Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival Unveils 2026 Free Festival Line-Up on International Jazz Day

 
 

Festival Emphasizes Importance of Keeping Free Programming While Facing Cost Barriers

In celebration of International Jazz Day, the Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival announces its return this summer with two days of free programming, reaffirming its commitment to making live music and arts accessible in one of BC’s most historic communities.

From July 23-26, the sounds of jazz, blues, soul, and fusion will take over the picturesque village of Fort Langley. The festival is a hybrid event, offering two days of free music, art, and culture on July 25 and 26 alongside select ticketed performances throughout the four-day festival. Striking this balance is important and reflects one of the festival’s goals of providing free and accessible programming and delivering world-class performances. Last year’s festival drew record-breaking attendance with more than 12,000 attendees – including thousands of people enjoying free programming over the festival weekend.

This year’s free festival weekend kicks off with the popular Mardi Gras Strolling Parade from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, with the infectious energy of a traditional New Orleans-style jazz band making their way from the Fort Langley Farmers Market to the Fort Langley Community Hall where the good vibes and jazz continue throughout the weekend.

“We are thrilled to bring the heart of Fort Langley to life with two full days of free, world-class jazz, blues, arts and culture,” said Dave Quinn, Artistic Director of the Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival. “Our free festival lineup this year reflects a diverse range of talent from the spirited swing of Gypsy Jazz and soulful grooves to a moving Joni Mitchell tribute and powerful Indigenous-jazz fusion. With two outdoor stages and an incredible range of talent, there is truly a discovery waiting for everyone.”   

Free Festival – Community Hall Main Stage Lineup (July 25-26, 10am - 4pm) features:

  • The Lawless Firm

  • Elise Boulanger and Band

  • Ard 'N Saul 

  • Russell Wallace and Snukwa7 

  • Elisa Thorn

  • Curbside Collective

  • The Philly Jo Jones Tribute Band

  • The Royal Sundowners 

  • Every Song is a Little Adventure, A Joni Mitchell Project 

Another highlight of the free weekend is the Youth & Emerging Artist Stage, which showcases the next generation of jazz talent in the beautiful gardens of the Fort Langley Heritage CNR Station. 

Youth & Emerging Artist Stage Lineup (July 25 - 26, 10am - 4pm) features:

  • Yazmin Karimjee Quartet

  • Rowan

  • Wood Land

  • Bea Lagrisola

  • Ben Cai Quartet

  • Four Good Emperors

  • Luke Young Quartet

  • Quartal Voices

While offering two free days remains central to the festival’s mission, rising costs and reduced funding have led to changes this year, including relocating the Arts & Culture Zone to the Post Office greenspace at 23277 Mary Avenue. This vibrant new location will serve as a hub of creativity, offering a range of exciting and interactive workshops and activities designed to inspire visitors of all ages. More information and a full schedule of activities will be released in the coming weeks. 

“For many people, the Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival is experienced through its free concerts, performances and cultural programming moments that bring neighbours together, invite new audiences into the arts, and make music and creativity accessible to everyone,” said Karen Zukas, Executive Director for the festival. 

“Ensuring this public programming continues is essential to the fabric of our community. As costs rise and the funding landscape shifts, we rely on the generosity of our supporters to keep these stages accessible to everyone.”

You can support the future of free music, art and culture in the region by donating through the Fort Langley Legacy Foundation at fortlangleyjazzfest.com/donate.

The Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival is made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and community partners. We extend our sincere thanks to Chartwell Retirement Residences, Expedia Cruises (North Langley), Fort Langley Community Hall, Langley Heritage Society, Macdonald Realty (North Langley), Lorval Developments, Tony Quo Vadis Foundation, Valiant Insurance Services, Wave 98.3, Wescraft Homes and Sponsor a Band partners, Chops Consulting & Celene Hoag, Langley Foundation, Magnus Law, Masala Boyz Indian Lounge & Bar, MaxQA Testing & Shumail Javed, Rich & Michelle Coleman, Schildhorn Realty Group, Valiant Insurance and Woking Dragon (Langley). Their contributions help ensure the festival remains free, accessible, and deeply rooted in the spirit of community.

Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival