drink when you’re there.
Jazz Strut Schedule
Strut Kickoff 4:00 - 6:00 PM
Pulaski Park, 240 Main Street
Northampton High School Jazz Combo
Smith College Jazz Combo
Early Sets 5:30 - 8:00 PM
Spoleto, 1 Bridge Street
Northampton Brewery, 11 Brewster Court
India House, 45 State Street
Late Sets 7:30 - 10:00 PM
GOMBO, 159 Main Street
Eastside Grill, 19 Strong Avenue
Progression Brewing Company, 9 Pearl Street
Haze, 24 Main Street
Jam Session 10:00 PM - midnight
Toasted Owl, 21 Main Street