BPAC Celebrates 15 Years with Expanded Jazz on the Plaza Festival
BPAC Celebrates 15 Years with Expanded Jazz on the Plaza Festival
BURLINGTON, ON – The Burlington Performing Arts Centre (BPAC) returns this summer with its biggest Jazz on the Plaza festival yet, featuring 10 outstanding performances from August 7–9 as part of its 15th Anniversary Season.
For three days, BPAC’s Outdoor Plaza will become a vibrant gathering place where audiences of all ages can enjoy exceptional live music in the heart of downtown Burlington. From award-winning vocalists and internationally acclaimed performers to energetic brass bands and global jazz influences, this year’s lineup offers something for seasoned jazz lovers and first-time listeners alike.
“Jazz on the Plaza is one of BPAC’s signature community access initiatives, reflecting our belief that the performing arts should be accessible to everyone,” said Sara Palmieri, Executive Director of the Burlington Performing Arts Centre. “We’ve assembled an incredible lineup of artists, and we can’t wait to open the patio doors, enjoy an icy drink, and soak up the music and the summer vibes together in beautiful downtown Burlington.”
A beloved summer tradition, Jazz on the Plaza brings neighbours, visitors, and music lovers together to enjoy world-class performances under the open sky. Expect to hear soul, blues, salsa, surf rock, R&B, along with jazz styles that you know and love. Limited seating is available and guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs.
2026 Jazz on the Plaza Lineup:
Friday, August 7
6pm – Irene Torres
7:15pm – Empanadas Ilegales
Saturday, August 8
2pm – Waleed Kush Afro-Jazz
3:15pm – Sammy Jackson
4:30pm – Ori Dagan’s The Grand Voices of Jazz
5:45pm – Big Smoke Brass
7pm – Laila Biali
Sunday, August 9
2pm – Dizzy & Fay
3:15pm – Kellylee Evans
4:30pm – Heather Bambrick
Jazz on the Plaza is a cornerstone of BPAC’s commitment to community access. Alongside subsidized school performances, community partnerships, and ticket access initiatives, the free festival helps ensure more people can experience the joy and connection of live performance.
As BPAC celebrates 15 years of bringing artists and audiences together, community support continues to make free programming like Jazz on the Plaza possible. The festival’s presenting sponsor is Carrie Hughes, Financial Advisor – Edward Jones, with generous support from SB Partners, Heritage Place, Di Mario’s Trattoria, Discover Burlington and the Department of Canadian Heritage, as well as from our media partner JAZZ.FM91, hospitality sponsors 400 Brant Kitchen & Bar, Pepperwood Bistro, ®radius on Brant, and Holiday Inn Burlington Conference Centre by IHG.
Individuals, businesses, and community members are invited to attend, donate, become a sponsor, or explore other ways to support BPAC’s mission of making the arts accessible for all.
For the full festival schedule, information about BPAC’s community programs, or to support BPAC’s 15th Anniversary Season, visit burlingtonpac.ca.
About Burlington Performing Arts Centre
The Burlington Performing Arts Centre is the cultural heart of downtown Burlington, presenting exceptional local, national, and international artists while enriching the community through education, outreach, and accessible arts programming. For 15 years, BPAC has created meaningful arts experiences that connect, inspire, and welcome audiences of all ages.
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The Burlington Performing Arts Centre
440 Locust Street, Burlington, Ontario L7S 1T7
www.burlingtonpac.ca
Box Office: 905.681.6000
Media Inquiries
Annie Wilson
Director of Programming & Marketing, The Burlington Performing Arts Centre
annie.wilson@burlington.ca
Diana Moser
Supervisor of Development & Marketing, The Burlington Performing Arts Centre
diana.moser@burlington.ca