TORONTO — The Kensington Market Jazz Festival will return to Toronto from Sept. 18 to 20, 2026, bringing more than 100 performances to intimate venues across the neighbourhood as the artist-driven event enters its 11th year.
The festival has announced its first group of participating artists, including Alex Bird, Hilario Duran, Robi Botos, Rich Brown and Jane Bunnett. Its programming will also feature book readings from Marc Jordan and Robert Priest, alongside the premiere of a new Poetry Slam event.
Organizers expect the three-day festival to generate thousands of visits to Kensington Market, supporting an area that is home to more than 240 independent businesses while maintaining the small-venue approach that has defined the event since 2016.
Kensington Market Jazz Festival Maintains ‘Better, Not Bigger’ Approach
The Kensington Market Jazz Festival, or KMJF, launched in September 2016, when more than 200 Toronto musicians performed across nine neighbourhood venues.
Rather than moving toward large concert spaces as it expanded, organizers have maintained a “Better, Not Bigger” philosophy. Performances are staged in cafes, courtyards, community halls, patios and other smaller spaces throughout Kensington Market.
The 2026 festival will add Toronto’s El Mocambo to its collection of venues.
Over its history, KMJF has presented more than 500 Canadian artists and operates with the support of more than 100 volunteers.
Festival Founder Molly Johnson Emphasizes Community Roots
KMJF was founded by Canadian singer-songwriter Molly Johnson, O.C., in collaboration with Tracy Jenkins of Lula Lounge and the 2025 Shaw Festival.
Johnson, who grew up in Kensington Market, created the event with the goal of connecting musicians with the cultural character of the Toronto neighbourhood.
“I started KMJF to showcase the cultural tapestry of our market,” Johnson has said. “Your support makes this celebration possible.”
Johnson is a two-time JUNO Award winner, an Officer of the Order of Canada, a Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres and a recipient of the 2023 Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement.
Her recent work includes the EP “Long Time Running,” featuring a reinterpretation of The Tragically Hip song alongside Blue Rodeo’s Jim Cuddy and a collaboration with JUNO Award-winning rapper Haviah Mighty.
Canadian Jazz Artists Lead First 2026 Lineup Announcement
The initial 2026 lineup reflects KMJF’s focus on Canadian musicians and longstanding artistic relationships.
Two-time JUNO-nominated vocalist Alex Bird will perform alongside pianist Ewen Farncombe and The Jazz Mavericks. Cuban-born, Toronto-based pianist Hilario Duran, a two-time JUNO winner and Grammy nominee, will also return.
Duran’s career includes work with Cuba’s Orquesta Cubana de Musica Moderna, where he succeeded Chucho Valdes. He has also collaborated extensively with Jane Bunnett, a five-time JUNO Award winner and Order of Canada recipient known for her work in Afro-Cuban jazz.
JUNO-winning pianist Robi Botos, a protégé of Canadian jazz musician Oscar Peterson and a longtime collaborator with Johnson, is also confirmed.
Bassist and composer Rich Brown, whose album “Abeng” received a JUNO nomination, rounds out the first group of announced musical performers.
Festival Expected to Drive Foot Traffic for Local Businesses
A typical KMJF weekend features more than 100 Toronto-based Canadian musicians playing more than 100 shows across approximately 10 venues, according to organizers.
Attendance can exceed 5,000 people, providing additional customer traffic for restaurants, retailers and other independent businesses throughout Kensington Market.
The festival also operates programming beyond its primary concerts. Initiatives include the KMJF Kids Music Series in the park, sponsored by Long & McQuade, artist recording projects, seasonal music programming and a neighbourhood busking program.
Tickets for individual performances are available for cash at the door and generally range from $20 to $25. Organizers encourage attendees to arrive early because of the limited capacities of participating venues.
Charitable Organization Relies on Volunteers and Community Support
KMJF has operated as a registered charitable arts organization since 2021 and relies on donations, volunteers and institutional support to sustain its programming.
The 2025 edition marked the festival’s 10th anniversary and featured performers including Bunnett, Duran, Alana Bridgewater, Jay Douglas and Alex Pangman. The 2026 festival will build on that anniversary programming and will again include live painting by Jared Olsever.
This year’s event is supported by organizations including the Canada Council, City of Toronto, Ontario Creates, Canada Life, Slaight Family Foundation, Long & McQuade, Yamaha and KMBIA.
With additional artists still to be announced, the September festival will continue its community-focused model of pairing established Canadian musicians with small venues while bringing visitors and economic activity into one of Toronto’s best-known independent business districts.