Ōtautahi Christchurch is set to come alive with the sound of big bands and swinging rhythms this October as the Christchurch Big Band Jazz Festival celebrates its 20th year at Labour weekend.
From Thursday 22 to Monday 26 October 2026, musicians and audiences from across Aotearoa will come together for five days of performances, dances, workshops, jam sessions, youth events and celebrations.
What began as a celebration of big band music has grown into a much-loved fixture on Christchurch’s cultural calendar, and twenty years on, the Festival continues to bring together musicians of all ages and experience levels, creating opportunities to perform, learn, collaborate and share a passion for jazz and big bands.
“This year is particularly special as we celebrate 20 years of the Festival,” says Festival Director Katie Martin. “It is an opportunity to recognise the incredible musicians, volunteers, supporters and audiences who have helped keep big band jazz alive and thriving in Ōtautahi, while also looking forward to the next generation of players. From 8 bands in the
first year to over 30 bands in 2026 it has grown to become one of the best loved music festivals in Aotearoa”
The Festival opens on Thursday 22 October with the well known Junior Jazz Jam, this year at Tūranga, a competition for intermediate and primary school jazz bands. And then we get the party started with the Christchurch Youth Jazz Orchestra followed by the All Girl Big Band. This is a free event starting at 6pm at Fat Eddie’s.
Across the Festival, audiences can expect a diverse programme featuring some of Christchurch and Aotearoa’s finest big bands and jazz musicians. Highlights include a special 20th Celebration at the Isaac Theatre Royal, featuring the All Girl Big Band and Symposium; internationally recognised jazz and world pianist Dan Costa performing with the Bill Martin Big Band at The Piano; and TNT!, a unique collaboration bringing together Wellington’s Capital City Big Band with waiata Māori and leading performers.
The Festival will also offer opportunities for musicians to develop their skills through workshops led by experienced tutors and visiting artists, while school and youth events will showcase the depth of emerging musical talent in Ōtautahi.
This year, the Festival will open with a mihi whakatau led by Te Ngāi Tūāhuriri Rūnanga, mana whenua for Ōtautahi Christchurch. We are honoured to begin our 20th year acknowledging mana whenua and the importance of place, culture and community in Ōtautahi.
For those wanting to get involved, the Festival includes opportunities to dance, jam and connect. The Big Band Ball will bring together live music and social dancing for a celebratory evening, while musicians will have opportunities to sit in, play and connect with fellow big-banders at the Meet and Greet and Hot Seat Jam at A Rolling Stone.
Free events will also take big band music out into the CBD, creating opportunities for the public to experience live jazz at Riverside Market, Fat Eddie’s and Te Whare Tapere Performing Arts Precinct Open Day.
The Festival’s 20th year is not just a celebration of music, but of community.
“For 20 years, the Christchurch Big Band Jazz Festival has created a place for people to come together through music,” says Martin. “Whether you are an experienced musician, a student picking up an instrument, a jazz lover, a dancer or simply someone who enjoys live music, there is something in the Festival for you.”
The Christchurch Big Band Jazz Festival runs from 22–26 October 2026.
Tickets for selected events and workshops are available now from the website.
For more information and the latest Festival programme, visit the Christchurch Big Band Jazz Festival website and sign up for the Festival newsletter.