Melbourne International Jazz Festival 2019

Overview

Sound the trumpets and let the good times roll, because the Melbourne International Jazz Festival is back. Bustling into town for the start of winter, this year's ten-day festival will see more than 100 events (and 500 musicians) pop up around the city.

As expected, the 2019 program is packed to the brim with concerts, interactive shows and late-night jams. Famed jazz musician Herbie Hancock, who started his career in the Miles David Quintet back in the 60s, will perform hits from his five-decade career alongside other standout guests like five-time Grammy Award winner Billy Childs and US powerhouse Ms. Lisa Fischer.

Most events are ticketed, but there are a decent amount free gigs happening at bars and public spaces around the city — like the Jazz Out West program in Moonee Ponds and Maribyrnong and the free lunchtime sessions that are happening at Southern Cross on weekdays throughout the festival. If this is your first MIJF, this is a good way to dip your toe into the musical pool.

Amateur singers can also take part in the en masse choir, named Jazz Assembly, that will take place at Fed Square, or head along to Melbourne Museum's special jazz edition of its after-hours Nocturnal party.