About Halifax Jazz Festival
TD-sponsored jazz festival founded in 1987, running six days each July across the Halifax waterfront and inner venues with a mix of ticketed headliners and free outdoor stages.
Features & Highlights
Detailed Information
Since 1987, the TD Halifax Jazz Festival has brought world-class music to Halifax's waterfront and venues across the city. The 2026 edition marked the festival's 40th anniversary, running July 7-12 with six days of ticketed concerts and expanded free programming — a milestone celebration that drew thousands to the Halifax waterfront.
2026 Festival Highlights
Headliners on the TD Main Stage included Tower of Power, Bahamas (with special guest Billianne), Men I Trust (with special guest Luna Li), Broken Social Scene, and Nova Scotia's own Rose Cousins (with special guest Jah'Mila). The Joseph Strug Concert Hall at the Light House Arts Centre hosted the Atlantic Jazz Collective featuring legendary vocalist Norma Winstone, the Ari Hoenig Trio, and the Virginia MacDonald Quartet. The Carleton featured the Mingus Project, Elysia Biro, and the Robert Lee Group across three nights, while Etran de L'Aïr brought desert blues to the Marquee Ballroom.
To mark four decades, the festival commissioned a special Big Band piece composed by James Shaw — a Halifax saxophonist known for his work with Rankin MacInnis's Winter Warmer series — reflecting the history of jazz and music in the city. It was performed on the festival's opening and closing nights. A Memory Lane photo exhibit on the waterfront displayed digitized archival photos spanning 40 years of performances, and a new Guided Mentorship Program supported emerging industry professionals.
The 2026 edition also expanded its free programming significantly. Three early-evening stages on the waterfront ran from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM daily, featuring artists like Alvaro, Daniel MacNeil Quartet, Ally Fiola, Borrowers, Bluebird Trio, and the Mora-Baez Afro-Cuban Jazz Quartet. Music returned to the park beside the Hydrostone Market on the festival weekend, and free all-ages jazz labs gave visitors a behind-the-scenes look at making music.
Practical Information
Venues: The primary TD Main Stage is located on the Halifax Waterfront at 1521 Lower Water Street (Salter Lot). Other key venues include the Light House Arts Centre (1800 Argyle Street) and The Carleton (1685 Argyle Street). Evening performances typically begin around 7:30 PM.
Tickets: Tickets and passes are available through the official festival website and Tixr. Check halifaxjazzfestival.ca for current pricing, as individual show tickets and all-access passes vary by year and event.
Accessibility: The TD Main Stage on the waterfront is fully wheelchair accessible, featuring accessible washrooms, cable mats, and a viewing platform. The festival participates in the Access 2 Card program, and large-print schedules are available upon request at the Info Services Tent. For evening shows requiring accessibility accommodations, arrive at 7:00 PM and identify yourself at the Main Gate on Lower Water Street.
Age Policy: Most main venues, including the TD Main Stage, are 19+ events — valid ID is required.
Contact: For general inquiries, email info@halifaxjazzfestival.ca or call (902) 718-6205. Accessibility questions: accessibility@halifaxjazzfestival.ca.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 festival has concluded. Details for the 2027 edition (typically the second week of July) will be announced on the official website and social media channels. Check halifaxjazzfestival.ca for the latest updates.
At a Glance
| Founded | 1987 (celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2026) |
|---|---|
| Dates | Six days each July; the 2026 edition ran July 7–12 |
| Main Stage | [Halifax Waterfront](/guides/halifax-waterfront/), 1521 Lower Water Street (Salter Lot) |
| Showtimes | TD Main Stage: doors open at 7:30 PM, shows begin at 8:15 PM (times not guaranteed); free waterfront stages run early-evening sets across three waterfront venues — check the official festival schedule for each stage's times |
| Tickets | Through the official website and Tixr; prices vary by show and year |
| Age Policy | Liquor-licensing rules differ by venue; at the TD Main Stage, anyone under 19 must be accompanied and supervised by a parent or guardian |
| Phone | (902) 718-6205 |
| Website | halifaxjazzfestival.ca |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the TD Main Stage wheelchair accessible?
Yes — the waterfront Main Stage is fully wheelchair accessible, with accessible washrooms, cable mats, and a viewing platform. The festival participates in the Access 2 Card program, and large-print schedules are available at the Info Services Tent.
How much do tickets cost?
Individual show tickets and all-access passes vary by year and event. Current pricing is posted at halifaxjazzfestival.ca, and tickets are sold through Tixr.
Are there free events at the festival?
Yes — the 2026 edition offered three free [waterfront stages](/guides/halifax-waterfront/) at staggered early-evening times across three waterfront venues, free music in the park beside the Hydrostone Market on the festival weekend, and free all-ages jazz labs.
Can I bring my family?
Policies differ by venue under liquor licensing; at the TD Main Stage, anyone under 19 must be accompanied and supervised by a parent or guardian. Free all-ages programming such as the jazz labs is open to everyone.
When is the next festival?
The festival typically runs the second week of July. Details for the 2027 edition will be announced on halifaxjazzfestival.ca and the festival's Facebook page, with dates also added to our [Nova Scotia Events](/events/) listings.
How do I arrange accessibility accommodations for an evening show?
Arrive at 7:00 PM and identify yourself at the Main Gate on Lower Water Street in [Halifax](/regions/halifax/). Questions can go to accessibility@halifaxjazzfestival.ca.
