Chicago’s legendary jazz scene is preparing to shine on the world’s stage in April, when the city hosts the UNESCO International Jazz Day 2026 for the first time. The global event will kick off April 1 with weeks of educational programming, master classes and special performances to the city. The month will culminate in the All-Star Global Concert on April 30 at Chicago’s Lyric Opera House. It will feature more than 40 international artists, including Herbie Hancock, Kurt Elling, Dianne Reeves, Ernest Dawkins, Dee Dee Bridgewater and Terence Blanchard.

In November 2011, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization officially designated April 30 as International Jazz Day in order to highlight jazz and its diplomatic role of uniting people in all corners of the globe. International Jazz Day is chaired and led by the UNESCO Director-General and legendary jazz pianist and composer Herbie Hancock. The Institute is the nonprofit charged with planning, promoting and producing this annual celebration. International Jazz Day is the culmination of Jazz Appreciation Month, which draws public attention to jazz and its extraordinary heritage throughout April. In December 2012, the United Nations General Assembly formally welcomed the decision by the UNESCO General Conference to proclaim April 30 as International Jazz Day. The United Nations and UNESCO now both recognize International Jazz Day on their official calendars.

This year’s iteration will highlight Chicago’s contributions to jazz, blues and global music. The event aligns with both the 250th anniversary of the United States and the 100th anniversary of the birth of legendary jazz performer Miles Davis, who was born and raised in Illinois. The event also draws attention from music fans around the world through streaming. Last year, more than 250 million people watched the concert. To learn more about what events will be taking place throughout the city, visit the International Jazz Day website.