International Jazz Day 2026
Host City: Chicago, USA
Jazz Day in Chicago
Celebrating 15 Years of International Jazz Day & the 250th Anniversary of the United States
Established by the United Nations and UNESCO in 2011 with the vision of Chicago’s own legendary jazz musician Herbie Hancock, International Jazz Day brings the world together every April 30 to celebrate jazz’s role in fostering peace, intercultural dialogue, and mutual understanding. This global initiative unites countries and communities, demonstrating the power of music to transcend borders. Chicago has officially been selected as the Global Host City for International Jazz Day 2026 (learn more on UN news) as it marks its 15th anniversary on April 30, 2026, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the United States.
“I’m excited that Chicago, my hometown, is hosting International Jazz Day 2026. It was in my Chicago high school auditorium that I discovered jazz, an event that sparked a lifelong passion and commitment to this powerful art form. Jazz opened doors to creativity, self-expression and freedom.”
Herbie Hancock
UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador
Local Leadership
The Chicago Jazz Alliance spearheads local programming, bringing together a coalition of civic and cultural organizations initiated by Chicago’s own Grammy-winning jazz vocalist Kurt Elling and led by Tony Karman, founder of EXPO Chicago. The Alliance unites key partners including the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), the Jazz Institute of Chicago, the Ravinia Festival, and the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts at the University of Chicago, among many others. This work is undertaken in partnership with the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, the official designated lead partner for International Jazz Day, with Quintin Primo III and Michael Reschke serving as Host City Co-Chairs.
Together, the partners will deliver a month-long program of education and community outreach, including masterclasses, concerts, pop-up performances, youth programs, and collaborations with major Chicago cultural, educational, and civic organizations along with local colleges and universities, and prominent jazz clubs throughout the area. ensuring Jazz Day reaches audiences across Chicago’s neighborhoods.
The 2026 Global Concert live from Chicago
On the evening of April 30, 2026, the International Jazz Day All-Star Global Concert will take place at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Featuring celebrated local, national, and international talents such as Dee Dee Bridgewater, Marcus Miller, Renée Fleming, Jacob Collier, among many others, including Chicagoans Bobby Broom, Ernest Dawkins, Kurt Elling, Herbie Hancock, Marquis Hill, Joel Ross and Jahari Stampley. The concert will be live-streamed globally on YouTube, as well as on UN Web TV, jazzday.com, Facebook and additional platforms—reaching millions of viewers in more than 190 countries and uniting the world from Chicago.
A Global Moment
Rooted in Chicago
International Jazz Day 2026 also marks the symbolic return of the celebration to the United States, following 2016 International Jazz Day at the White House, hosted by President Barack Obama and Chicago native and First Lady Michelle Obama. After passing through Abu Dhabi in 2025, the global spotlight now turns to Chicago.
Further reinforcing the city’s longstanding connection to International Jazz Day, United Airlines, headquartered in Chicago, has served as International Jazz Day’s Official Airline Partner since the program’s founding in 2011, supporting artists and cultural exchange around the world.
International Jazz Day 2026 will encompass thousands of events worldwide spanning small towns and major cities alike, from intimate performances to large-scale concerts at leading cultural institutions. Artists, educators, and organizations around the globe will present masterclasses, jam sessions, panel discussions, and educational workshops, underscoring jazz’s enduring role as a powerful force for unity, dialogue and cultural exchange.
Press Relations
International Jazz Day 2026 in Chicago
Chicago Press Contact:
Matthew Bryant, Carol Fox & Associates
[email protected]
Global Press Contact:
Alisse Kingsley, Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz
[email protected]
