Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival
Enjoy a four-day celebration of the best in jazz music with world renowned and Pittsburgh musicians!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS! The Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival returns Sept. 17-20, 2026
Festival Details
When
September 17 - 20, 2026
Where
The August Wilson African American Cultural Center | 980 Liberty Avenue
Admission
General admission to the festival is free, but there are VIP tickets available! Single Day VIP tickets are $150, and the full VIP Bundle is $285
What is the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival?
The Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival is a four-day celebration held Sept. 17-20, 2026, with live music events held at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center (AWAACC) and on the streets of Liberty Avenue in Downtown Pittsburgh. With Pittsburgh's rich jazz history, it's a party you won't want to miss!
Presented by Highmark, this unique festival showcases Pittsburgh's jazz legacy and brings the music to life. With performances from national and international artists, along with more than 140 local musicians, the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival welcomes everyone to celebrate jazz in the city.
Entertainment Lineup
Jazz History in Pittsburgh
Did you know? Pittsburgh was a jazz hub in the 20th century. The city's Hill District was known as “Little Harlem” and attracted jazz legends including Miles Davis, Billy Eckstine, Lena Horne, Duke Ellington and others. Earl “Fatha” Hines was a local pianist and bandleader from Duquesne, PA who influenced Pittsburgh jazz for decades to come. He mentored jazz legend and Pittsburgh native Billy Eckstine who continued to grow jazz in the city. Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn were also major contributors to the success of Pittsburgh jazz. Learn more about jazz in Pittsburgh on our #LovePGH blog.
More Pittsburgh Jazz
About August Wilson African American Cultural Center
Located on Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh's August Wilson African American Cultural Center showcases performing and visual art programs that celebrate Black culture. The building is named after American playwright and Pittsburgh native August Wilson, whose film adaptations Fences and Ma Rainey's Black Bottom were nominated for multiple Academy Awards, with the latter winning two. The 490+ seat theatre is in a modern building that offers multiple exhibition galleries, an education center, gift shop and café.
More Jazz-Centric Theaters
The Kelly Strayhorn Theater, named after two Pittsburgh legends, Gene Kelly and Billy Strayhorn, in East Liberty, is an innovative theatre space that highlights the Pittsburgh renaissance era. Encouraging diverse, inclusive, artistic and educational performances, the KST continues to grow Pittsburgh's jazz and theatre culture.
Explore more of the happenings around town with our Events & Festivals page!
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