Port of Tauranga 63rd National Jazz Festival

The Tauranga Jazz Society is thrilled to present the 2026 National Jazz Festival, happening 27 March to 6 April 2026, alongside the inspiring National Youth Jazz Competition. This year, the festival stretches across eleven vibrant days, filling Tauranga and Mount Maunganui with world-class jazz, unforgettable performances, and a city-wide celebration of music and community.

The beloved Jazz Village at Tauranga’s Historic Village becomes even more exciting. We’re introducing a series of special one-off indoor concerts, adding a brand-new performance dimension to the usual buzz of outdoor stages, artisan food stalls, family activities and the joyful street-style energy that makes the Village such a standout festival experience. It’s New Orleans spirit with a Kiwi soul - bigger, brighter and more dynamic than ever.

Our Uptown Downtown programme returns with a fantastic line-up of jazz-influenced acts performing across bars and restaurants in both Mount Maunganui and Tauranga’s city centre. It’s the perfect way to explore local hospitality while discovering great live music.

We’re also proud to welcome international artists from the UK, Australia and the USA, performing alongside Aotearoa’s finest jazz musicians. And throughout the festival, the ever-popular Baycourt Concert Series will showcase an exceptional mix of headline shows and intimate performances, powerhouse ensembles - musical journeys for every jazz fan.

We warmly welcome the many hundreds of talented young musicians taking part in the National Youth Jazz Competition, and we celebrate all the performers, locals, visitors, supporters and volunteers who make this festival such a special part of Tauranga’s cultural life.

A huge thank-you to our Principal Festival Partner and to our Major Funders Port of Tauranga, TECT, and Tauranga City Council, along with all our incredible sponsors. Your generosity and commitment make the 2026 National Jazz Festival possible.