From Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th October 2026, Durham will resonate with the sound of live jazz as the Durham Jazz Festival returns for an unforgettable weekend of music, creativity and community.
Set in the heart of one of Britain’s most beautiful historic cities, the festival brings together outstanding local talent, acclaimed national artists and internationally recognised performers for three days of performance across multiple venues.
A New Cultural Highlight for Durham
Durham Jazz Festival was founded with a clear vision. To establish a major regional jazz festival that reflects the character, history and individuality of Durham itself.
The city is uniquely placed to host a festival of this scale and ambition. Its Cathedral, Castle and riverbanks create an extraordinary backdrop, while its compact layout allows audiences to move easily between venues. Everything feels connected. Everything feels part of the same shared experience.
Our aim is to build something lasting. A festival that becomes a key part of Durham’s cultural calendar and an important fixture within the national jazz scene.
A Programme That Celebrates the Full Breadth of Jazz
Jazz is not one sound. It is not one style.
The 2026 programme reflects the diversity and evolution of modern jazz. Across the weekend you will experience soulful vocals, big band energy, contemporary improvisation, groove driven quartets and intimate acoustic performances.
Headline concerts at the 500 seat Gala Theatre and the historic Redhills Durham Miners Hall sit alongside performances in smaller venues, clubs and restaurants across the city. This balance allows us to present both large scale productions and close up performances where audiences can feel every note.
Our line up includes internationally respected artists, leading national names and the very best of the North East jazz scene. Just as importantly, the festival provides a platform for emerging musicians and young performers, ensuring the next generation of talent is part of the story.
A City Wide Festival Experience
Durham Jazz Festival is more than a series of concerts. It is a weekend experience.
Events are carefully scheduled to allow time between performances so audiences can move between venues, explore the city and take advantage of our multi show ticket options. Whether you plan to immerse yourself in a full weekend of music or attend a single headline concert, the festival is designed to be accessible and welcoming.
Alongside the core programme, we are working with local bars, restaurants and independent businesses to deliver smaller pop up performances throughout the weekend. Expect surprise sets, late night sessions and music spilling into unexpected corners of the city.
Jazz will not be confined to one stage. It will be woven through Durham itself.
Supporting Artists and Community
Durham Jazz Festival is a non profit organisation committed to supporting artists and strengthening the region’s cultural landscape.
We are proud to showcase the extraordinary depth of talent across the North East while also bringing major national and international artists to Durham audiences. Workshops and masterclasses will give younger musicians opportunities to learn directly from established professionals, reinforcing our commitment to nurturing future talent.
By attending the festival, audiences are not only enjoying world class live music. They are contributing to a sustainable cultural event that supports performers, venues and local businesses.
Join Us This October
Whether you are a dedicated jazz enthusiast or discovering the genre for the first time, Durham Jazz Festival 2026 offers something special.
Three days. Multiple venues. A diverse and progressive programme. A historic city transformed by live music.
Explore the programme, plan your weekend and experience jazz in one of the most inspiring settings in the country.
Durham Jazz Festival takes place 23 to 25 October 2026. We look forward to welcoming you.
