Watch the 2025 event! 
Thu 22 Oct, 1:00pm
Junior Jazz Jam
Free
Young jazz groups star in Christchurch’s annual Junior Jazz Jam adjudicated by Scott Taitoko from Õtautahi’s Ara tertiary jazz programme.
The Christchurch Big Band Jazz Festival fills Ōtautahi with music every Labour Weekend.
For five days the city comes alive with swinging horns, street performances, parades, concerts, and dancing, as thousands of people gather to enjoy one of Christchurch’s most vibrant musical celebrations.
Running since 2007, the festival brings together community bands, school groups, students, and professional musicians from across New Zealand for a joyful celebration of the Big Band sound. From classic swing and jazz standards to modern funk and pop, the music spills into the streets, parks, venues, and public spaces of the city.
With over 60 performances by more than 400 musicians in 30+ bands, most of them free and happening throughout the CBD, the festival invites everyone to experience the energy of live music — whether you’re dancing, discovering jazz for the first time, or simply enjoying the atmosphere.
It’s music for everyone.
It’s music for the city.
It’s Christchurch in full swing.
Featured Ticketed Events
TNT!
Fri, 23 Oct, 6pm – 7:45pm
The Piano Christchurch
TNT! – Where Big Band Meets Te Ao Māori
Experience a thrilling musical collaboration at the Christchurch Big Band Jazz Festival. TNT! combines the explosive power of big band jazz with the mana, rhythmic energy and lyrical beauty of waiata Māori in a bold and inspiring concert.
Conceived by drummer and māngai Māori, Greg Crayford, it features Wellington’s Capital City Big Band, with bespoke arrangements by Vaughn Roberts, featuring acclaimed vocalist Lisa Tomlins with her rōpū kaiwaiata and special guest Jeremy Hantler, TNT! presents an exciting programme of newly commissioned works, beloved waiata, and jazz classics reimagined in Te Reo Māori.
Partners in Swing
Fri, 23 Oct, 8pm – 10pm
Altiora, The Arts Centre
Step onto the dance floor and experience the shared joy of swing at this unique collaboration between The Christchurch Big Band Jazz Festival and the Swing Dance Community. Featuring the Silverlocks Jazz Orchestra, Partners in Swing celebrates the vibrant connection between live big band music and swing dancing.
Whether you’re an experienced dancer or simply love the energy of live jazz, you’ll be swept up in the rhythm, excitement, and community spirit that make swing so enduringly popular. Join us in the beautiful heritage setting of Altiora at Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre for this highlight event of the 20th Christchurch Big Band Jazz Festival 2026.
Dan Costa and
The Bill Martin Big Band
Sat, 24 Oct, 5pm – 6pm
The Piano Christchurch
The Dunedin Jazz Club and the Christchurch Big Band Festival present a unique artistic collaboration between internationally acclaimed Latin jazz pianist and composer Dan Costa and Dunedin-based musical director Bill Martin.
Building on the success of Costa’s 2024 Chamber Music New Zealand tour of Aotearoa, Costa and Martin will further develop their creative partnership through performances of six compositions from Costa’s critically acclaimed album Suite Três Rios, arranged for big band by Martin. The programme will feature newly commissioned big band arrangements of the movements Alba, Samba, Bossa Nova, Baião, Modinha and Aria, which all feature distinctive rhythms that shape Costa’s unique melodic ideas. Taken together, these movements make up a Latin Jazz Suite that features the various sections of a Big Band while remaining faithful to Costa’s artistic vision.
Big Band Birthday Bash – celebrating 20 years
Sat, 24 Oct, 7.30 – 10pm
Isaac Theatre Royal
Join us for a spectacular evening as we celebrate 20 years of the Christchurch Big Band Jazz Festival.
Symposium Big Band is one of Christchurch’s premier large jazz ensembles and is widely regarded as a showcase group for some of New Zealand’s top jazz musicians. Formed in 2007, the band brings together professional performers, jazz educators, and leading players from Ōtautahi under the direction of Alex van den Broek.
The second half features the acclaimed All Girl Big Band for a high-energy concert featuring swinging classics, contemporary favourites and plenty of big band magic.
The evening will also feature special guest appearances from the Swingtown Rebels and beloved jazz vocalist Erna Ferry.
Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or are discovering the festival for the first time, this is a celebration not to be missed. Help us toast 20 years of jazz, community and unforgettable music.
The Big Band Ball
Sun, 25 Oct, 7:30pm – 10:30pm
Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū
Join us at the stunning Christchurch Art Gallery on Sunday 25 October 2026, from 7.30pm–10.30pm, for a night of dancing, dazzling performances and unforgettable festival magic. Dust off your dancing shoes and celebrate 20 years of big band in style!
Featuring three incredible bands – the vibrant Whanganui Jazz Orchestra led by Riwai Hina, the Festival All Star Big Band assembled by the incomparable Lana Law and, of course, Butch Green’s Sideline Swing, this is one event you won’t want to miss.
With delicious food available from The Chippy and Posh Puds on the forecourt and the Jazz Festival Bar on hand with delicious drops from Main Divide to keep the celebrations flowing, all you need to bring is your dancing shoes and your love of great music.
Join us for an unforgettable night of swing, celebration and big band brilliance as we celebrate 20 years of the Christchurch Big Band Jazz Festival!
Programme
Thursday 22nd October
Thu 22 Oct, 6:00pm
Get the Party Started
Free
Christchurch Youth Jazz Orchestra (CYJO) and the powerhouse All Girl Big Band!
Friday 23rd October
Fri 23 Oct, 11:30am
Bands at Riverside Market
Free
Spend Friday, Saturday and Sunday surrounded by great music, great food and the vibrant atmosphere of Riverside Market
Fri 23 Oct, 12:00pm
Bands at Tūranga
Free
Bring your lunchtime to life with the sounds of Christchurch’s talented secondary school big bands!
Fri 23 Oct, 4:00pm
Big Band Jazz at Fat Eddie’s
Free
Food, drink and big bands at Fat Eddie's!
Fri 23 Oct, 6:00pm
TNT! at The Piano
$29/$45+booking fee
TNT! – Where Big Band Meets Te Ao Māori at The Piano
Fri 23 Oct, 7:00pm
Meet, Greet and Hot Seat Jam at A Rolling Stone
Free
Start your Christchurch Big Band Jazz Festival weekend at A Rolling Stone with an evening of music, food and good company.
Fri 23 Oct, 8:00pm
Partners in Swing at Altiora
$20/$25 + booking fee
Step onto the dance floor and experience the shared joy of swing at this unique collaboration between The Christchurch Big Band Jazz Festival and the Swing Dance Community.
Saturday 24th October
Sat 24 Oct, 10:00am
Improvisation Workshop with Lana Law
Join Lana Law for a fun, relaxed and practical workshop exploring the world of improvisation. Suitable for all ages and abilities.
Sat 24 Oct, 10:00am
Bands at Altiora
Free
Head to Altiora for a fantastic lineup of big bands as part of the Christchurch Big Band Festival.
Sat 24 Oct, 10:30am
Big Band Beats for Little Feet
Free
Bring your tamariki to Tūranga to experience Ōtautahi's Sideline Swing!
Sat 24 Oct, 10:30am
Vocal Workshop with Erna Ferry
Build confidence and stage presence with practical tips on microphone technique, audience connection and band introductions with Erna Ferry.
Sat 24 Oct, 11:00am
All-In Big Band Jazz Workshop
Experience the thrill of playing with a full big band under the direction of Lana Law, Musical Director of the All Girl Big Band.
Sat 24 Oct, 11:00am
Bands at Riverside Market
Free
Spend Friday, Saturday and Sunday surrounded by great music, great food and the vibrant atmosphere of Riverside Market
Sat 24 Oct, 12:00pm
Saturday Bands at A Rolling Stone
Free
Here’s your chance to hear two great bands at A Rolling Stone as part of the Christchurch Big Band Festival.
Sat 24 Oct, 12:30pm
Big Band Jazz at Fat Eddie’s
Free
Food, drink and big bands at Fat Eddie's!
Sat 24 Oct, 1:30pm
Jazz Parade
Free
Get ready for one of the highlights of the Christchurch Big Band Festival!
Sat 24 Oct, 5:00pm
Dan Costa and The Bill Martin Big Band
$25/$40 + booking fee
A unique artistic collaboration between internationally acclaimed Latin jazz pianist and composer Dan Costa and Dunedin-based musical director Bill Martin
Sat 24 Oct, 7:30pm
Big Band Birthday Bash – Celebrating 20 Years
$21-$58
Join us for a spectacular evening as we celebrate 20 years of the Christchurch Big Band Jazz Festival.
Sunday 25th October
Sun 25 Oct, 9:30am
Brazilian Jazz and Big Band – a workshop with Dan Costa
Join internationally acclaimed pianist and composer Dan Costa for an engaging exploration of Brazilian music and its connections with jazz.
Sun 25 Oct, 10:30am
Te Whare Tapere Performing Arts Precinct Open Day
Free
Join us for some impromptu Big Band Jazz as part of the Te Whare Tapere Performing Arts Precinct Open Day. Venues include The Piano, Isaac Theatre Royal, Court Theatre Foyer and TSB Sapce at Tūranga.
Sun 25 Oct, 11:00am
Bands at Riverside Market
Free
Spend Friday, Saturday and Sunday surrounded by great music, great food and the vibrant atmosphere of Riverside Market
Sun 25 Oct, 11:00am
Te Whare Tapere Performing Arts Precinct Open Day
Free
Join us for some impromptu Big Band Jazz as part of the Te Whare Tapere Performing Arts Precinct Open Day. Venues include The Piano, Isaac Theatre Royal, Court Theatre Foyer and TSB Sapce at Tūranga.
Sun 25 Oct, 11:00am
Te Whare Tapere Performing Arts Precinct Open Day
Free
Join us for some impromptu Big Band Jazz as part of the Te Whare Tapere Performing Arts Precinct Open Day. Venues include The Piano, Isaac Theatre Royal, Court Theatre Foyer and TSB Sapce at Tūranga.
Sun 25 Oct, 12:00pm
Te Whare Tapere Performing Arts Precinct Open Day
Free
Join us for some impromptu Big Band Jazz as part of the Te Whare Tapere Performing Arts Precinct Open Day. Venues include The Piano, Isaac Theatre Royal, Court Theatre Foyer and TSB Sapce at Tūranga.
Sun 25 Oct, 12:30pm
Big Band Jazz at Fat Eddie’s
Free
Food, drink and big bands at Fat Eddie's!
Sun 25 Oct, 7:30pm
The Big Band Ball
$49/$30+bf
A night of dancing, dazzling performances and unforgettable festival magic
Monday 26th October
Mon 26 Oct, 10:00am
Big Band Picnic on the Archery Lawn
Free
Round out the Christchurch Big Band Jazz Festival with a fantastic day of live music, great food and good company at our Big Band Picnic on the Archery Lawn. In the event of bad weather the party will move indoors to The Church and Rolling Stone.
Workshops
Sat 24 Oct, 11:00am
All-In Big Band Jazz Workshop
Experience the thrill of playing with a full big band under the direction of Lana Law, Musical Director of the All Girl Big Band.
Sat 24 Oct, 10:00am
Improvisation Workshop with Lana Law
Join Lana Law for a fun, relaxed and practical workshop exploring the world of improvisation. Suitable for all ages and abilities.
Sat 24 Oct, 10:30am
Vocal Workshop with Erna Ferry
Build confidence and stage presence with practical tips on microphone technique, audience connection and band introductions with Erna Ferry.
Sun 25 Oct, 9:30am
Brazilian Jazz and Big Band – a workshop with Dan Costa
Join internationally acclaimed pianist and composer Dan Costa for an engaging exploration of Brazilian music and its connections with jazz.
Bands
All Girl Big Band
All Star Band
Avonside Girls' Jazz Band
Bay City Big Band
Bill Martin Big Band featuring Dan Costa
Burnside High School Big Band
Burnside High School Funk Band
Burnside High School Junior Jazz Band
Capital City Big Band
Cashmere High Jazz Ensemble
Cashmere High Stage Band
CBHS Jazz Band and Altiora Funk Blasters
Chisnallwood Intermediate Jazz Band
Christ's College Big Band
Christchurch School of Music (CSM) Big Band
Christchurch Youth Jazz Orchestra
CSKI Christchurch South Karamata Intermediate Jazz Band
Dunedin City Jazz Orchestra
Ellesmere Big Band
Garden City Big Band
Hot Lava
Junior Jazz Jam Band Jam
Mainland Big Band
Medbury Jazz Band
Nelson Jazz Club Big Band
Rangi Ruru Jazz Band
SBHS Big Band
SBHS Junior Jazz Ensemble
Sideline Swing
Silverlocks Jazz Orchestra
St Andrew's College Big Band
St Andrew's College Jazz Orchestra
St Andrew's College Soul Band(s)
Symposium Big Band
The Middleton Grange Jazz Band
TPWOW Big Band – Te Puna Wai o Waipapa | Hagley College Big Band
UC Jazzsoc Big Band
Westburn Jazz Band
Whanganui Jazz Orchestra
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Our Sponsors
The Christchurch Big Band Jazz Festival is made possible with the support of our wonderful sponsors and partners who help bring five days of music to Christchurch.
As a charitable, community-run festival, donations from music lovers like you help us keep the majority of performances free for everyone to enjoy. If you’d like to support the festival, please consider making a contribution.