Jazz Fest Gets Bigger, Smoother and Rebrands for 2026

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Over the past seven years, Freespace Jazz Fest has slowly established itself as a must-attend happening on the city’s cultural calendar, with families descending on the autumnal art park to soak up some stellar free live music in the sun. For the more serious listener, post-pandemic events have also hosted a mixed bag of international headliners: from the largely rained-off 2023 comeback (thanks, Typhoon Koinu) to the pinch-me appearance of the world’s greatest living jazz musician, Herbie Hancock, a year later.

After the comedown of a single ticketed international show last year (pianist Joe Webb), the event has rebranded as WestK Jazz Fest and gone all out for 2026, spreading over 10 days and featuring no less than six international names – led by a trio of North American blockbusters that lean firmly on the mellower side of things. Topping the bill is smooth jazz’s biggest star, Kenny G, who performs the sole ticketed outdoor show at Wonderland, on 24 November. A duo of vocal talents also make welcome returns to the city, with Diana Krall at Xiqu Centre’s Grand Theatre on 13 November, and 2023 headliner Stacey Kent at The Box on 17 November. 

The same venue welcomes ethereal Korean vocalist Song Yi Jeon and bopping Italian pianist Francesca Tandoi, on 19 and 22 November respectively. For something funkier, Vulfpeck guitar slinger Cory Wong duos with the city’s own harmonica star CY Leo at Xiqu Centre on 15 November, and we’re especially glad to see local guitar hero Teriver Cheung sharing co-billing with actress/popstar Jace at The Box on 21 November.

These ticketed shows though are not even half the story, with the festival’s most magical moments invariably spread over the three unticketed stages – and for 2026 organisers promise a bumper bill of more than 50 shows over two weekends, as well as an all new Music Healing Zone. Intriguing and exciting both.