Ottawa Jazz Festival Expands with June 18 Lineup: Wyclef Jean, TOBi, BlakDenim & 646yf4t

The Ottawa Jazz Festival will expand its 46th annual edition to June 18–28, 2026, with the addition of an extra day of programming on June 18, 2026, offering audiences an extended opportunity to experience live music in the heart of downtown Ottawa.

The added day officially launches the 2026 Festival with a dynamic lineup spanning hip-hop, R&B, and genre-blending performances, setting the tone for an expanded 10-day celebration of music across the city.

Tickets for the June 18 programming are on sale now, (Tuesday, April 28 at 10:00 AM EDT). The added day is made possible through the support of Ottawa Tourism, reinforcing the Festival’s role in supporting the city’s cultural and tourism sectors.

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June 18 Programming

The June 18 opening day features a diverse lineup of internationally recognized and emerging Canadian artists:

  • Wyclef Jean — Grammy Award-winning artist and Fugees co-founder whose career has helped shape global hip-hop and R&B
  • TOBi — Juno Award-winning artist known for blending hip-hop, soul, and alternative influences into a deeply personal sound
  • BlakDenim — blends hip-hop, funk, rock, and soul into a genre-defying live band sound
  • 646yf4t — emerging Canadian artist and collaborator featured on “No More Loving (On Women I Don’t Love)” from Daniel Caesar’s 2025 album Son of Spergy

Performances will take place across Confederation Park and the National Arts Centre (NAC), continuing the Festival’s signature downtown footprint and walkable concert experience.

Festival Expansion

The addition of June 18 extends the Festival to a full 10 days of programming, reinforcing its position as one of Canada’s premier live music events. The expanded schedule reflects a commitment to showcasing both globally established artists and emerging voices shaping the future of music.

These artists join a previously announced 2026 lineup that includes St. Vincent, WILLOW, BADBADNOTGOOD, Hiromi’s Sonicwonder, and Ibrahim Maalouf, among others, reinforcing the Festival’s wide-ranging and genre-spanning programming.

Ticket Promotions (June 18 Launch Offer)

To celebrate the launch of the additional programming day, all June 18 Day Pass purchases within the first 48 hours will be automatically entered into a draw for complimentary upgrades, including Premium and Spotlight Day Passes, as well as a General Admission Full Festival Pass.

Current 2026 Full Festival Passholders will also be entered into a draw to receive a Premium Full Festival Pass upgrade. Winners will be contacted by May 1, 2026.

In addition, all June 18 Day Pass purchasers during this promotional window will receive a 10% discount code valid toward another 2026 Festival Day Pass.

All existing Full Festival Passholders will have access to the June 18 programming at no additional cost.