Madison Jazz Festival Brings Cadence and Community to the Terrace
Imagine this: a beautiful view of Lake Mendota, people dancing and a vibrant atmosphere with live jazz filling the air. This summer, that scene becomes a reality as the 2026 Madison Jazz Festival comes to the Memorial Union Terrace June 26-27.
Alongside the many performers already set to take the UW Credit Union Summer Stage this summer, the Madison Jazz Festival brings a lineup of talented performers to the Terrace. Whether you are a longtime jazz listener or are new to the genre, every performance invites you into a shared experience of incredible artistry, amazing storytelling and human connection.
With a history spanning more than three decades, the Madison Jazz Festival brings performers from all corners of the genre to Madison. This year’s free and ticketed events take place over nine days, beginning June 19. The festival finale will occur at the Terrace.
The Madison Jazz Festival is created for everyone to enjoy, from jazz lovers to people who’ve never listened to jazz before. If you aren’t convinced yet or aren’t sure if this event is for you, here are just a few reasons to make the Madison Jazz Festival at the Terrace part of your summer.
Experience jazz in a one-of-a-kind setting.
With Lake Mendota just next door, the Terrace offers a setting unlike a traditional concert venue, making this a unique opportunity to experience the genre. The Madison Jazz Festival brings world-class performers to a beloved downtown Madison destination. Attendees will also have an opportunity to enjoy the music alongside on-site dining such as Terrace-specific options, like the Brat Stand.
Discover the range of jazz.
Through the diverse lineup of jazz, the festival highlights the depth and creativity within the genre across just two days at the Terrace. From arrangements blending soul, folk and world beats to Brazilian-inspired jazz forms, there is so much music to enjoy.
Make it your own kind of event.
Whether you decide to attend the event with others or take in the music on your own, or make a day out of it or just stay for the afternoon, you’ll find it easy to settle in and enjoy the music. And for those who would like something to commemorate the event, 2026 Madison Jazz Festival T-shirts will be available for purchase while supplies last.
The two-day finale at the Memorial Union Terrace on June 26 and June 27 includes a number of free performances. You can expect a full slate of performers starting with afternoon sets into evening headliners. Performances at the Terrace will kick off on June 26 with the bossa nova Madison-based act Canção at 4:30 p.m. and will wrap up with a headlining performance by Grammy-winning drummer, bandleader and composer Nate Smith at 8:30 p.m.
Performances on June 27 will start at 12:30 p.m. and conclude with a final performance at 9 p.m. This day also includes a headlining performance at 7 p.m. by Wycliffe Gordon, a jazz trombonist, composer, conductor and arranger, featuring the Wycliffe Gordon Quintet.
To learn more about the other city-wide Madison Jazz Festival events, click here, and to learn more about the performances taking place at the Memorial Union, click here.
We hope you stop by the Terrace this June for two days full of unforgettable live music and talent you won’t want to miss!
