About the Vancouver International Jazz Festival
The Vancouver International Jazz Festival (VIJF) stands as one of Canada's premier jazz celebrations and ranks among the top jazz festivals worldwide. Since its inception in 1986, the festival has grown from a small local event to an internationally acclaimed celebration that attracts over 500,000 music lovers annually to Vancouver each June and July.
What sets the VIJF apart is its commitment to presenting both legendary jazz masters and emerging talent across multiple venues throughout the city. From intimate club performances to grand outdoor concerts, the festival showcases the full spectrum of jazz and related genres, including blues, R&B, funk, world music, and experimental sounds.
The festival's reputation for excellence has attracted some of the biggest names in jazz history, while also serving as a launching platform for new artists. This perfect blend of established and emerging talent creates an atmosphere of musical discovery that defines the Vancouver jazz experience.
2025 Festival Highlights
Opening Night Gala
Date: June 20, 2025
Venue: Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Featured Artist: Diana Krall (Special hometown performance)
Vancouver's own jazz royalty returns home for an unforgettable evening of sophisticated jazz and timeless standards.
Coastal Jazz Main Stage
Dates: June 21-28, 2025
Venue: David Lam Park
Featured Artists: Kamasi Washington, Esperanza Spalding, Brad Mehldau Trio
Free outdoor concerts featuring world-renowned jazz artists against the backdrop of False Creek.
Jazz Club Series
Dates: June 15 - July 5, 2025
Venues: Multiple intimate venues
Experience the authentic jazz club atmosphere in Vancouver's best music venues with late-night performances and jam sessions.
TD Jazz Workshop Series
Dates: Throughout the festival
Venues: Various community centers
Educational workshops and masterclasses led by festival artists for musicians of all levels.
Featured Artists and Performances
International Headliners
The 2025 festival lineup includes Grammy-winning saxophonist Kamasi Washington, whose cosmic approach to jazz has redefined the genre for a new generation. Bass virtuoso Esperanza Spalding will showcase her innovative blend of jazz, R&B, and world music, while the Brad Mehldau Trio brings their acclaimed interpretations of both jazz standards and contemporary compositions.
Canadian Jazz Excellence
Celebrating Canadian talent, the festival features Toronto-based pianist Kris Davis, known for her adventurous compositions and ensemble work. Montreal's Emilie Simon will present her unique fusion of electronic music and jazz elements, while Vancouver's own Cory Weeds leads an all-star Canadian quartet.
Emerging Artists Showcase
The festival's commitment to nurturing new talent shines through the Emerging Artists Showcase, featuring young musicians from Canada and around the world. These rising stars perform alongside established artists, creating mentorship opportunities and showcasing the future of jazz.
Venues and Locations
David Lam Park Main Stage
Capacity: 5,000
Setting: Outdoor waterfront venue
Best For: Major headliner performances
The festival's premier outdoor venue offers stunning views of False Creek and the city skyline. Free admission makes these performances accessible to all music lovers. Arrive early for the best viewing spots and bring blankets for comfort.
The Orpheum Theatre
Capacity: 2,780
Setting: Historic concert hall
Best For: Acoustic performances and solo artists
Vancouver's premier concert venue provides exceptional acoustics and elegant surroundings for intimate jazz performances. The venue's rich history and architectural beauty enhance the musical experience.
The Commodore Ballroom
Capacity: 990
Setting: Iconic dance hall
Best For: Contemporary jazz and fusion
Known for its sprung dance floor and intimate atmosphere, the Commodore hosts some of the festival's most energetic performances. The venue's legendary status attracts both artists and audiences seeking an authentic music experience.
Performance Works
Capacity: 400
Setting: Granville Island venue
Best For: Experimental and avant-garde jazz
Located on artistic Granville Island, Performance Works hosts the festival's more experimental programming. The intimate setting allows for close interaction between artists and audience members.
Jazz Club Series Venues
Venues: Frankie's Jazz Club, O'Doul's Restaurant & Bar, The Cellar
Experience authentic jazz club culture in these intimate venues scattered throughout Vancouver. Late-night shows, jam sessions, and surprise guest appearances create the spontaneous magic that defines jazz culture.
Insider Tips for Festival-Goers
Early Bird Advantages
Purchase festival passes early for significant savings and guaranteed access to popular shows. VIP passes include priority seating, meet-and-greet opportunities, and access to artist lounges.
Free Performances
Many outdoor concerts and community performances are free. Check the full schedule for no-cost opportunities to experience world-class jazz without breaking the budget.
Transportation and Parking
Use public transit when possible, as many venues offer limited parking. The Canada Line provides easy access to downtown venues, while the Aquabus connects Granville Island performances.
Weather Preparation
June weather in Vancouver can be unpredictable. Dress in layers for outdoor concerts and bring rain gear. Indoor venues maintain comfortable temperatures year-round.
Food and Dining
Many venues partner with local restaurants for special festival menus. Make reservations early for pre-show dining, especially near popular venues like the Orpheum and Commodore.
Photography and Recording
Photography policies vary by venue and artist. Generally, non-flash photography is permitted, but recording is prohibited. Check specific guidelines for each performance.
Educational and Community Programs
Youth Jazz Program
The festival's commitment to music education includes special programming for young musicians. Youth ensembles perform alongside professional artists, providing invaluable performance experience and mentorship opportunities. Workshops focus on improvisation, ensemble playing, and music theory.
School Outreach Concerts
Professional jazz artists visit local schools during the festival period, presenting educational concerts that introduce students to jazz history, instruments, and improvisation. These programs often spark lifelong appreciation for jazz music among young audiences.
Community Jazz Clinics
Free masterclasses and workshops are offered throughout the festival for musicians of all skill levels. Topics include jazz improvisation, composition techniques, and instrument-specific instruction led by festival artists.
Accessibility Initiatives
The festival prioritizes accessibility with sign language interpreters for selected performances, wheelchair-accessible venues, and programs for visually impaired attendees. Special accommodations can be arranged in advance for specific needs.
Jazz Culture and Vancouver
Jazz has deep roots in Vancouver's cultural landscape, dating back to the prohibition era when the city's jazz clubs provided sanctuary for musicians and music lovers. Today's festival continues this tradition while embracing contemporary innovations and global influences.
The festival's international reputation has established Vancouver as a significant stop on the global jazz circuit. Many artists schedule recording sessions in Vancouver's world-class studios during their festival visits, contributing to the city's recording industry and musical legacy.
Local jazz venues operate year-round, creating a sustainable ecosystem for jazz musicians and enthusiasts. The festival serves as the annual culmination of this thriving scene, celebrating both the city's jazz heritage and its continued evolution.
Festival History and Legacy
Founded by Robert Kerr and Ken Pickering, the Vancouver International Jazz Festival began with a simple mission: to present the world's finest jazz artists in Canada's most beautiful city. Over nearly four decades, the festival has welcomed legendary performers including Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, Oscar Peterson, and countless other jazz luminaries.
The festival's economic impact extends beyond music, contributing significantly to Vancouver's tourism industry and supporting local businesses. Hotels, restaurants, and cultural venues benefit from the influx of visitors, while the festival's international media coverage promotes Vancouver as a cultural destination.
Awards and recognition from industry organizations worldwide have cemented the festival's reputation for excellence. The event continues to evolve while maintaining its core commitment to artistic integrity and community engagement.
A Summer of Musical Discovery
The Vancouver International Jazz Festival 2025 promises to be an extraordinary celebration of musical artistry, cultural diversity, and creative expression. Whether you're a longtime jazz enthusiast or new to the genre, the festival offers countless opportunities for musical discovery and memorable experiences.
From world-renowned headliners to emerging talents, from intimate club performances to grand outdoor concerts, the festival creates a comprehensive jazz experience that captures the genre's rich history while embracing its dynamic future. Join thousands of music lovers in celebrating the universal language of jazz in one of the world's most beautiful cities.