Chicago Jazz Alliance is proud to announce that Chicago has been selected as the official global host city for International Jazz Day 2026 — a UNESCO World Heritage event that unites more than 190 countries annually through the power of jazz. International Jazz Day occurs each year on April 30th and features concerts, education programs, significant community outreach efforts, and a flagship All-Star Global Concert broadcast to a worldwide audience.

Spearheading the 2026 effort is Chicago Jazz Alliance, an Illinois not-for-profit organization made up of leaders from arts organizations and civic bodies throughout the Chicagoland area. We intend to set a working table where Chicago’s many jazz and blues-oriented artists, venues, philanthropic organizations, and educational institutions can collaborate, coordinate, and help sustain the future of Chicago jazz.

In 2026, Chicago will host International Jazz Day’s 15th Anniversary Celebration, coinciding with the United States’ 250th Anniversary, making it a once-in-a-generation cultural milestone. The celebrations will showcase Chicago’s legacy and leadership in the world of jazz — past, present, and future — while advancing our mission to elevate the music, support our artists, and connect communities through the power of jazz.