About

The Wangaratta Festival of Jazz & Blues returns in its 35th iteration from October 31st to November 3rd for a four day celebration of Australian jazz and blues. Set across intimate venues in and around Wangaratta, the festival blends a proud legacy with a fresh vision, championing the artists and stories of today.

Since its beginnings in 1990, the festival has played a key role in shaping the Australian jazz scene. From hosting legendary performances to supporting the growth of new talent, it has built a reputation as one of the country’s most respected and long-standing music festivals. In 1999, it was recognised with a National Tourism Award and, the following year, became a Victorian Hallmark Event. Much of this legacy is inscribed in the book Wangaratta Festival of Jazz & Blues: 30 Years, written by Adrian and Andra Jackson, who were instrumental in the festival’s development, with Adrian serving as its first director.

Following a tumultuous period that saw the festival announce its closure in 2023, 2024 marked a turning point. Thanks to the leadership of Festival Chair Andrew Nunn, the support of a new board, and broader encouragement from Australia's Jazz and Blues community, the festival returned with a renewed focus. The 2024 edition featured over 40 performances across 12 local venues, with a strong emphasis on nurturing fresh talent alongside luminaries such as Vince Jones and Hetty Kate. The artistic program was curated by Serge Carnovale, owner of Melbourne’s Paris Cat Jazz Club, who brought a renewed energy to the programming, and will do so again in 2025.

A highlight of the 2024 festival was the return of the National Jazz Awards. With a $15,000 prize pool and recording contracts on offer, the awards continue to support the next wave of Australian jazz artists, and the board is excited to see it continue in years to come. First launched at Wangaratta, the awards have helped shape the careers of many leading artists including Sam Anning, Barney McAll, Julien Wilson, Michelle Nicolle, and Kristin Berardi.

Mark your calendar, the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz & Blues returns October 31st to November 3rd 2025.