Markham Jazz Festival 2026: 29 Years of World-Class Jazz
Free weekend of jazz, blues, soul, and world music in historic Unionville
JUNO-award winner Ranee Lee headlines, virtuoso pianist Gabriel Palatchi takes the stage, world music sensation Amanda Martinez closes Sunday, and funk-soul master U.N. Jefferson delivers 9-piece collective energy across a curated 30+ artist lineup spanning traditional jazz, blues, world, Latin, Afro-Cuban, soul, and reggae.
🎺 30+ free performances
🍷 Wine & beer garden
🎨 Heritage village charm
🍽 Local shops & restaurants
💡 Celebrate 29 years of world-class jazz in Ontario’s award-winning festival. Free admission, free parking, free shuttle service — just come and enjoy the music in a charming, walkable heritage setting.
Why Go
Markham Jazz Festival is one of Ontario’s most celebrated music festivals, drawing over 25,000 music fans to the charming streets of historic Unionville for a weekend of world-class, completely free jazz, blues, soul, and world music performances. Now celebrating its 29th year with JUNO-winning Artistic Director Ernesto Cervini at the helm, this is a festival where serious musicians and emerging artists share stages in an intimate, walkable heritage village setting.
Over 30 performances span three main stages plus additional performances at local Jazz Hot Spots (bars and restaurants throughout Unionville). Walk between stages, discover local shops and restaurants, enjoy a wine and beer garden, and experience the energy of live music in a setting that feels personal and connected — not corporate or distant.
Whether you’re a dedicated jazz fan or simply seeking a high-quality music experience with free admission, free parking, and free shuttle service, Markham Jazz Festival delivers an unforgettable weekend.
Performers & Stages
Saturday, August 22 | Noon – 10:15 PM
Headliners & Featured Acts: JUNO-award winner Ranee Lee, pianist Gabriel Palatchi, the Jean-Michel Pilc Trio, Ori Dagan, Eighth Street Orchestra, and more.
Venues: Three main stages on Main Street (Millennium Band Stand, Varley Art Gallery, McKay Art Centre) plus Jazz Hot Spots throughout Unionville.
Continuous performances from noon through 10:15 PM
Sunday, August 23 | Noon – ~7:30 PM
Headliners & Featured Acts: Amanda Martinez (world and Latin sensation) closes the festival, U.N. Jefferson (9-piece funk/soul collective), Kaiso Street Collective, Suzie Vinnick (blues/folk), Joaquin Nuñez & Habana Safari (Afro-Cuban/Latin), SHOUT! The Band (12-piece brass).
Genres: Jazz, blues, soul, world, Latin, Afro-Cuban, reggae, and more.
Festival closes around 7:30 PM
📝 Over 30 performances total. Check the official festival program guide for the complete schedule, stage lineups, Jazz Hot Spots schedule, and performance times at markhamjazzfestival.com.
Essentials
Admission
Completely free. All 30+ performances are free to attend. No tickets required.
Parking & Transit
Free on-site parking at Unionville High School. Complimentary shuttle buses run continuously from 11 AM both days to Main Street.
Food & Drink
Wine & beer garden on-site. Local Unionville restaurants and shops provide dining and beverage options along Main Street.
Venue Access
Performances take place on Main Street and at three main venues (Millennium Band Stand, Varley Art Gallery, McKay Art Centre), plus throughout Unionville at Jazz Hot Spots.
Getting There
Venue: Main Street, Unionville, Markham, Ontario — in the heart of historic Unionville.
Parking: Free parking is available at Unionville High School, located at 201 Town Centre Boulevard (beside the Flato Markham Theatre). Complimentary shuttle buses run continuously from the school into the village and back, beginning at 11 AM both days.
By Car: Unionville is easily accessible from Highway 404 and other major routes in the GTA. Follow signs to Unionville and park for free at the high school, then take the free shuttle.
Tip: Arrive early to secure a good parking spot, or use the shuttle service throughout the day. The free parking and shuttle make this festival accessible to visitors from across southern Ontario.
Tips for Your Visit
🎺 Plan your stage tour
With three main stages plus Jazz Hot Spots, walk between venues throughout the day. The village is small and walkable — you’ll discover performances, shops, and restaurants as you explore.
🍷 Enjoy the wine garden
The wine and beer garden is a perfect place to relax between performances, especially Sunday afternoon.
💫 Catch both headliners
Ranee Lee on Saturday and Amanda Martinez closing Sunday are must-see performances. Both days offer distinct energy — Saturday builds momentum, Sunday brings the climax.
👨👩👧 Family-friendly all day
The festival is designed for families. Performances span from noon, so bring kids, explore the village, and enjoy the variety of music throughout the day.
☀️ Bring sun protection
Main Street performances are outdoors. Sunscreen, a hat, and water are essential, especially Saturday which runs until 10:15 PM (but opens at noon in full sun).
📱 Download the program
Get the complete program guide from markhamjazzfestival.com to plan which artists and stages you want to prioritize.
Common Questions
When is Markham Jazz Festival 2026?
Saturday, August 22 (noon–10:15 PM) and Sunday, August 23 (noon–~7:30 PM), 2026.
Is admission free?
Yes, completely. All 30+ performances are free. No tickets are needed.
Where is the festival?
Main Street, Unionville, Markham. The festival takes place on Main Street and at three main venues: Millennium Band Stand, Varley Art Gallery, and McKay Art Centre.
Who are the headliners?
JUNO-award winner Ranee Lee (Saturday), world music vocalist Amanda Martinez (Sunday), virtuoso pianist Gabriel Palatchi, funk-soul master U.N. Jefferson, and over 30 other world-class performers spanning jazz, blues, soul, world, Latin, and more.
Is there free parking?
Yes. Free on-site parking is available at Unionville High School (201 Town Centre Blvd). Complimentary shuttle buses run continuously from 11 AM both days to Main Street, so you don’t need to pay for parking or walk far.
Is it good for families?
Absolutely. Markham Jazz Festival is a free, family-friendly weekend with performances suitable for all ages, local shops and restaurants to explore, and the charming walkable heritage village of Unionville as a setting.
