5 Ottawa Jazz Festival artists worth seeing, even if jazz isn’t your thing
3 Minute Read
Summary
- The Ottawa Jazz Festival goes far beyond traditional jazz, featuring artists spanning indie rock, hip-hop, soul, orchestral pop, blues and global fusion.
- Set against the backdrop of Confederation Park and Parliament Hill, the festival offers one of Canada’s most unique downtown live music experiences.
- CAA Members save 15% on Ottawa Jazz Festival General Admission Single Day Tickets and General Admission Day Passes.
For more than 45 years, the Ottawa Jazz Festival has been one of Canada’s most adventurous and genre-defying music celebrations, and you don’t need to be a jazz enthusiast to fall in love with what the festival offers.
Running June 18–28, 2026, the festival brings a wide range of artists and styles to Ottawa’s downtown, offering audiences the chance to discover everything from indie rock and soul to hip-hop, blues and orchestral pop.
Held across Confederation Park and the National Arts Centre, the festival transforms Ottawa’s downtown into a vibrant hub for music lovers of every kind. Whether visitors attend to see a headlining artist, such as Grammy Award-winner Wyclef Jean, or simply want to spend a summer evening downtown, the event offers a relaxed, accessible atmosphere for everyone.
The Ottawa Jazz Festival’s programming continues to reflect its broader goal of showcasing creativity, diversity, and musical exploration. A major draw for non-jazz fans is the lineup itself. Over the years, the festival has consistently featured artists who blend genres and draw on diverse musical influences, and the 2026 edition continues that approach with a varied roster of performers. The festival’s commitment to Canadian artists also remains a key part of its identity, with approximately 300 domestic performers on this year's lineup.
Willow
When: June 26
Where: OLG Main Stage, Confederation Park
Fans of alternative pop and experimental music will want to catch WILLOW. WILLOW’s work spans neo-soul, psychedelic folk, pop-punk and hard rock. Her evolving sound and genre-crossing style have helped establish her as one of the most distinctive artists in contemporary music. Even listeners who rarely venture into jazz territory will find something exciting in her genre-fluid style.
Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra
When: June 20
Where: OLG Main Stage, Confederation Park
Movie lovers and classic music fans alike will also be drawn to Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra. While Goldblum is best known for his film and television roles, he also has a longtime passion for jazz. Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra performances combine humour, charm and timeless American Songbook classics.
St. Vincent
When: June 27
Where: OLG Main Stage, Confederation Park
Details: https://program.ottawajazzfestival.com/item/30044-St-Vincent
Another standout performance comes from St. Vincent, featuring the National Arts Centre Orchestra. The collaboration will reinterpret songs from across St. Vincent’s discography through orchestral arrangements led by conductor and arranger Jules Buckley. Supported by one of Canada’s leading orchestras, the performance brings together art rock, symphonic music and live performance in a new format.
The Robert Lee Group
When: June 27
Where: Elgin St. Stage, Confederation Park
The festival also continues its tradition of spotlighting globally inspired music through artists like Toronto-based The Robert Lee Group. Inspired by Korean folk stories and poetry, the group combines jazz improvisation with Korean traditional instruments, R&B, film music and soul influences in a contemporary approach to cross-cultural collaboration.
BLAKDENIM
When: June 18
Where: OLG Main Stage, Confederation Park
Even closer to home, Ottawa’s own BLAKDENIM brings hip-hop, funk, soul and rock to the lineup. Known for explosive live energy and groove-heavy performances, the band has become a local favourite while earning recognition at major festivals across Canada. Their music explores themes of identity, resilience and unity, making them a fitting addition to a festival built around connection and creativity.
Save on your Ottawa Jazz Festival experience
CAA Members have even more reasons to attend! CAA Members save 15 per cent on Ottawa Jazz Festival General Admission Single Day Tickets and General Admission Day Passes. Members can also borrow a folding chair for free during the festival or check their chair at no cost.
