This huge, free jazz festival is celebrating its 38th year in Toronto — a musical bash that began with local artists.
From July 3 to 26, The Beaches International Jazz Festival will host free events, along with a ticketed concert, around the city.
“The festival embodies Jazz’s inclusive flavour by showcasing artists who sweeten Canada’s music scenes,” organizers state. “From savoury Swing and Soul to spicy Salsa and Rock, to juicy DJ house and disco beats.”
A celebration that draws in nearly 1,000,000 fans: The Beaches International Jazz Festival
The festival started in 1989 when local artists were booked to perform at the Kew Gardens bandshell in the Toronto Beaches neighbourhood. Its goal was to “unite communities through music,” according to organizers. Now, the non-profit endeavour has become one of Canada’s largest free jazz festivals, according to their website. Annually, they attract nearly 1,000,000 visitors.
The celebration also evolved from its jazz and blues foundation to global tunes. Fans can look forward to performances from internationally acclaimed musicians, new generation artists and local talent, at no cost.
“I am extremely proud our festival has remained free for 38 years and continues that way this year,” said Lido Chilelli, the founder and executive director of the Beaches International Jazz Festival. “In times of economic uncertainty, our festival is one of the few places where families of all ages can affordably enjoy the summer together.”
What to expect at this year’s festival
With multiple locations and a variety of events coming up at the 2026 Beaches International Jazz Festival, here are some highlights to help you plan ahead.
Sounds of Leslieville and Riverside July 3 to 5 at Jimmie Simpson Park (870 Queen St. E.)
The seventh year of this all-ages event will kick off with an ’80s throwback party. For the following days, organizers say there will be a celebration of diverse music. Performers include The Toronto All-Star Big Band, MOKA, Quincy Bullen, and the Jackson Steinwall Band. There will also be exclusive acts for this weekend, such as the award-winning singer and Hamiltonian Vili V. Besides the melodies, food trucks and vendors will be on-site.
TD Workshop SeriesJuly 7, 14, and 21 at Drom Taberna (458 Queen St. W.)
This workshop is called the Big Fam Jam, hosted by Jackson Steinwall. It is made to gather all artists with different skill levels to make music. The event starts at 9 p.m., and no reservations are required.
Salsa on the BeachJuly 10 to 12 at Woodbine Park (1695 Queen St. E.)
Since its launch in 2008, Salsa on the Beach has become Canada’s biggest Latin music celebration at Woodbine Park. For this year’s event, a Sunset Latin DJ Party will run on Friday at 5:30 p.m. Throughout Saturday and Sunday, the park will have melodies from cumbia and merengue. The lineup includes Latin ensembles, like Sons of Tuta, Sugar Heat and La Borinqueña Orchestra. Beyond the dancing, food trucks, vendors and a beer garden will be on hand.
TD Weekend Series July 17 to 19 at Woodbine Park (1695 Queen St. E.)
The Weekend Series will start with a giant 1990s throwdown by Canada’s premier DJs, Mista Jiggz, and Starting from Scratch, hosted by Master T. at Woodbine Park. The following two days will feature several musicians, like Old Man Flanagan’s Ghost, Road Waves and Juno Award-winner Kairo McLean.
Canada’s premier DJs, Mista Jiggz, and Starting from Scratch will kick off the TD Weekend Series.
Evangeline Molly
Johannes Linstead From Spain to CubaJuly 21 and 22 at the Beach United Church (140 Wineva Ave.)
Canada’s “Guitarist of the Year,” Johannes Linstead, will make an appearance for the festival’s only ticketed event. His all-original show, “From Spain to Cuba,” will benefit the Michael Garron Hospital Foundation. It will have sounds from the guitar, with Mediterranean and Caribbean rhythms. The performance will also feature an accordion, bass and Latin percussion.
Tickets are available online for $25.
StreetFestJuly 23 to 25 at Queen Street East (between Woodbine and Beech Avenue)
For three consecutive nights, a massive street festival will take over Queen East with live music and entertainment. There will be over 30 bands spanning from jazz to blues and rock. Among the lineup are Devin Express, Break Free, Sly Fox and The Imbayakunas. Organizers say that the streets will be “bursting with captivating performances that will keep you dancing all night long.”
Alongside the beats is a “foodie paradise” featuring Toronto’s best restaurants, serving a selection of gourmet eats and sweet treats. Market stall set-ups will also be available on-site. Attendees can expect handmade crafts, trendy fashion and local artisans.
“StreetFest is a celebration for the whole family,” organizers say. “Bring the kids along for an unforgettable experience.”
From July 23 to 25, a huge streetfest will take over Queen Street East.
Evangeline Molly
OLG Weekend Series/Groovin’ in the ParkJuly 24 to 26 at Woodbine Park (1695 Queen St. E.)
For the 11th year, Toronto’s largest free electronic dance party will take place “under the stars,” organizers note. This year, local DJ Mark Oliver will bring the energy with an all-vinyl set. Other highlights include a Friday Dance party with disco and funk tunes. Following that, an unofficial Taylor Swift tribute band will perform on Saturday. And on Sunday there will be music from Little Magic Sam, Sultans of String, Joel Dupuis Band and Arsenals.