The 2026 Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival Returns with Expanded Blues Shows, Free Music and New Headliner Concerts
The Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival returns in 2026 with an exciting and expanded celebration of world-class music, emerging artists and live experiences across the 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 features two full days of free outdoor programming, an expanded two-night Cool Blues Show, three special ticketed concerts and artists spanning jazz, blues, soul, roots and beyond.
“Our goal has always been to create a Festival that feels welcoming, inspiring and accessible to everyone,” says Artistic Director Dave Quinn. “This year’s programming reflects that vision with an incredible mix of internationally acclaimed artists, rising stars and free community experiences.”
Two Thursday Concerts to Open the Festival
The Festival begins on Thursday, July 23 with two special experiences.
The afternoon kicks off with the Daniel Hersog Jazz Orchestra concert with special guest vocalist Joanna Wallfisch at the Chief Sepass Theatre from 1 - 3 pm. Led by acclaimed composer and arranger Daniel Hersog, the orchestra brings together some of the finest jazz musicians in the country for a rare and intimate big band jazz performance.
Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 at the door and $20 for students (student ID required). Learn more and get your tickets here.
That evening, audiences can experience The Passion of Amy Winehouse: Back to Black at Chief Sepass Theatre. Led by award-winning vocalist Heidi Munro, this powerful tribute concert celebrates the music and legacy of Amy Winehouse through soulful performances of beloved songs including Rehab, Valerie and Back to Black.
Tickets are $45 in advance and $50 at the door.
The Cool Blues Show Expands to Two Nights
One of the biggest additions this year is the expansion of the Cool Blues Show into a two-night experience on Friday, July 24 from 7-10 pm and Saturday, July 25 from 4-10 pm.
Friday night features an electrifying lineup including Blackburn Brothers, Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar and Honeybear, The Band.
Saturday night continues with another incredible lineup featuring The Hogtown Allstars, Jack de Keyzer, Chambers and DesLauriers, Big Dave McLean and Them Ordinary Things.
Audiences can expect powerhouse vocals, soulful grooves and high-energy performances that blend blues, roots, rock and classic rhythm and blues!
Along with the amazing music, you can also visit the Expedia Cruises (North Langley) Beer Garden, several food trucks to keep you fueled throughout the night, a ticketed whiskey tasting experience, and a wine tasting where you can sip the best of our local Fraser Valley wines. There will also be a Macdonald Realty Games Area where you can let loose and enjoy some games between sets and an artisan vendor and non-profit market with local goods for sale.
“With two nights of blues programming, we’re able to showcase an even wider range of artists and create a truly immersive blues experience,” says Quinn. “The Cool Blues Show has become a signature part of the Festival and we’re excited to see it grow.”
Read more about everything the Cool Blues Show has to offer and get your tickets here.
Two Full Days of Free Music, Arts & Culture
The heart of the weekend remains the free programming, which kicks off with the Mardi Gras Strolling Parade followed by performances across two outdoor stages, hands-on workshops, family-friendly activities and cultural programming throughout Fort Langley.
The Community Hall Main Stage delivers a diverse lineup of jazz, swing, indie-pop, soul and contemporary music. Featured artists include The Lawless Firm, Elise Boulanger and Band, Curbside Collective, The Royal Sundowners and more.
Meanwhile, the Youth & Emerging Artist Stage at the Fort Langley Heritage CNR Station highlights the next generation of talent. Audiences can discover emerging artists including Yazmin Karimjee Quartet, Wood Land, Four Good Emperors and more. Our incredible Rising Jazz Star Award winners will also be taking the stage!
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. 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.”
If you wish to donate, please visit https://www.fortlangleyjazzfest.com/donate
This stage will also feature youth art exhibits and live art drawing demonstrations by Susan J. Falk.
Check out the full free Festival lineup here.
New Sunday Concert with Laila Biali
New for 2026 is ‘Generation X Meets Next Gen’ with Laila Biali on Sunday, July 26 from 7:30-10 pm.
This special concert brings together Grammy-nominated and multi-Juno Award-winning artist Laila Biali with rising Vancouver musicians for a performance celebrating mentorship, collaboration and musical evolution.
Featuring collaborations with emerging artists including Allison Lee, Luke Young and Rising Jazz Star winner Bea Lagrisola, the concert blends timeless repertoire from the American and Canadian songbooks with fresh interpretations and contemporary energy.
“This concert perfectly captures what the Festival is about,” says Quinn. “It brings generations together through music while creating space for emerging artists to perform alongside internationally celebrated talent.”
Tickets are $45 in advance and $55 at the door and they will sell fast! Get yours here.
A Festival Rooted in Community
Alongside the concerts and performances, audiences can also experience the Jazz Alternative Worship Experience on Sunday from 5 - 6 pm at the United Church on Glover Road, interactive arts programming and the welcoming atmosphere that has made the Festival a beloved summer tradition.
From intimate concerts to lively outdoor stages, the 2026 Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival promises four incredible days of music and community celebration.
The Festival runs July 23 to 26, 2026. Visit the Festival website for the full list of events, information on all our amazing performers, ticket information and more.