Sydney Con Jazz Festival - 26 concerts
Sunday 31 May from 12pm to 9pm
The Sydney Con Jazz Festival returns Sunday, May 31, transforming Sydney Conservatorium of Music into a vibrant hub of contemporary jazz.
This boutique, one-day Sydney festival features over 140 artists across 26 concerts - all under one roof - offering a dynamic snapshot of Australian and international jazz today.
Widely regarded as Sydney’s best-value one-day music event, tickets range from $29 to $179, making world-class performances accessible to all.
Headlining the 2026 program is Netherlands-based duo Ben van Gelder (alto saxophone) and Reinier Baas (guitar), a must-see performance expected to sell out.
Premium highlights include: Award-winning jazz vocalist Kristin Berardi (Switzerland) joining pianist/composer Florian Ross (Germany) accompanied by strings and Belgian piano virtuoso Jef Neve teaming up with trumpeter Teus Nobel in an electrifying duo set
Pushing genre boundaries, ZERO X MACE brings together jazz big band and hip hop, featuring Noongar MC Zero Emcee alongside the Sydney Conservatorium Jazz Orchestra #2, conducted by Mace Francis. Expect powerful storytelling, bold brass, and groove-driven energy.
The “Friendly Foe” double big band event showcases the next generation of Australian jazz talent, uniting Melbourne University Big Band and Sydney Conservatorium Jazz Orchestra. Florian Ross has been specially commissioned to compose a rare new work for this performance.
Music Café spotlights Australia’s top jazz award winners of 2025, including Sam Gill, Lucy Clifford, Lauren Tsamouras, and Lachlan McKenzie.