Reno Jazz Festival: April 23-25, 2026
Group registration now open.
Welcome to the 2026 Reno Jazz Festival
Reno Jazz Festival is a three-day celebration at the University of Nevada, Reno that brings together world‑class jazz artists and rising student musicians in a non‑competitive, immersive setting. Participants perform, learn, and grow through expert-led performance reviews, clinics, daytime concerts, and evening jam sessions. With an eye toward equity, community, and artistic evolution, Reno Jazz Festival fosters meaningful connections, artistic discovery, and a deep love for jazz among students and audiences alike.
Headlining artists
Reno Jazz Festival is proud to welcome the following artists to our 2026 festival.
Kris Davis + Manzanita Quintet
Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. in Nightingale Concert Hall
Kris Davis is a Grammy-winning pianist and composer hailed by The New York Times as a beacon for modern jazz. With 25 albums as a leader or co-leader and collaborations with artists like Terri Lyne Carrington, Dave Holland, and Esperanza Spalding, she has earned top honors including Pianist of the Year from DownBeat and the Jazz Journalists Association. Davis also serves as Associate Program Director at Berklee’s Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice, founder of Pyroclastic Records, and co-founder of the International Creators and Collaborators Workshop.
Ben Wendel + Jazz Lab 1
Friday, April 24, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. in Nightingale Concert Hall
Grammy-nominated saxophonist Ben Wendel, co-founder of Kneebody, has performed with artists from Prince to Bill Frisell and released acclaimed solo projects including The Seasons and All One. A celebrated composer, educator, and collaborator, Wendel brings his innovative artistry to the stage in a performance not to be missed.
Sponsors of Reno Jazz Festival
Thank you to our sponsors!
