Santa Monica’s cultural heartbeat is about to hit a whole new rhythm. BroadStage has officially announced the return of the Santa Monica International Jazz Festival in 2026, and jazz fans across California—and beyond—are already buzzing. More than just a weekend of great music, this festival is shaping up to be one of the most soulful and significant events on the West Coast music calendar.
Held in the heart of one of LA’s most iconic coastal neighborhoods, the festival brings world-class jazz musicians, genre-bending improvisers, and boundary-pushing composers together for a truly unforgettable celebration of sound. And this year, it’s leveling up.
🎷 A Jazz Festival with Global Soul & Local Heart
The Santa Monica International Jazz Festival isn’t just about showcasing talent—it’s about honoring the history of jazz while spotlighting its future. Taking place at the beautifully intimate BroadStage, the 2026 edition promises a dynamic mix of legacy artists, international guests, rising stars, and community-driven workshops and panels.
Expect Latin jazz rhythms blending with traditional swing, boundary-pushing fusion acts, and intimate solo performances that will leave even the most seasoned fans speechless. The lineup is still under wraps, but if past years are any indicator, we’re in for a powerful curation of artistry and soul.
More than just a concert series, this festival turns the beachside city into a jazz lover’s paradise. Pop-up shows, masterclasses, and culinary tie-ins at local cafés and lounges bring the energy of the fest far beyond the BroadStage itself.
🎖️ A Moment of Legacy: The Miles Davis Award
One of the most anticipated moments of the 2026 festival is the presentation of the prestigious Miles Davis Award—a tribute traditionally associated with the legendary Montreal Jazz Festival, now making a rare appearance in Santa Monica. This award honors a musician whose entire body of work has made a significant and lasting contribution to the world of jazz.
While the recipient for 2026 hasn’t been announced yet, this marks a massive moment for the festival—and an acknowledgment of its growing status on the global jazz scene. Past recipients of the Miles Davis Award include jazz royalty, and bringing that level of legacy to Santa Monica is a clear signal that this festival is reaching new heights.
🌅 Jazz by the Ocean: Why Santa Monica?
Jazz has always thrived where cultures meet, where the energy of a place feeds the music and vice versa. That’s why Santa Monica, with its unique blend of laid-back beach culture, artistic spirit, and international influence, is the perfect home for a world-class jazz celebration.
BroadStage itself, located at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center, is the ideal venue—offering top-tier acoustics, an intimate setting, and a commitment to creative excellence that mirrors jazz’s improvisational soul.
From the ocean breeze rolling through at night to the energy of the community that gathers during the day, the festival isn’t just about the music. It’s about the entire experience.
🎶 More Than Music: Panels, Conversations & Community
In true Improv Café spirit, this festival goes beyond the stage. Attendees can expect interactive panels, storytelling sessions, and conversations that pull back the curtain on the creative process. Whether you’re a jazz student, a longtime fan, or just discovering the genre, there’s space for every listener to connect, learn, and be inspired.
Workshops will cover everything from improvisation techniques and jazz history to the future of digital jazz production. Plus, local artists, educators, and youth programs are all part of the mix, making this not just a music festival, but a full-on community gathering.
📍 Plan Your 2026 Now
The Santa Monica International Jazz Festival at BroadStage is set to take place in early fall 2026—a perfect time to catch some of the smoothest grooves just steps from the Pacific Ocean. Whether you’re coming from across town or across the globe, this is one festival you’ll want to bookmark.
Stay tuned for lineup announcements, ticket details, and exclusive sneak peeks as we move closer to the main event. We’ll be covering it all right here at The Improv Café, your go-to destination for jazz news, artist spotlights, and everything in between.
🎺 In the Meantime…
Looking to get in the mood before the festival? Check out our curated playlists, artist interviews, and archival performances from past jazz legends and emerging greats. Because at The Improv Café, we don’t just write about jazz—we live it.
Santa Monica, get ready. Jazz is coming home.