The Sun Life UpTown Waterloo Jazz Festival is an annual 3 day FREE music festival held in Waterloo Ontario, encouraging all genres of jazz. 2026 was our 34th Season where we look forward to entertained more than 20,000 enthusiastic festival goers! Join us next year at 100 Regina St S - City of Waterloo Parking Lot for a great weekend of music!

Post Festival Update:

Well folks, that's wrap on another successful Sun Life UpTown Waterloo Jazz Festival. What a weekend!

Thank you to our sponsors for supporting our Festival and keeping it "FREE"! We appreciate your gift to our Community.

Thank you to the artists who enthralled us with their performances this year! Every year the quality of our musical program seems to get better and better.

Thank you to our vendors who kept us safe and nourished while we enjoyed live music.

Thanks to the Board members who give of their time throughout the year developing and organising the Festival.

A huge thanks to all of the volunteers who make our Festival possible! From the veterans to the first timers, we appreciate all you did to make this year's event a success!

And finally, thank you to all the people who made us part of their weekend - who came out to enjoy live music! You are the reason we are here.

See you next year, everyone - we hope you enjoy your summer!

Welcome!

Thank you for joining us!

2026 Festival Photos

While the festival is free and welcome to all that can join, there are ways to enhance your festival with some paid experiences and add-ons like VIP seating, draws or an annual subscription! Check them out at the link below.

Enhance your festival experience!

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Be part of the festival!

For Volunteers

Want to enjoy a unique experience? Volunteer with the Sun Life Financial UpTown Waterloo Jazz Festival!

Volunteer perks include a free t-shirt, Volunteer Orientation day prior to the festival, and of course the extra benefit of listening to a great line-up of fantastic musicians!

The Festival is a volunteer-driven event that can only be staged with the help of wonderful people like you, generously donating their time. So come join us for great music and a spectacular community of jazz lovers.

Sign-up to volunteer!
For Artists

Are you a musician that’s hoping to be a part of our upcoming festival? Whether you’re a local or international, play alone or in a combo, play the local circuit or stadiums, we want to hear from you!

Learn about Artist Submissions
For Vendors

We are seeking extraordinary and unique vendors to be a part of the Sun Life UpTown Waterloo Jazz Festival for 2026!
Becoming a vendor for the Festival will help you to gain exposure and generate sales, as well as contribute to the liveliness and uniqueness of this free event!

Apply to be a festival vendor
For Sponsors

Help support this unique Festival of Free Jazz Music
Every year, our non-profit organization offers world-class free Jazz in Waterloo attracting over 33,000 people, of all ages and demographics, who come to the festival to enjoy the music of local and global top rate talent.

Become a sponsor!