Chicago Hosts International Jazz Day with Free Concerts and Events

Commemorating 15 years of jazz music’s role in fostering peace and intercultural dialogue, International Jazz Day is celebrated in 190 countries around the globe. On April 30, 2026, Chicago will host an all-star global concert, directed by the city’s own and International Jazz Day founder, Herbie Hancock, featuring a thrilling line-up of 40 artists from Chicago and around the world, blending jazz with blues, classical, hip hop and global influences.

Photo courtesy of International Jazz Day

Highlighting Chicago’s history in the innovation of jazz, International Jazz Day in Chicago will showcase renowned musicians, including Terrence Blanchard, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Robert Glasper, Terri Lynne Carrington, Lizz Wright, Marcus Miller, Diane Reeves, Ernest Dawkins and Gregory Porter, among others. The concerts will be broadcast live across the world from the Lyric Opera Chicago.

Chicago will host a series of free community concerts and events all over the city throughout April, with many scheduled for April 25-May 2, 2026.  The Chicago Jazz Alliance has organized some can’t-miss performances, including “Jazz in the Chi “public concert at Whitney Young High School on April 25,  “Chicago to the World: A Jazz Celebration” at Garfield Park Conservatory on April 28,

Photo courtesy of International Jazz Day

“AACM Great Black Music Ensemble Presents: A Power Stronger Than Itself,” at First Presbyterian Church of Chicago on the evening of April 28 and “Jazz, Film and Improvisational Architecture of Storytelling ” at the Chicago Cultural Center on April 29.  To view the full schedule of International Jazz Day events in Chicago, view the event page here.

The schedule is still being updated so check back before April. Most events are free but reserve tickets whenever possible because many will sell out.

International Jazz Day Chicago

April 30, 2026

City-wide Month-long free concerts and events, through May 2, 2026

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