Bay State Hot Jazz Festival Returns August 29–30 for Two Free Days of Traditional Jazz at the Condon Band Shell
Free community festival brings 8+ traditional jazz bands from across the country to Medford for its 2026 edition
MEDFORD, Mass. — The Bay State Hot Jazz Festival will return to the Condon Band Shell on Saturday, August 29 and Sunday, August 30, 2026, bringing two full days of free, live traditional jazz to the Boston area. Now in its fourth year, the festival continues its mission of bringing the joy of hot jazz to the community at no cost to attendees.
Founded in 2023 as the Medford Trad Jazz Festival, the event has grown into a beloved regional tradition, featuring more than eight traditional jazz bands from around the country performing across two days. The festival is a program of the Labyrinth Choir.
2026 Lineup
Saturday, August 29 kicks off at 11:00 a.m. with the North Shore Big Band, followed by on-the-hour sets from Banjo Juice, The Smack Dabs, and Wolverine Jazz Band. Between sets, festivalgoers can join the Summer Street Stompers in the jam tent — instruments welcome.
Sunday, August 30 opens at 11:00 a.m. with The Catnip Junkies, followed by Josiah Reibstein and Hubtones, Dixie Diehards Traditional Jazz Band, and festival hosts Annie and the Fur Trappers. 2-Bit Brass will host the jam tent between sets.
"Grab a lawn chair and a sunhat, and see you at the Condon Music Shell," the festival's organizers said in announcing this year's lineup.
Event Details
- Dates: Saturday, August 29 – Sunday, August 30, 2026
- Time: Performances begin at 11:00 a.m. both days
- Location: Condon Band Shell, Medford, Massachusetts
- Admission: Free and open to the public, rain or shine
The festival will also feature local vendors, with additional details available on the festival's website.
About Bay State Hot Jazz Festival
The Bay State Hot Jazz Festival (formerly the Medford Trad Jazz Festival) was founded in 2023 as a free community festival celebrating traditional jazz. Each year, the festival brings together more than eight traditional jazz bands from across the country for a weekend of music, community, and dancing. The festival is a program of the Labyrinth Choir. For more information, visit baystatehotjazzfestival.com or follow the festival on Facebook and Instagram.
Media Contact
Anne Linders, Bay State Hot Jazz Festival Anneglinders@gmail.com baystatehotjazzfestival.com