Manchester Jazz Festival

Manchester Jazz Festival brings the best new emerging jazz artists, homegrown talent, and living jazz legends to the city centre every May for ten days of live performances, many of which are free.

It’s the city’s longest-running music festival (the first one was held back in 1996, and had to be delayed a few months because of the IRA bomb). It’s also one of its most visible and accessible, with performances taking place in public spaces, bars, and music venues across the city including Band on the Wall, Stoller Hall, Matt & Phreds, RNCM, The Carlton Club and more.

Manchester Jazz Festival 2026

15-24 May 2026

Manchester Jazz Festival 2026 opens with a free weekender at First Street from 15-17 May. Across the Main Stage and Ask Garden Stage, you can get a taste of the individuality and energy of the UK jazz scene, from emerging artists to acclaimed Northern performers including Lara Jones and Thanda Gumede. 

Saturday’s programme includes free family-friendly activities with yoga, music workshops, crafts, face painting and planting activities. On Sunday, mjf partners with Jazz North for the return of the Northern Line showcase, presenting five acts selected for the 2026 roster. Also look out for a Makers’ Market featuring local makers, artists and food producers.

On 24 May, a special triple bill at Aviva Studios will showcase three contrasting approaches to songwriting alongside the Women in Jazz Photography exhibition. The programme includes Satnam Galsian presenting the 2026 mjf originals premiere, blending Punjabi folk traditions with contemporary feminist storytelling.

The popular mjf piano trail also returns, with 19 street pianos across Greater Manchester – the UK’s largest piano trail – and a competition to uncover hidden musical talent. Two guided walking tours will also take place on 17 and 24 May, supporting the Play it Forward: Street Piano Fund.

The festival’s final weekend centres around an extended celebration at Band on the Wall, featuring performances from Yellowjackets, Bel Cobain, Lau Noah, Cotonete, Nout, Tara Lily and China Moses.

Ticket prices start at £7.50, with a wide range of free events taking place across the city.