New Mexico Jazz Festival

Name: New Mexico Jazz Festival
Start: 2026-08-30
End: 2026-08-30
Location: New Mexico

The 20th annual New Mexico Jazz Festival is a multi-week celebration of jazz, salsa, and blues music held in Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Presented by Outpost Productions, the festival features nearly two dozen performances ranging from traditional piano to adventurous avant-garde improvisation at venues like the Outpost Performance Space and The Lensic Performing Arts Center.

Date: Aug 30, 2026
Location: New Mexico

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Event summary

Highlights

Headline performances by Chucho Valdés and Esperanza Spalding
Cecil Taylor historic record release party and listening session
Free Blues Night event at Albuquerque’s Civic Plaza
Opening concerts by the Spanish Harlem Orchestra

The New Mexico Jazz Festival marks its 20th anniversary with an extensive schedule of performances across Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Managed by Outpost Productions, the festival showcases a broad spectrum of the genre, including Latin jazz, experimental free jazz, and classic quartets. Featured artists include prominent figures such as Chucho Valdés, Esperanza Spalding, and the William Parker Heart Trio. The event utilizes various regional venues and includes a free Blues Night held at Albuquerque’s Civic Plaza.

A notable component of this year's festival is its focus on jazz history and global influences. Highlights include a special record release party and panel discussion for a historic 1979 Cecil Taylor recording. Performances often incorporate unique international instruments like the Moroccan guembri and the shakuhachi flute, reflecting the festival's commitment to diverse tonalities and the improvisational roots of the art form.

Practical details

Before attending

Check the sources below for current opening times, admission prices and registration requirements. A date range does not mean the event runs continuously or that admission is free.