Chicago Officially Named Global Host City for International Jazz Day 2026 During Tuesday Press Conference

Press conference announcing Chicago being the Global Host City for the 15th anniversary of International Jazz Day. Photo by Justin Barbin

Chicago will take center stage on the global jazz map in spring 2026 as the official Global Host City for the 15th anniversary of International Jazz Day, marking a major cultural milestone for the city and the international jazz community.

From April 1 through May 2, 2026, Chicago will present an unprecedented month-long citywide celebration, activating performance venues, schools, cultural institutions, and neighborhoods across the city. The celebration culminates on Thursday, April 30, with a live, globally broadcast All-Star Global Concert from the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Founded in 2011 by Chicago native and jazz icon Herbie Hancock, International Jazz Day is now celebrated annually in more than 190 countries and officially recognized by the United Nations and UNESCO. The 2026 Chicago edition marks several historic milestones, including the most expansive programming in the event’s 15-year history and the return of the global celebration to the United States after a decade.

“I’m excited that Chicago, my hometown, is hosting International Jazz Day 2026,” said Hancock. “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. I hope that this Day will inspire young artists and audiences in the same way that I was inspired during those formative years.”

City and State Leaders Embrace Chicago’s Jazz Legacy

International Jazz Day 2026 has received strong support from the State of Illinois, the City of Chicago, and a broad coalition of civic, cultural, and business leaders.

“Today is an incredible celebration of an art form that helped shape America’s cultural heartbeat and found one of its greatest homes here in Chicago,” said Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. “Jazz is part of the history and cultural lifeblood of Chicago, and I can’t think of a better place to celebrate the genre’s roots and enduring legacy.”

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson echoed those sentiments, emphasizing the city’s long-standing relationship with the music.

“Since the earliest days of the Great Migration, jazz has been interwoven with our city’s cultural fabric and identity. Hosting International Jazz Day in 2026 is a powerful testament to the enduring spirit and innovation of our musicians and our passionate jazz community.”

Throughout the month-long celebration, Chicago’s deep jazz heritage will be on full display, with programming expected to span clubs, concert halls, schools, and public spaces citywide.

A Landmark All-Star Global Concert

At the heart of the celebration is the 15th Anniversary International Jazz Day All-Star Global Concert, the largest and most ambitious concert in Jazz Day history. More than 40 internationally renowned artists have already been confirmed, representing jazz, blues, classical, hip-hop, and global music traditions — with Chicago artists prominently featured.

Confirmed performers include:

Melissa Aldana, John Beasley (Musical Director), Terence Blanchard, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Till Brönner, Terri Lyne Carrington, James Carter, Jacob Collier, Béla Fleck, Renée Fleming, James Genus, Robert Glasper, Christian McBride, Marcus Miller, Gregory Porter, Dianne Reeves, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Bobby Watson, Lizz Wright, and many more.

Chicago’s legacy is further underscored by the participation of hometown artists including Bobby Broom, Ernest Dawkins, Kurt Elling, Herbie Hancock, Marquis Hill, Joel Ross, and Jahari Stampley. Additional artist announcements are expected in the coming months.

Chicago natives Herbie Hancock and Kurt Elling will serve as Co-Artistic Directors of the Global Concert. Elling, a multi–Grammy Award-winning vocalist currently appearing on Broadway in Hadestown, joins Hancock in shaping a program anticipated to reach hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide via YouTube, UN TV, UNESCO, jazzday.com, Facebook, and other international platforms.

Chicago on the World Stage

With its deep-rooted jazz history, vibrant contemporary scene, and global cultural influence, Chicago’s role as host city for International Jazz Day 2026 reinforces its standing as one of the world’s great jazz capitals. Full programming details, participating venues, and educational initiatives will be announced throughout 2025.

Chicago Jazz Magazine will continue to provide updates, artist announcements, and in-depth coverage as International Jazz Day 2026 approaches.