WILKES-BARRE, PA — The Wilkes-Barre Cavalcade of Jazz is back and better than ever! Following the overwhelming success of the last few years, the 2026 festival promises to deliver an unforgettable celebration of music, art, and community. From June 5-7, venues across Wilkes-Barre will come alive with the sounds of world-class jazz. This year also marks the 75th anniversary of the first Cavalcade, which took place in 1951.
Friday, June 5
The festivities kick off with the Opening Ceremony at the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts. Following this, jazz enthusiasts can experience the vibrant Jazz Walk, featuring incredible artists performing throughout downtown Wilkes-Barre. Friday night wraps up with a special Late Night Jazz Jam.
Saturday, June 6
Start your Saturday with the fan-favorite Jazz and Java followed by Afternoon Jazz performances in downtown venues.
As we head into the evening, the festival’s headliner, Bill Frisell Trio, will take the stage at 6:30 p.m. in the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts’ Chandelier Hall. The F.M. Kirby Center presents this performance as part of their Signature Series, sponsored by Geisinger.
Sunday, June 7
The festival concludes on Sunday with a delightful Jazz Brunch, a perfect way to wind down the weekend with great music and delicious food.
Tickets for the Bill Frisell Trio are available for purchase beginning on Friday, February 27th at 10 a.m. online at ticketmaster.com and at the F.M. Kirby Center Box Office. A Kirby Member presale will begin Thursday, February 26th, at 10 a.m.
Additional artists and performances will be announced in the coming weeks on the festival’s social media pages and website: wilkesbarrecavalcadeofjazz.org.
The Wilkes-Barre Cavalcade of Jazz is made possible thanks to the efforts of the Wilkes-Barre Cavalcade of Jazz Committee in partnership with Visit Luzerne County, The City of Wilkes-Barre, and Diamond City Partnership.
About the Wilkes-Barre Cavalcade of Jazz
The Wilkes-Barre Cavalcade of Jazz began in 1951 and is widely recognized as America’s first jazz festival. A plaque on Wilkes-Barre’s Public Square commemorates this historic moment, reading:
“On February 23, 1951 history was made in Wilkes-Barre. Eight jazz bands got together for ‘The Cavalcade of Dixieland Jazz,’ which became the country’s first jazz festival. On this occasion, April 29, 1994, the City of Wilkes-Barre acknowledges and pays tribute to those early jazz musicians and promoters who initiated the tradition which continues today, not only here in its birthplace, but throughout the country.”
Signed,
Lee A. Namey, Mayor of Wilkes-Barre
The Wilkes-Barre Cavalcade of Jazz Committee is comprised of dedicated community leaders and jazz enthusiasts, including this year’s committee chairs James and Susan Shoemaker, as well as Bob Borwick, Maria Edmunds, Shelby Gushka, AJ Jump, John Maday, Gina Malsky, Neil Prisco, Michael Slusser, and Alan Stout.
Don’t miss this incredible celebration of jazz in the heart of Wilkes-Barre! Mark your calendars for June 5-7 and join us for a weekend of extraordinary performances, community connection, and the joy of live music.
Information provided to TVL by:
Neil Prisco
