Arts Orillia is preparing to bring established Canadian jazz talent, emerging musicians and community-focused programming together for the 2026 Orillia Jazz Festival, a three-day event scheduled for Oct. 16 to 18.
The festival will be headlined by four-time JUNO Award winner and two-time Grammy nominee Jane Bunnett alongside Maqueque, while additional programming will include the debut performance from Arts Orillia’s inaugural jazz artist residency, local youth performers, a Neo Noir after-party and the return of the Sunday Jazz Service.
Organizers are positioning this year’s program as an opportunity to connect internationally recognized performers with developing artists while expanding Orillia’s cultural offerings.
Jane Bunnett and Maqueque Headline at Orillia Opera House
The festival’s featured performance is scheduled for Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. at the Orillia Opera House, where soprano saxophonist and flautist Jane Bunnett will perform with Maqueque.
Bunnett, an Officer of the Order of Canada, has built an international career through her exploration of jazz and Afro-Cuban musical traditions. Her work with Maqueque brings together traditional Afro-Cuban rhythms and folkloric batá drumming with contemporary jazz, vocal harmonies and improvisation.
The group has become a significant part of Bunnett’s musical career, showcasing an ensemble-driven approach that highlights Cuban musical traditions alongside modern jazz influences.
For Arts Orillia, securing Bunnett and Maqueque provides the festival with a nationally recognized headline act while bringing their performance to a community venue in central Ontario.
Artist Residency Adds New Music to Festival Program
Programming begins Oct. 16 at 7 p.m. with a performance by the Art of Anthem Ensemble featuring James Brown, Clark Johnston and Hannah Barstow.
The trio are recipients of the inaugural Jazz and Jazz Adjacent Artist-In-Residency, a new initiative offered through Arts Orillia and the Canadian Music Centre. Their festival appearance will feature new music developed through the residency.
Youth Musicians Open the Festival
Before the Art of Anthem Ensemble takes the stage, the evening will begin with a special performance featuring Orillia youth musicians Alida Tomasini, Nico Christie and Cassia Stoodley.
The emerging performers have been mentored by Arts Orillia Artistic Producer Alondra Vega, along with Cole Mendez and Jacob Thompson of Free Label.
The inclusion of youth musicians reflects a broader emphasis on artist development within the festival, providing younger performers with an opportunity to appear as part of a professional cultural event.
Following the Oct. 16 performance, Arts Orillia will host a “Neo Noir” after-party featuring Nathanial Robertson and an open-mic jam.
Admission to the after-party is free for those attending the 7 p.m. performance. Other guests can enter for $10 cash at the door beginning at 9 p.m.
Sunday Jazz Service Returns to St. Paul’s Centre
The festival concludes Oct. 18 at 10 a.m. at St. Paul’s Centre with the return of the Sunday Jazz Service.
Music Director Dan McCoy will lead the program, which will feature Orillia musicians Jacob Thompson and Cole Mendez. Youth performers will also participate in the closing event, extending their involvement across the festival weekend.
Admission to the Sunday Jazz Service will be by donation, offering a lower-cost community component alongside the festival’s ticketed performances.
Three-Day Festival Expands Orillia’s Cultural Calendar
Running across multiple Orillia venues, the 2026 festival combines headline performances with artist development, mentorship and accessible community programming.
The Oct. 16 residency showcase and youth performances will open the event, followed by Bunnett and Maqueque at the Orillia Opera House on Oct. 17. The Sunday Jazz Service will close the festival the following morning.
Through its combination of established artists, new creative work and opportunities for emerging local musicians, Arts Orillia’s 2026 Jazz Festival is set to provide three days of jazz-focused programming while strengthening connections between professional performers and the region’s developing music community.