South Beach Jazz Festival Marks 10 Years in Miami Beach With Grammy Winners and World-renowned Artists
- wgclients01
- Oct 19
- 3 min read
The South Beach Jazz Festival, presented by local non-profit Power Access, celebrates its 10th anniversary January 8–11, 2026, with a lineup worthy of its milestone year. The four-day festival will feature Grammy Award-winning and internationally acclaimed artists, and local legends performing throughout Miami Beach at venues including Faena Theater, The Bass Museum of Art, Collins Park, Lincoln Road, and the Miami Beach Bandshell. Free and ticketed performances.
TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE FOR MOST SHOWS. Here
Leading the 2026 festival is the three-time Grammy Award-winning Spanish Harlem Orchestra, performing with acclaimed trumpeter Etienne Charles at the Miami Beach Bandshell on Saturday, January 10. Under the direction of pianist and musical director Oscar Hernández, the ensemble has earned international recognition for its precision, authenticity, and dedication to the hard-driving sound of New York salsa and Latin jazz. Their performance is expected to be a highlight of the festival’s 10th year. Tickets start at $42.50.
The festival opens Thursday, January 8, at the Faena Theater with Grammy-winning guitarist and vocalist John Pizzarelli performing “Because of You: A Tribute to Tony Bennett.” Known worldwide for his interpretations of the Great American Songbook, Pizzarelli’s performance honors Bennett’s enduring influence on jazz and popular music. Earlier that day, Power Access will host a free virtual discussion, “Accessibility and the Arts,” from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., highlighting progress and innovation in inclusive cultural programming.
On Friday, January 9, “Society Jazz Night” programming begins at The Bass Museum of Art with “The Life & Music of Louis Armstrong” at 5:30 p.m. Presented by Grammy-winning historian Ricky Ricardi, Director of Research Collections at the Louis Armstrong House Museum, the lecture offers rare insights into the legacy of one of jazz’s most influential figures, followed by complimentary accessible gallery tours at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m
That evening, the festival continues outdoors in Collins Park with Steven Bernstein’s Millennial Territory Orchestra performing at 8:00 p.m. Bernstein, a celebrated trumpeter, composer, and arranger, will lead a group of top New York musicians in a free public concert that blends classic big-band tradition with contemporary jazz expression. Bring your blanket and picnic for a concert under the stars! A VIP Reception with reserved concert seating will precede the concert at 6:30 p.m. (Tickets $75).
Saturday’s daytime programming features the Jazz for Tomorrow Student Stage, led by jazz educator Nicole Yarling, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Lincoln Road and Euclid Avenue. The family event showcases talented student ensembles from the Jazz Education Community Coalition (JECC), Young Musicians Unite, and The Miami Lighthouse, along with Power Access Scholarship winner Christopher Bedrossian, interactive drumming with the South Florida Center for Percussive Arts, and more! Free admission.
The festival concludes with “Jazz Hits the Road” on Sunday, January 11, with the Power Access Main Stage on Lincoln Road, running from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. This full day of non-stop concerts filling the plaza at 1100–1111 Lincoln Road will feature The Spirit of Goodwill Band, Lemon City Trio, The Harden Project, Federico Britos Quintet, Spam Allstars, and more, including a surprise finale concert to be announced on November 9. Special guests will appear throughout the weekend, including performances by the Autism Theater Project and appearances by Power Access Scholarship winners. Free admission.
The All-Access Pass offers reserved seating and exclusive entry to all events, including orchestra seating for John Pizzarelli at Faena Theater, access to Friday’s VIP Reception, premium seating and a complimentary drink at the Spanish Harlem Orchestra concert, and VIP area entry at Sunday’s Main Stage. Limited passes are available at $275 per person.
Founded by R. David New and produced by Power Access, the South Beach Jazz Festival has become one of Miami Beach’s leading annual cultural events, known for presenting world-class jazz while advancing accessibility and inclusion in the arts. Over the past decade, the festival has hosted Grammy winners, internationally acclaimed performers, and musicians of all abilities, transforming Miami Beach into a citywide celebration of music and community.
Eventbrite RSVP encouraged for free events.
The festival’s music curation is presented in partnership with The Rhythm Foundation.