Montreal Jazz Fest: Free shows to take in as party kicks off

Esperanza Spalding performs during the second weekend of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP)

With the Montreal International Jazz Fest in full swing, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the wealth of musical options to choose from.

The good news is you don’t need to be wealthy to take it all in – there are dozens of free shows on tap for Montrealers and visitors to the city to enjoy.

Here’s are some of the highlights ( you can get the full program here):

Friday, June 27

Swing Riot at Esplanade Tranquille (7 p.m.)

Founded in 2012, Montreal Swing Riot brings together the swing and street dance communities to celebrate jazz through improvisation and personal expression.

Blue Rodeo at TD Stage (9:30 p.m.)

Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame artists Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor lead the celebrated rock band Blue Rodeo as they take over the TD Stage.

Saturday, June 28

Theon Cross at Pub Molson – Place Tranquille (8 p.m. and 10 p.m.)

British tuba player and composer Theon Cross, known for his work with jazz band Sons of Kremet, performs at Pub Molson in Espace Tranquille.

Grace Bowers & The Hodge Podge at TD Stage (7:30 p.m.)

Nineteen-year-old rock guitarist and songwriter Grace Bowers, whose talent is creating an industry buzz, will take over the main stage on Saturday evening.

Elisapie at TD Stage (9:30 p.m.)

Quebec’s own Elisapie, whose 2023 album features Inuk covers of popular pop and rock songs, headlines the TD Stage.

Sunday, June 29

PJ Morton at TD Stage (9:30 p.m.)

Grammy Award-winning New Orleans native PJ Morton, who has worked with Maroon 5 and India.Arie, focuses on R&B and gospel in his solo work.

Monday, June 30

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue at TD Stage (9:30 p.m.)

If you haven’t caught him at past jazz fest performances, now’s your chance.

The trombone player fuses musical styles like rock, pop, jazz, funk and hip hop, and will hit the main stage Monday night.

Tuesday, July 1

Ayra Starr at TD Stage (9:30 p.m.)

This Nigerian singer/songwriter promises to get the crowd moving with her Afrobeats style, incorporating other genres like R&B and Afro-pop.

Wednesday, July 2

Men I Trust at TD Stage (9:30 p.m.)

Quebec City’s indie band Men I Trust will take the stage at the Montreal Jazz Fest before hitting up their hometown for the Festival d’été de Québec on July 4.

Thursday, July 3

Beth McKenna at Pub Molson – Place Tranquille (6 p.m.)

Montreal saxophone player Beth McKenna brings modern jazz to mainstream audiences with a mix of jazz traditions, improv – and lots of energy.

Allison Russell at TD Stage (9:30 p.m.)

Born and raised in Montreal, Grammy-nominated Allison Russell has been making a splash with her smooth blend of Americana, folk, blues and soul, with elements of jazz and pop.

Friday, July 4

Uplift514 Block Party at Esplanade Tranquille (5 p.m.)

Come on out and party with Uplift514 Block Party, who will dance it out with an energizing blend of styles like dancehall, hip-hop and freestyle.

Monsieur Periné at TD Stage (9:30 p.m.)

Colombia-based outfit Monsieur Periné brings in jazz, swing and Latin styles to their Afro-Colombian mix.

Expect a global feel at this multilingual show.

Saturday, July 5

Fulu Miziki Kolektiv at Rio Tinto Stage (8 p.m.)

Promising to be a show like no other, eco-friendly Afro-futuristic punk band Fulu Miziki Kolektiv call their musical style Twerkanda, and their music and instruments are made entirely from recycled and assembled materials.

Esperanza Spalding at TD Stage (9:30 p.m.)

Bassist and singer Esperanza Spalding will grace the TD Stage Saturday night.

One of the bestselling contemporary jazz artists in the world, the five-time Grammy Award winner promises to mesmerize crowds.