A Long-Running Celebration of Jazz in Arlington

The Arlington Jazz Festival is in its 15th year as a community-driven celebration of jazz music. Founded to raise awareness and appreciation of jazz through the confluence of top performers, local rising ensembles, and student groups, the festival fosters a sense of community while helping to make Arlington a cultural destination. The mission of Arlington Jazz Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is to support emerging and established jazz musicians while engaging the local community in jazz appreciation.

2026 Programming and Venues

The 2026 festival spans April 8-12 and features performances at multiple Arlington venues including Town Tavern, Tryst, Menotomy Grill, Morningside Annex, Mill Café, Maxima Hive, Donut Villa, and the Regent Theatre. The program includes both free and ticketed events, with performances by ensembles like the Morningside Jazz Combos, District 5 Jazz Band, and established artists including Duke Robillard and Anabel Gil Díaz. The festival culminates with a headlining performance on April 12 at the Regent Theatre by Stanley Jordan Trio featuring bassist Wes Wirth and drummer Kenwood Dennard.

Community Access and Support

The festival demonstrates a strong commitment to accessibility and community support. EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare cardholders receive 50% off all performances through the Card to Culture program, a collaboration between the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Department of Transitional Assistance. Many performances carry no cover charge, making the festival open to audiences of varying financial means. The festival also features workshops and provides performance opportunities for local music students and emerging ensembles, reinforcing its role as a community institution.