Brian Culbertson, scheduled to perform on Saturday, April 18

Jazz Fest Pompano Beach is back—bigger and bolder than ever. Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19, 2026, as the City of Pompano Beach, proudly presents the 5th anniversary of this beloved beachfront festival. Set along the city’s stunning shoreline, Jazz Fest once again delivers two unforgettable days of world-class music, vibrant culture, and community celebration—all free to the public. Guests can also elevate their experience with exclusive VIP opportunities, including premium viewing areas and commemorative 5th anniversary items.

What began five years ago as an ambitious cultural initiative has grown into one of South Florida’s premier music events. The festival’s impact continues to rise year after year, with more than 10,000 registered attendees in 2025, underscoring Jazz Fest’s growing reputation as a must-attend destination event. With warm ocean breezes, salted air, and the sultry sounds of jazz filling the beach, this milestone year is set to rival the most notable jazz festivals in the region.

Beyond the extraordinary performances, Jazz Fest Pompano Beach offers something for everyone. Festivalgoers can enjoy a lively culinary village featuring local and global flavors, explore creative activations and relax in a scenic, friendly beachfront setting. The popular Local Talent Stage returns as a cornerstone of the festival, celebrating the depth and diversity of local musicians.

*Richard Elliot performing on Saturday, April 18 (photo by Lori Stoll)*

The 2026 lineup shines with Grammy-winning and internationally acclaimed artists. Saturday, April 18, opens with the elegance and radiant flute artistry of Kim Scott, followed by the powerhouse saxophone sound of Grammy-nominated Richard Elliot. Closing out the night is contemporary jazz icon Brian Culbertson, a genre-defying performer with an incredible 30 Billboard No. 1 singles, known for delivering high-energy shows that blend jazz, funk, soul, and unforgettable showmanship.

*Kim Scott performs on Saturday, April 18*

Sunday, April 19, continues the momentum with the bold and inventive piano stylings of Connie Han, followed by the smooth, soulful signature sound of saxophonist Walter Beasley. The festival culminates with an explosive finale by Ghost-Note, led by multi-Grammy–winning percussionists Robert “Sput” Searight and Nate Werth, whose electrifying grooves transform jazz into an unstoppable force.

*Walter Beasley is performing on Sunday, April 19*

RSVPs are encouraged to help plan for security, food, drinks, and merchandise. Performance times and the full festival schedule are available here.

Don’t miss the best free jazz festival on the beach—where every note tells a story, every artist brings something extraordinary, and Pompano Beach comes alive with rhythm and soul.

The 5th Anniversary Jazz Fest Pompano Beach, scheduled for April 18-19, 2026, is located at Pompano Beach Fisher Family Pier, 222 N. Pompano Beach Blvd. in Pompano Beach, Florida. For more information, visit pompanobeacharts.org/events/jazz-fest

Morning view of Avalon Harbor on Catalina Island

Good morning from Catalina Island!

This is the final weekend of the 2014 Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival. Last night, Peter White performed an “unplugged” show on the sand at Descanso Beach. Tonight, the festival returns to the historic Catalina Casino Ballroom, where the artist’s musical magic will be illuminated by the elegance of Tiffany chandeliers. Headliners this weekend include David Sanborn on Saturday, and Dave Koz closing out the island festival on Sunday.

Craig Collier, Cristina (JazzTrax ticket manager) & Jonathan Fritzen at the Smooth Jazz News booth during the 2013 Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival

Each artist will be signing autographs after their show. Stop by our booth next to the autograph signing table, and receive 2 CDs FREE when you subscribe (or renew) to Smooth Jazz News!

Crab benedict at Original Jack’s Country Kitchen on Catalina Island

If you’re already on the island, you might want to try Original Jack’s Country Kitchen for morning meal (their crab benedict is fabulous!) or the Casino Dock Cafe (next to the Casino) for a breakfast burrito or some tasty South-of-the Border dishes.

A Touch of Heaven Day Spa in the Metropole Marketplace on Catalina Island

And, if you’d like to get a little pampering in before the concerts, A Touch of Heaven Day spa offers the best Sweet Thai Massage (a combination of massages, stretching and acupressure, which is great for pain relief ad relaxation!). Ramona Garcia is my favorite massage therapist. They’re located below in the Hotel Metropole in the Metropole Marketplace. For an appointment, call 310-510-1633.

Tonight, after the shows in the Casino, the JazzTrax After-Party is happening on Descanso Beach with DJ Jonathan Phillips. After a night of dancing on the sand, you may want to schedule your massage appointment for Sunday morning! A Touch of Heaven also offers a Deluxe Hand & Foot Treatment (massage with essential oils) and a Revitalize treatment (hand and foot reflexology with a lavender foot scrub, ending with a peppermint scalp massage). Sounds like heaven to me!

A few tickets are still available for Saturday and Sunday sessions, and can be purchased at the box office. For festival details, visit www.jazztrax.com.

Tag Archives: smooth jazz festivals

Jazz Fest Returns to Pompano Beach for a 5th Anniversary Celebration

Final weekend of 2014 Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival