The Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival Returns with Enhanced Integration, Exciting New Initiatives and a Diverse Lineup!
Announcing the 2025 Free Festival and Ticketed Events!
The Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival returns for another unforgettable year—celebrating the richness of Canadian talent with a vibrant mix of live music, visual art and cultural experiences. This year’s all-Canadian lineup will take over multiple free stages and ticketed events while interactive workshops, art and artisan markets and family-friendly activities ensure there’s something for everyone.
The Festival continues to make art and music accessible to the community through fun workshops and demonstrations for all ages, and creating cultural connections with Indigenous communities.
From July 24 - 27, 2025, join us for a more integrated and connected Festival experience spurred by valuable feedback from previous attendees, artists, musicians and volunteers alike!
“Like all of the Festival’s previous years, this year will push boundaries,” says the Festival’s Executive Director and Co-Founder, Karen Zukas. “We’re integrating the Indigenous programming into the Arts & Cultural Zone and bringing the Kidz Zone into the mix, too. This will make the Festival experience more inclusive and give everyone an opportunity to see everything the Festival has to offer!”
This year will include an additional headliner at the Cool Blues Show (that’s six headliners in total!) and an additional big band concert, as well as an integrated Art Zone and Kidz Zone into the new and improved Art & Cultural Zone!
Check out everything we have in store below!
Thursday: Big Band Concerts & Swing Dance with the Vancouver Legacy Jazz Orchestra
On Thursday, July 24, seize the chance to enjoy the incredible Vancouver Legacy Jazz Orchestra (VLJO) at the Fort Langley Community Hall Ballroom with two unique opportunities!
Under acclaimed directors Fred Stride and Michael Kim, the 16-piece ensemble is set to mark its 10th anniversary at the Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival. Featuring Vancouver's top jazz musicians, VLJO will pay homage to the big band era with music from iconic composers like Bill Holman, Count Basie, Thad Jones, Rob McConnell and Bob Florence.
Check out the Big Band Concert Matinee from 1 - 3 pm, where Fred Stride will share stories about the exciting music of the big band era! Get your tickets for $25.
Or come by at 7 pm for a swing dance lesson ($10 at the door) before enjoying the evening Big Band Concert & Swing Dance from 8 - 11 pm for just $35! The evening concert/dance will include special guest vocalist Tom Arntzen performing the music of Frank Sinatra.
Get your tickets for both concerts here. They will sell out fast!
Friday: Big Blues, Bold Flavours and VIP Vibes at the Cool Blues Show
The Cool Blues Show will be an electric evening featuring some of the biggest names in blues! Join us at the Fort Langley Community Park on July 25 from 4 - 11 pm and check out our line-up of SIX exceptional headliners:
Steve Marriner & Local Electric
There's more than just music on the menu! Enjoy a delectable treat from one of our hand-selected food trucks, sip tasty beverages from Trading Post Brewing, Founders Original Cocktails and Trivento Wines at the Expedia Cruises (North Langley) beer garden. You can also relax at the Freybe Gourmet Foods beer garden seating area.
You can also peruse the Vendor Market for artisan creations to take home, get lost in exceptional art installations or try your competitive hand at the expanded Macdonald Realty Games Zone.
This year, we're excited to offer VIP and SUPER VIP tickets, providing an enhanced festival experience. Learn more about our ticket options and headliners here!
Saturday: “Tribute to Aretha Franklin”
Experience the Queen of Soul's legendary music as the Siobhan Walsh Group performs iconic hits in this powerful tribute to Aretha Franklin!
Siobhan's commanding vocals will be backed by a horn section, backup singers, and rhythm section comprised of Vancouver's finest musicians - all delivering Aretha's classics, from "Respect" to "Chain of Fools" to "Natural Woman," with passion and authenticity.
Hailing from Victoria, BC, Siobhan Walsh stands among Vancouver's most versatile vocalists, blending R&B, Neo-soul, Pop and Jazz influences. Beyond this tribute, she leads her Soul/R&B/Pop band under the stage name "Siobhan."
Join us for this Las Vegas-style show and on-site cash bar on Saturday, July 26, at the Community Hall Ballroom from 8 - 11 pm!
Check out a preview from our 2020 festival and get your tickets here for only $50!
Saturday & Sunday: Two days of free performances, interactive activities and fun for all ages!
Start your free festival experience with a bang! Our beloved Mardi Gras Strolling Parade returns on Saturday, July 26, at 9am. Join fellow music lovers as we make our way in style from the Fort Langley Farmers Market to the Community Hall's Conwest Main Stage. No dance skills required - just bring your enthusiasm!
Following opening remarks, the music begins! This year features free performances at these three stages:
Conwest Main Stage at the Fort Langley Community Hall
Our main stage is the vibrant heartbeat of the free Festival, delivering a powerful line-up of world-class jazz performances that span a wide range of genres and styles. From contemporary jazz and swing to blues, Latin, bebop, and more, this stage offers a non-stop musical journey featuring accomplished local and BC-based artists. As the centerpiece of the free festival experience, this stage brings together music lovers of all ages to celebrate the soul of jazz in all its forms. Bring your chair and settle in for a day of music! You can also check out the Lion's Club BBQ for eats and treats.
Get excited for acts from artists like Andrea Superstein, the John Nicholson Quintet, the Jon Bentley Quartet, Raagaverse, Feelin' Alright (A Tribute to Joe Cocker) among others!
Art & Culture Stage at the Art & Culture Zone
Located at the end of Mary Street, along Church Street in Fort Langley
The Art & Culture Stage showcases the incredible talent of Indigenous and local performing arts groups. Audiences will enjoy a vibrant mix of performing arts and cultural groups. Rooted in community and celebration, this new stage brings cultural richness, creativity, and connection to the heart of the festival experience.
Youth Stage at the Fort Langley Heritage CNR Station
The Youth Stage celebrates the next generation of musical talent with inspiring performances from emerging young jazz artists, including the Rising Jazz Star Award winners. As part of the expanded Youth Concert Series Showcase, this stage brings fresh energy to the Festival with dynamic sets on the Festival weekend and leading up to the Festival on July 13 and 20. Experience the passion and creativity of up-and-coming musicians in an intimate, family-friendly setting surrounded by local art exhibits and heritage charm.
The celebration continues with even more free programming…
Art & Culture Zone, Mary/Glover/Church
New for 2025 - we’ve combined the Kidz Zone and Art Zone to create the new Art & Culture Zone! Awaken your creativity and imagination with free art, music and cultural activities for people of all ages and abilities! This special part of the Festival features:
Face painting brought to you by Aura Natural Market
Kids watercolour painting workshops brought to you by Epiphany Neighbourhood Art Studio
Watercolour and acrylic painting workshops for all ages
Craft activities like “Make a Musical Instrument” by Provisions Market + Gifts
Interactive drum circle
Visual art and Indigenous cultural activities
Pottery demonstrations and Play with Clay by Fraser Valley Pottery Guild
Music Workshops
Join us for an exciting series of music workshops led by accomplished musicians and educators. These one-hour workshops are designed for music lovers and musicians of all levels and provide a unique opportunity to learn and hear from some of the best in the field. Music workshops will be held at St. George's Anglican Church on Church Street.
Strolling Bands
Get ready to groove as the streets of Fort Langley come alive with the pulse of two exhilarating strolling bands at this year’s Festival. On Saturday, July 26, feel the irresistible energy of Bloco Energia, a dynamic Afro-Brazilian drumming group that will fill the air with the vibrant rhythms of Carnaval. Their explosive beats, playful spirit, and colourful vibe are guaranteed to get everyone dancing.
Then, on Sunday, July 27, Vijay Brass Band brings the sounds of South Asia to the festival with their electrifying mix of Bollywood hits, Punjabi pop, and traditional Indian music. Known for their show-stopping performances and diverse musical line-up, this band delivers the most authentic Punjabi brass experience in Western Canada.
Both bands will be performing from 11am–3pm each day—don’t miss the chance to catch them in action as they turn the town into a moving celebration
Closing out the Festival on Sunday: Gospel - Jazz Alternative Worship Experience (AWE)
It wouldn't be the Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival without closing the weekend with our traditional gospel Jazz Alternative Worship Experience (AWE). Jazz AWE returns to St. Andrew's Chapel, United Churches of Langley, on Sunday, July 27, from 5 to 6 pm.
Join us for song, reflection and conversation under Rev. Sophia Ducey's guidance. Featuring Arias, a vocal trio whose soulful voices and warm humour create an intimate atmosphere, the Jazz AWE is a moving way to end the festival and reflect on your favourite Festival experiences!
The Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors and community partners. Thank you to Bria Communities, Beltone Hearing Care Centre (Fort Langley), Conwest, Expedia Cruises (North Langley), Fort Langley Community Hall, Freybe Gourmet Foods, Langley Community Music School, Langley Heritage Society, Macdonald Realty, Mutual Fire Insurance, SiteLines Architecture, Tony Quo Vadis Foundation, Wave 98.3, Valiant Insurance, Wescraft Home Builders and beverage partners, Founder’s Original Cocktails, Trading Post Brewing and Trivento Wines!