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.