June 3-7, 2026
For 43 years, the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival has turned downtown Burlington into a city-wide stage. In 2026, the festival returns June 3–7 with its most ambitious program yet, curated by MacArthur Fellow, pianist, and interdisciplinary artist Jason Moran.
Moran's vision for BDJF 2026 centers jazz as a living American art form: rooted in Black creative tradition, built on cultural exchange, and made for every kind of listener. The result is a five-day festival that spans the Flynn Main Stage, Waterfront Park, and the late-night energy of Big Joe's in Flynn Space with world-class headliners, a world premiere commission, 44 school bands from 38 area schools, and dozens of free performances woven into the fabric of the city.
Highlights include the world premiere of A Nation Listens — a new commission featuring Chris Potter with special guest Julian Lage — opening night with Savion Glover, Jason Moran & Chris Dave, and free waterfront performances by Mavis Staples, Tank & The Bangas, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and more.
Most of the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival is FREE and open to all… because jazz belongs to everyone.
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My Heart Sings
Jason Moran plays Duke Ellington with the Vermont Youth Orchestra
featuring South Burlington Vocalist Rachel Ambaye
June 4, 7 pm
JUNE 5
JUNE 6
OTHER Performances
Student Bands
June 3
Church Street
FREE
Student Bands
June 4
Church Street
Free
Student Bands
June 5
Church Street
Free
Presented By:
The Flynn is thrilled to announce that Jason Moran, one of the most visionary and influential figures in contemporary jazz, will serve as the curator for the 2026 Burlington Discover Jazz Festival. This year’s festival takes place across Downtown Burlington from June 3-7. This year’s festival, produced by the Flynn and presented by Vermont Tire with Nokian Tyres
Jason Moran is a MacArthur Fellow, pianist, composer, and interdisciplinary artist whose work continually expands the sound and meaning of jazz. A leading voice on the international stage, Moran bridges musical mastery with visual art, film, and performance, redefining how audiences experience music. His projects—spanning collaborations with Kara Walker, Julie Mehretu, and Ava DuVernay (for whom he composed the score to Selma)—connect the history of Black creativity with the urgency of contemporary expression. Through more than fifteen recordings, his long-running trio The Bandwagon, and commissions worldwide, Moran has become one of the most influential figures shaping the future of American music.
The festival will celebrate jazz as a distinctly American art form—rooted in Black traditions and shaped by generations of creative exchange. From its beginnings, jazz has drawn strength from the meeting of cultures and the blending of voices, transforming difference into connection and rhythm into shared expression.
A MacArthur Fellow, Doris Duke Artist, and former Artistic Director for Jazz at the Kennedy Center, Moran has continually reshaped the field. His acclaimed STAGED installations have recreated historic jazz venues inside major museums, while his collaborations with Kara Walker, the Martha Graham Dance Company, and Ava DuVernay demonstrate how jazz can speak across disciplines and generations.
Moran’s curatorship extends The Flynn’s growing legacy of uniting world-class artistry with local creativity, following statewide projects like Playing Fields that bring performance into civic life and public spaces. Through the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival, The Flynn continues to amplify access to the arts across Vermont, connecting local communities to national conversations about creativity, democracy, and belonging.
This music is built on community reflection and deep listening—the way we learn from one another in real time.The intensity of the present always finds its way into the sound, especially in those layers of listening on the stage, on the street, and in the crowd. With more than four decades of this festival’s history, I know Vermont will be all ears"
Produced by
Presented by
Thanks to our sponsors
Is it free?
YES! All events at the waterfront are free of charge. No reservations or tickets required.
Am I guaranteed admittance?
The events are first come, first serve.
Where are the entrances?
There are 2 public entrances. One on the south side and one on the north side of the park.
What time are the performances each day?
Friday, June 6: Performances from 4:30p – 10:45p
Saturday, June 7: Performances from 4:00p – 10:30p
What time do the gates open each day?
Friday, June 6 – Gates open at 4:30p
Saturday, June 7 – Gates open at 4:00p
Is there re-entry?
Yes, however you will have to get back in line and wait to re-enter if the park is at capacity.
Can I bring a blanket or chair?
Yes! Blankets and chairs are encouraged and welcomed.
Can I bring a bag?
Yes, there will be a security check point which includes a bag check.
Where do I get my ID checked?
You will show your ID if you are 21+ and want to drink alcohol when you get in line at the bar. Security will put a wristband on you at this time as well.
Will there be food?
Yes, we will have a variety of food trucks at the event, including:
- El Gato
- Church Street Cheesesteaks
- Pingala Broccoli Bar
- Whoa Nellie! Kettle Korn & Rookies Root Beer
- Yoga Del Soul
- South End Sliders
- Miso Hungry
- Urban Retreat Coffee
- Stowe Cider Presents: Shakedown Street BBQ
- Ali Baba’s
- Higher Ground (bar service)
Will there be alcohol?
Yes, with Credit Card Only (no cash).
Can I bring outside food in?
Yes.
Can I bring outside beverages?
No alcohol is allowed to be brought into the park. You may bring water, soda, etc.
Water Refilling Station
Yes, there will be a place to refill your water.
Are there ATM’s inside the gate?
No ATM’s
Where can I park?
We highly recommend car-pooling and parking away from the festival to walk to the event.
What if it rains?
The concert will go on rain or shine. If it is forecasted to pour all day, the event might be moved into the Flynn. Watch social media for updates.
What Can I bring?
- Chairs
- Sunscreen
- Small bag
- Personal umbrella
- Point-and-shoot cameras
- Food
- One bottle of sealed water
- Medications and prescriptions
Please bring a valid photo ID that matches the name printed on your prescription
What Can’t I bring?
- Bags larger than 20”x20”x10”
- Glass containers
- Large Coolers
- Beach Umbrella
- Lasers
- Alcoholic beverages
- Firearms
- Tools including knives
- Professional audio, photography and video equipment
- Pets
- Pop-up tents
- Drones