Bloor-Yorkville is proud to return as a sponsor of the Toronto Jazz Festival and we’re thrilled to welcome them back to the neighbourhood for their 38th season! Summer truly kicks off once the festivals start and we’re proud to be a part of this fantastic event. From June 20th- to June 29th, we invite you to experience ten days and over 100 free, spectacular jazz performances from some of the most celebrated artists.
Join us as we celebrate summer, enjoy free concerts, and explore the best that Bloor-Yorkville has to offer! The Toronto Downtown Jazz Society is committed to supporting Canadian and emerging talent, and to providing 10 days of free programming for the public. The TD Toronto Jazz Festival is one of the ways they bring this goal to fruition, lending vibrancy and excitement to the City, while offering talented performers the chance to shine. We hope to see you out enjoying the shows!
Toronto Jazz Festival Free Outdoor Performances
Bloor-Yorkville is home to two different types of free, outdoor programming! Join us in The Village (within the Village of Yorkville Park) at the “OLG Village Stage” and throughout the Bloor-Yorkville area for “Sidewalk Sessions,” where bands will pop up at 5 different streetside locations. The OLG Village Stage provides some seating options, while the Sidewalk Sessions are mainly standing.
View the 2025 Festival Schedule Here.
Must-See Free Shows at the TD Toronto Jazz Festival
With over 50 free shows to choose from, it can be hard to narrow down your list! Here are some of this year’s highly anticipated free performances:
Danae Olano: June 24th, 6:30pm at OLG Village.
Multiple Juno award-winning saxophonist, composer, and educator, Kelly Jefferson has been a leading figure in the Canadian jazz community and beyond for over twenty-five years.
Waleed Kush Afro-Jazz: June 21st, 8:30pm at OLG Village.
The band lives in a constant state of “Becoming,” embracing a spirit of exploration, inclusivity, and accessibility. Their music is a rich blend of African rhythms and American jazz harmonies to create a true cultural melting pot.
The Heavyweights Brass Band: June 28th, 8:30pm at OLG Village.
In a genre typically represented by groups twice its size, this powerhouse quintet punches above its weight and always delivers the feel-good, let-loose energy that leaves audiences clamouring for one more song!
Lavender Town: June 27th, 8:30pm at OLG Village.
Created over a string of bi-weekly shows in Toronto at the music venue known as Tapestry, Lavender Town was formed as an attempt to consolidate instrumental jazz fusion with a dark modern sound hailing from rock, underground hip-hop, and EDM.
Must-See Ticketed Shows at the TD Toronto Jazz Festival
Mavis Staples, June 23rd, 8pm at Elgin Theatre:
Hailed by NPR as “one of America’s defining voices freedom and peace,” Mavis Staples is the kind of once-in-a-generation artist whose impact on music and culture would be difficult to overstate. She’s both a Blues and a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer; a civil rights icon; a GRAMMY Award-winner; a chart-topping soul/gospel/R&B pioneer; a National Arts Awards Lifetime Achievement recipient; and a Kennedy Center honoree.
On Their Shoulders, June 21st, 8pm at Koerner Hal: On Their Shoulders is a once-in-a-lifetime concert celebrating the African Canadian artists who have made invaluable contributions to the Toronto music community. This unforgettable evening will feature live performances from a stacked lineup of award-winning artists including: one of the greatest jazz voices of our time, 98-year-old icon, Ada Lee; Queen of Jazz, Blues and Gospel, Jackie Richardson; legendary pianist and composer, Joe Sealy; one of Canada’s greatest voices, Molly Johnson; Toronto reggae great, Jay Douglas; GRAMMY-nominated steel pannist, Joy Lapps; revolutionary blues and R&B artist, Bobby Dean Blackburn; and JUNO-nominated singer-songwriters SATE and tUkU.
Official Late Night Jazz Jams at the Pilot
For those who can’t get enough of the festival, stop by The Pilot for the official festival Jazz Jams at 10 pm every night. The Pilot is no stranger to live music and their team is looking forward to hosting music lovers and musicians! Each night features a different host, some of the best jazz artists in the city, who will be leading a live jam. Guests are encouraged to join in by bringing their own instrument! A house drum kit, keyboard, bass amp, and guitar amp will be provided.
There is a $10 cover charge to attend you never know who might make a surprise appearance! The Pilot’s full menu will be available, so you can refuel before heading home.
Please visit the official Jazz Jams website for the full event schedule and tickets.
We hope to see you out enjoying this fantastic community event! As a reminder, The Toronto Jazz Festival is produce by the Toronto Downtown Jazz Society and is a registered charity. If you are able, please consider donating. The money raised goes to producing 10 days of free programing and fostering opportunities for local and emerging talent.