The Beaches International Jazz Festival, now in its 38th year, will once again transform Toronto into a vibrant hub of music across four weekends from July 3 to July 26, 2026. This free annual summer ritual attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors with a diverse lineup that spans jazz, blues, salsa, rock, and electronic beats.
Celebrating Musical Diversity
The festival embodies jazz's inclusive spirit by showcasing artists who enrich Canada's music scene. From swing and soul to salsa and rock, and from DJ house to disco, the programming reflects a wide range of genres. As the festival has evolved from its jazz and blues roots to embrace global grooves, it remains committed to nurturing hundreds of Canadian musicians each year.
Sounds of Leslieville and Riverside Weekend
The festival kicks off from July 3 to 5 with the seventh annual Sounds of Leslieville and Riverside at Jimmie Simpson Park. This family-friendly weekend features live performances on July 4 and 5, including the Toronto All-Star Big Band, MOKA, the Jackson Steinwall Band, and Quincy Bullen. These acts will also perform during the nightly Street Fest from July 23 to 25.
Internationally acclaimed singer-guitarist Vili V, a five-time UK Songwriting Contest winner, will perform exclusively for the festival. His smooth blend of roots rock, gospel, and rockabilly is complemented by the soulful blues rock of Conor Gains and the danceable cumbia, electronica, jazz, and Afrobeat of Niña Volcán. The weekend begins on July 3 with an 80s throwback party.
TD Salsa on the Beach
From July 10 to 12, Woodbine Park becomes the epicenter of Latin music as TD Salsa on the Beach returns. Now Canada's largest outdoor celebration of Latin music, this weekend features Cumbia Power, Sons of Tuta, and Sugar Heat. Nicholas Mustapha blends Latin styles with modern jazz, blues, soul, and hip-hop. La Borinqueña Orchestra, known for their stellar salsa sound, performs on Saturday evening. Friday night showcases modern Latin dance styles with five of Toronto's best Latin DJs spinning cumbiaton, reggaeton, merengue urbano, salsa, and bachata.
TD Weekend at Woodbine Park
The third weekend, July 18 to 20, kicks off with a massive 1990s throwdown featuring internationally known Canadian DJs Starting From Scratch and Mista Jiggz, hosted by Master T of MuchMusic.
Throughout the festival, attendees can enjoy free performances, family activities, and the vibrant atmosphere of Toronto's beaches. For more information, visit the official festival website.
