Beachside Jazz, All Weekend Long
- Jun 24
- 3 min read
Updated: 21 minutes ago
Following its most successful year yet, JazzConnect returns in 2026.
After attracting an estimated 2,700 attendees last year, JazzConnect returns to Scarborough Beach from 28 to 30 August 2026 with an expanded program inviting audiences to discover live music across cafés, bars, beachfront venues and every corner of the foreshore.
Proudly presented by the City of Stirling, the festival is produced by ArtConnect Initiative in partnership with Perth Jazz Society. With the support of the Scarborough Beach Association, the event brings together 20 free and ticketed events across 11 of Scarborough’s most iconic venues.
From morning coffee sessions and long lunches to sunset samba, soul, swing and late-night sets, JazzConnect invites audiences to spend a weekend exploring Scarborough, moving between venues and discovering new artists along the way.
“JazzConnect is a celebration of Scarborough in winter – a chance to rug up, head out, and experience the coast in a new way,” said Festival Director Karen Caddy. “From laneway breakfasts to sunset sessions by the beach, the festival invites audiences to wander, discover and connect. It’s a weekend where great music, local businesses and community spirit come together.”
Several events reached capacity last year, with audiences travelling from as far as Melbourne and Margaret River, as well as across Perth’s southern suburbs to experience the festival’s unique mix of live music, venues and ocean views.
Returning for 2026 are many of the venues and artists that helped make last year’s event such a success, alongside a selection of new artists and venues joining the program for the first time.
Curated by Kristian Borring, the program spans contemporary jazz, Latin music, soul, swing and classic crooner performances across cafés, bars, hotels, beachfront venues and community spaces throughout Scarborough.
Festival highlights include contemporary jazz pianist Harry Mitchell at the Rendezvous Perth Scarborough, Brazilian and Latin music favourites Marcio Mendes, Juliana Areias and De Cuba Son; Sophie Foster’s Women of Soul show at The Sandbar, and The Basilios celebrating the music of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin at The Lookout.
Perth Jazz Society returns as a festival partner in 2026, presenting the Joe Brown Trio, Jazz with Junior - a family-friendly concert, and a live recording with Bad Neighbour at the Scarborough Beach Community Centre.
The program also features intimate café performances at ZOIE Café and Livid Laneway, smooth jazz sessions at Brighton Wine Bar and a late-night session at El Grotto.
City of Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin said JazzConnect reflects the City’s vision to foster connected, creative communities.
“JazzConnect is a fantastic way to experience Scarborough during winter while supporting local businesses and enjoying outstanding live music,” said Mayor Irwin. “The City of Stirling is proud to support an event that brings people together, activates the foreshore and showcases the creativity and vibrancy of our community.”
The event continues to play an important role in activating the Scarborough foreshore during winter, supporting local businesses and creating opportunities for residents and visitors to experience the precinct beyond the summer months.
Following strong demand in 2025, audiences are encouraged to book early for the ticketed performances.
The full program is now live at jazzconnect.com.au
JAZZCONNECT 2026
28–30 August 2026 | Scarborough Beach
20+ events | Multiple venues | Free and ticketed events
Presented by City of Stirling
Produced by ArtConnect Initiative
Supported by Scarborough Beach Association
In Partnership with Perth Jazz Society
Artists performing include Harry Mitchell Trio, Marcio Mendes Quartet, Juliana Areias Quintet, De Cuba Son, Sophie Foster, Steve Hensby Band, The Basilios, Catherine Summers, Shameem, James Flynn, Fred Grigson & Kristian Borring Duo, Tom Hopwood & Finn McKibbin, Jonah Golds & Rio Berryman and more.
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