The Wilkes-Barre Cavalcade of Jazz stands as a premier jazz festival in Northeastern Pennsylvania, celebrated for its rich history and vibrant musical tradition. Recognized as the birthplace of America’s first jazz festival in 1951 by the esteemed jazz critic Leonard Feather and the Library of Congress, this festival has become a cornerstone of jazz appreciation in the region.
The 2026 edition of The Wilkes-Barre Cavalcade of Jazz is set to take place from June 5 to 7 in downtown Wilkes-Barre. This year’s festival will spotlight local restaurants, coffee houses, and bars, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the city.
The 2026 Wilkes-Barre Cavalcade of Jazz Committee:
Committe Chairs: James Shoemaker & Susan Shoemaker, Committee Members: Bob Borwick, Maria Edmunds, Shelby Gushka, AJ Jump, John Maday, Gina Malsky, Neil Prisco, Michael Slusser, Alan Stout
Bringing "America's Greatest Art Form" to the Diamond City
See world-class artists in the heart of downtown
The Wilkes-Barre Cavalcade of Jazz has a long tradition of bringing the world’s greatest performers to NEPA.
Events
After Bill Frisell takes the stage at F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts for this year’s Wilkes-Barre Cavalcade of Jazz headlining performance, keep the music going at The Funk…
Join us on Friday, June 5th at 6:30 PM at Istanbul Grill for a FREE performance filled with Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, and Puerto Rican jazz rhythms led by acclaimed conga master…
We’re excited to welcome The Hot Club of Scranton to this year’s Wilkes-Barre Cavalcade of Jazz for our annual Jazz Brunch on Sunday, June 7th at 11am at The Stegmaier…
The Wilkes-Barre Cavalcade of Jazz kicks off in style with our FREE Opening Ceremony on Friday, June 5th at 5 PM at the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts!…