The Tucson Jazz Festival
Category: Event Calendar
Date and Time
- Fri, Jan 16, 2026 - Sat, Jan 24, 2026
Location
All throughout Downtown Tucson
Details
When: January 16–24, 2026
Where: Downtown Tucson — Fox Tucson Theatre, Rialto Theatre, intimate clubs & restaurants, plus the free Downtown Jazz Fiesta
Each January, the heart of downtown Tucson comes alive with the sounds of world-class jazz. For nine days, the Tucson Jazz Festival transforms the city into one of the premier jazz destinations in the Southwest, attracting music lovers from across Arizona and beyond.
From intimate club sets and late-night jam sessions to powerhouse performances at the Fox Tucson Theatre and Rialto Theatre, the festival celebrates the full spectrum of jazz — swing, Latin, fusion, and beyond.
2026 Festival Highlights
Performers – Hear globally acclaimed artists including Cory Wong, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Chuchito Valdés, Diego Figueiredo, Emmet Cohen, and Kirk Whalum.
Downtown Jazz Fiesta (Free!) – On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Corbett's becomes a block party of live music, food, and dancing in the streets.
Full jazz immersion – Cozy and delicious restaurants open their doors to showcase rising stars and local favorites along with providing jazz inspired cocktails and/or meals.
Community & Education – The Tucson Jazz Festival Education Program provides opportunities for students of all ages, especially in local underserved communities. During the festival, we provide master classes and workshops, bringing professional artists into schools to share their experiences and talents. Our goal with these programs is to inspire students, not only musically, but also creatively through any and all facets of life either through a matinee performance at a venue, such as at the Fox Theatre, or through in-school performances. Whenever we have the ability to do so, we offer free concert tickets to students who may be studying the art form/instrument of the artist being presented.
Why Tucson in January?
Warm desert days, cool evenings, and a vibrant downtown scene make Tucson the perfect backdrop for live jazz. Between concerts, you’ll find award-winning restaurants, cocktail bars, and walkable historic streets filled with energy.
Tickets & Memberships
Festival performances are individually ticketed, so you can curate your own perfect jazz journey — whether it’s one unforgettable headliner, a weekend getaway, or the full nine-day experience. The best way to experience the Tucson Jazz Festival is by becoming a TJF member. Memberships start at just $50.
Plan ahead, book your stay, and get ready to discover why the Tucson Jazz Festival is both a beloved local tradition and a must-visit destination for jazz fans everywhere.
