Get Ready to Groove: The 2026 Middlesex County Jazz Festival Announces Dates and Incredible Lineup!

Oh, listen up, jazz lovers and community enthusiasts alike! Get ready to mark your calendars, because something truly special is heading our way in Middlesex County. The much-anticipated 2026 Middlesex County Jazz Festival has officially unveiled its dates and, boy, is it shaping up to be an absolute treat. Picture this: four glorious days, four fantastic towns, and four entirely free jazz concerts, all designed to get your feet tapping and your spirit soaring. It’s more than just music; it’s a vibrant celebration aimed squarely at encouraging and promoting music education throughout our community.

So, when exactly is this musical extravaganza happening? Circle September 23rd through September 26th, 2026, on your calendar right now. This is your chance to immerse yourself in the rich sounds of jazz, completely free of charge. And for all the nitty-gritty details, including any weather-related updates or last-minute changes, make sure to bookmark middlesexcountyjazzfestival.com. It's your go-to source for staying in the loop!

Kicking things off, we’re heading to Woodbridge on Wednesday, September 23rd. The beautiful Parker Press Park at 400 Rahway Avenue in downtown Woodbridge will come alive with sound. The evening starts early at 7:00 p.m. with the incredibly talented Woodbridge High School Jazz Choir – always a joy to see our local youth shine! Then, at 7:30 p.m., prepare to be moved by the Eli Yamin Jazz & Blues Band, bringing their soulful energy to the stage. And to cap off the night, at 8:40 p.m., the dynamic Shayna Steele Quintet will absolutely blow you away. What a start to the festival!

Next up, on Thursday, September 24th, the festival moves to New Brunswick. Liberty Square Park, nestled at 150 Neilson Street, will host an evening of captivating performances. The vibes begin at 5:30 p.m. and run until 6:40 p.m. with the incredible Cocomama, promising a truly unique sound. Following them, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., we'll be treated to the exquisite talents of Camille Thurman with the Darrell Green Quartet. It’s going to be an unforgettable night in the Hub City.

Then, Friday, September 25th, brings us to Carteret, where the magnificent Carteret Performing Arts Center at 46 Washington Street will be the stage. The evening kicks off at 7:00 p.m. with the masterful Jeff Levine, setting the perfect mood. Immediately following, from 7:45 to 8:45 p.m., get ready for the powerful sounds of Lance Bryant & Shout! Big Band. If you love a big band sound, this is definitely one you won't want to miss!

And finally, to close out this fantastic festival on Saturday, September 26th, we journey to Metuchen. The grand finale will take place at Metuchen High School, located at 400 Grove Avenue. It’s going to be a jam-packed afternoon and evening! Things get started early at 5:30 p.m. with a delightful performance from the Metuchen Dance Centre, adding a visual treat to the auditory feast. Then, from 6:00 to 6:45 p.m., our local talent takes the spotlight again with the Metuchen High School Jazz Ensemble and Orchestra. Following them, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., the fantastic Dave Schumacher & Cubeye will grace the stage. And for the grand, grand finale, from 8:15 to 9:45 p.m., prepare for the legendary Mingus Big Band! They’ll be performing the iconic music of Charles Mingus, making for a truly spectacular close to the festival. Talk about going out with a bang!

This incredible undertaking wouldn't be possible without the dedicated efforts of several wonderful organizations. Huge kudos go out to the Town of Carteret, the Metuchen Arts Council (and their friends at the Friends of Metuchen Arts), the New Brunswick Jazz Project, and Woodbridge Arts. Their collaborative spirit truly brings this vibrant festival to life for all of us.

So, there you have it! The 2026 Middlesex County Jazz Festival promises to be a spectacular four-day journey through the heart of jazz, right here in our own backyard. Gather your friends, bring your family, and get ready to experience some truly amazing music – all for free! We can't wait to see you there.