The Halifax Jazz Fest is marking its 40th anniversary this year with a new boardwalk series and expanded waterfront programming, artistic director Chris Palmer announced Thursday.
New Boardwalk Series Highlights
The festival, running from July 9 to 18, will introduce a free outdoor series along the Halifax waterfront boardwalk, featuring daily performances from local and national jazz artists. Palmer said the series aims to make the festival more accessible to the public.
“We wanted to celebrate 40 years by giving back to the community and showcasing the incredible talent we have,” Palmer said. The boardwalk series will include over 20 performances across multiple stages.
Waterfront Main Stage Returns
The main stage returns to the Halifax waterfront, hosting headliners including Grammy-winning pianist Robert Glasper and Canadian vocalist Laila Biali. The festival expects to attract over 60,000 attendees over 10 days, up from 50,000 last year.
New this year is a dedicated late-night series at the Marquee Ballroom, featuring electronic jazz and fusion acts. The festival has also expanded its youth programming with workshops for aspiring musicians aged 12 to 18.
Community and Economic Impact
According to festival organizers, the event generates an estimated $5 million in economic activity for the Halifax region. The 40th anniversary edition has secured additional funding from the provincial government and private sponsors.
The festival runs from July 9 to 18, with tickets available online and at the gate. The boardwalk series is free to the public.
