Organizers are literally counting down the weeks and days to the 2026 Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival, happening over four days in late July – many free events on the weekend, and a number of special ticketed events throughout.
On the weekend, Saturday and Sunday, July 25 and 26, thousands are expected to turn out for full days of free world-class jazz, blues, arts and culture in the heart of Fort Langley, featuring incredible performances across two outdoor stages, said event founder and artistic director Dave Quinn.
On the main stage at the Fort Langley Community Hall, for instance, there will be nine “incredible bands,” from Gypsy jazz and orchestral indie-pop to Indigenous contemporary music, soulful grooves and a Joni Mitchell tribute called Every Song is a Little Adventure.
Other artists will include the Lawless Firm, Elise Boulanger and Band, Ard ’N Saul, Russell Wallace and Snukwa7, Elisa Thorn, Curbside Collective, the Philly Jo Jones Tribute Band, and the Royal Sundowners.
There will also be a youth and emerging artist stage located down Glover Road in the gardens of the Fort Langley Heritage CNR Station.
This stage showcases the next generation of jazz talent, from Berklee students to Rising Jazz Star winners, Quinn said, listing off artists such as Yazmin Karimjee Quartet, Rowan, Wood Land, Bea Lagrisola, the Ben Cai Quartet, Four Good Emperors, Luke Young Quartet, and Quartal Voices.
In addition to all the music on stage, there’s a full weekend of other art and cultural experiences throughout the historic village, including family fun and art activities for all ages, strolling bands and pop-up performances, plus free art, music and cultural workshops.
“Join us… from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (each day) as we celebrate the power of jazz and art,” he said.
In addition to the two-days of free festivities in the village, there are a number of events that get going as early as Thursday.
Among the headliners for the ticket jazz concerts, there’s the Big Band Brilliance with the Daniel Hersog Jazz Orchestra, and guest vocalist Joanna Wallfisch from 1 to 3 p.m. on July 23. Hersog’s 17-member orchestra features Brad Turner, Steve Kaldestad, Bruno Hubert, James Danderfer and Bernie Arai, among other local jazz luminaries.
Later that same day, fans can catch A Soulful Legacy: Passion of Amy Winehouse – Back to Black, from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Multi-award-winning vocalist Heidi Munro is backed by an A-list band of Canadian musicians.
And one of the most popular festival highlights is back and bigger than ever.
That’s the Cool Blues Show, and this year it runs over two nights, Friday, July 24 and and Saturday, July 25 at the Fort Langley Community Park, said Karen Zukas, co-founder and executive director of the jazz festival.
Cool Blues will feature Blackburn Brothers, Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar, Honeybear The Band, The Hogtown Allstars, Jack de Kyzer, Chambers and DesLauriers, Big Dave McLean, and Them Ordinary Things.
“Eight headliners. Two nights. One incredible blues experience in a beautiful grass park setting plus beer garden, ticketed whiskey tastings and wine tastings, food trucks, outdoor games and more!” she shared.
“We’re excited to fill the park for two unforgettable nights,” said Zukas.
“Whether you’re a lifelong blues listener or a lover of live music, nothing beats outdoor blues in a beautiful park setting while enjoying the many activities and experiences available on site. There truly is something for everyone at the festival.”
Another ticketed event on the Sunday is what Quinn calls the grand finale with Generation X Meets Next Gen: Laila Biali.
This one-of-a-kind concert brings together Grammy-nominated and multi-JUNO Award-winning jazz artist Laila Biali with rising Vancouver talent for a powerful celebration of legacy, mentorship and musical evolution. From Carnegie Hall to stages around the world, Biali is known for pushing the boundaries of jazz, pop and beyond.
The show is Sunday, July 26, from 7:30 to 10 p.m.
“We’ve lined up an incredible group of artists for 2026,” Quinn said. “Every show is going to be a standout, and we can’t wait to share them with the community.”
More about the festival, and tickets for the required events, are available online at fortlangleyjazzfest.com.