Northampton Jazz Festival – Kettering, England 2026

Overview

The Northampton Jazz Festival, a cherished annual event since 2011, brings the soulful swing of live jazz to the streets and venues of Northampton, infusing the town with vibrant performances that celebrate the genre’s diversity and heritage. Held over two days in late September, it features free concerts across multiple downtown locations, culminating in a ticketed headline show by world-renowned artists, drawing over 2,000 music lovers to explore the area’s cultural heartbeat while supporting local businesses.

This community-driven festival highlights Grammy winners, regional talents, and educational initiatives like Jazz Artists in the Schools, fostering exposure for all ages, ethnicities, and orientations. From intimate bar sets to park brass bands, it’s a joyful nod to jazz’s improvisational spirit, turning Northampton into a temporary New Orleans-style hub of rhythm and connection.

Event Highlights

• Main activities or performances: Dozens of free live sets across seven venues, including big bands at Pulaski Park, vocal ensembles at churches, and trios in breweries; headline acts like Grammy-nominated quartets deliver high-energy finales at the Academy of Music.
• Special traditions or features: Jazz Strut evening with ensembles at local spots encouraging patrons to “stroll, sip, and dine” to the music; educational programs like “Ask Me About Jazz!” interactive sessions for kids, and artist residencies in schools.
• Unique attractions for visitors: Expandable Brass Band marching through downtown streets, family-friendly zones with hands-on jazz exploration, and partnerships with UMass ensembles for collegiate flair; no on-site food vendors to boost local eateries.

About This Event

• Two-day festival showcasing free live jazz in downtown Northampton venues.
• Founded in 2011 as a non-profit dedicated to jazz education and community vitality.
• Features national headliners, regional ensembles, and student groups across genres like Latin jazz, bebop, and vocal traditions.
• Supports economic boost for merchants with 2,000+ visitors; all but headliner free.
• Includes Jazz Artists in the Schools program at local middle and high schools.
• Proud member of the Northampton Chamber of Commerce, emphasizing inclusivity.

Why Attend

The Northampton Jazz Festival 2026 is an irresistible invitation to immerse yourself in jazz’s timeless magic, where every corner of downtown pulses with improvisation, storytelling, and communal joy—ideal for newcomers discovering the genre or veterans seeking fresh sounds in a welcoming English setting. With free access to diverse performances and a ticketed grand finale, it’s a low-pressure way to connect with fellow enthusiasts while exploring Northampton’s charming shops and cafes.

This event transcends music, weaving education, history, and local pride into a weekend that revitalizes the spirit and supports emerging talents. Whether you’re tapping your foot to a brass parade or swaying to a soulful quartet, the festival creates lasting memories and deepens appreciation for jazz’s role in cultural dialogue, making it a highlight of England’s fall calendar.

Date & Duration

• Dates: September 25 – September 26, 2026.
• Duration: 2 days.

Venue / Location

• City: Northampton, England.
• Main Venue: Multiple downtown spots including Pulaski Park, Academy of Music, and local breweries/churches.
• Notable Areas: Outdoor park for big bands, indoor halls for intimate trios, bar struts for casual listening, and the 800-seat Academy for the headliner.
• Google Maps Address: Pulaski Park, 2 Main Street, Northampton, NN1 2DN.

Ticket Information

• How tickets are sold: Free for most events; headliner tickets online via northamptonjazzfest.org or partners like Ticketmaster; pre-registration for kids’ sessions.
• Admission: Mostly free; paid for headliner concert.
• Ticket Price Range: $20–$50 USD (headliner only; kids’ events free, no refunds).
• Special Seating/VIP Options: Reserved seating for headliner; accessibility passes for viewing areas and quiet zones.

Booking with Euro Travelo

Planning to enjoy this music festival without the stress? Euro Travelo can help you book tickets, organize travel, and handle your entire trip from start to finish. Whether it’s a vibrant music festival, live concert, or cultural celebration, our team ensures a smooth experience for music lovers across Europe.

Contact Euro Travelo today to secure your festival tickets and travel arrangements.

Contact Information

• Email: info@northamptonjazzfest.org (general inquiries); specific for education or support.
• Phone: Not specified; email primary.
• Website: northamptonjazzfest.org.
• Social Media: @northamptonjazzfest (Instagram, Facebook) for updates and photos.
• Key Staff: Festival team via P.O. Box 631, Northampton; education partners at local schools.
• Press/Volunteers: Press via email; volunteer for setup/artist support—express interest.
• Note: Response time ~48 hours; English support; newsletter sign-up for news.

Getting There

• Nearest Airports: Birmingham (BHX, ~50 miles, 1-hour drive/train); London Luton (LTN, ~60 miles, 1.5 hours).
• Public Transport: Train to Northampton Station (from London Euston, ~1 hour), then 10-min walk to downtown; buses from Milton Keynes.
• Parking: Town center multi-stores like Northampton Multi-Storey; festival shuttles possible.
• Access: Sat-nav to NN1 2DN; pedestrian-friendly downtown; bike racks available.

Accommodation Options

• Luxury Hotels: Saracens Head (~0.5 miles, historic coaching inn with fine dining); Delta Hotels Northampton (~2 miles, modern spa).
• Mid-Range Hotels: Park Inn by Radisson (~1 mile, central with pool); Ibis Styles Northampton Town Centre (budget-mid, quirky decor).
• Budget Options: Travelodge Northampton Central (~0.3 miles, basic rooms); hostels like Northampton St. Edmunds YHA.
• Other Options: Airbnbs in town center (~£70–£150/night); B&Bs like Greyhound Inn for cozy stays.
• Booking Tip: Book early for September; Euro Travelo packages include train + hotel.

Reviews

• Downtown came alive with brass and beats—felt like a mini jazz paradise right here!
• Free sets at every turn, plus that headliner magic—perfect blend of local and legend.
• Kids’ interactive session was a hit; whole family left humming and happy.