FAQs
General Enquiries
When is the Melbourne International Jazz Festival?
The 2026 Melbourne International Jazz Festival will take place from 16—25 October 2026.
Are there any free events?
Yes. Approximately 35% of our annual program is free to attend—just turn up and enjoy.
Feedback and Complaints Handling
For any feedback, questions or complaints, please contact the Melbourne International Jazz Festival on (03) 9001 1388 or by emailing info@melbournejazz.com
Our full complaints handling policy can be found here.
Ticketing
Can I purchase a Gift Voucher?
Yes, gift vouchers are available through our website here.
Gift vouchers can be used for tickets to events sold through the Melbourne International Jazz Festival and can only be used for purchases through the MIJF website or over the phone by calling (03) 9001 1388. Vouchers are not valid for purchases directly through venues.
Vouchers are valid for 3 years from the date of purchase.
I’m having trouble logging into my account
If you purchased with us, or have made a donation since 2019, you will already have a MIJF account on our website and ticketing system. Just enter your email at the checkout and click the ‘forgot password’ link to reset your password and access your account.
If you’re still having issues accessing your account please give us a call on (03) 9001 1388 or email info@melbournejazz.com
I can’t find my ticket
For tickets purchased through the Melbourne International Jazz Festival website you can re-send your confirmation email containing your tickets by logging into your account on the website, clicking on your name in the top right hand corner of the screen and selecting the order. Or feel free to give us a call on (03) 9001 1388.
For tickets purchased through individual venues, please contact the place of purchase.
What happens if I’m running late?
The Festival and Venues reserve the right to exclude late-comers or admit them only if there is a suitable moment in the performance.
Make sure you check the time and venue on your ticket carefully.
We regret that we are unable to provide refunds if you miss the event.
Jazz At The Bowl
Where can I find my ticket to Jazz at the Bowl?
You can find tickets in the Order History in the Ticketek customer portal. Make sure to log in with the email you used to purchase the tickets.
Can children attend Jazz at the Bowl?
Jazz at the Bowl is open to all ages, however children over the age of two years old are required to hold a valid ticket to gain entry to the event. Children under the age of 18 must attend with a parent or guardian.
Children under two years of age may be admitted at no cost in line with the Arts Centre’s Babes In Arms policy. More info can be found here.
How do I get to Jazz at the Bowl?
Limited parking is available nearby in the Arts Centre Melbourne/NGV car park, (Sturt St, Southbank) or at the Australian Ballet Centre car park (2 Kavanagh St, Southbank). There are also limited street parking options available around the Bowl and the Botanic Gardens.
Flinders Street Station is the closest train station and is approximately a 15-minute walk from the venue. For timetable information and trip planning visit PTV.
The Grant St/Police Memorial tram stop (Stop #17) is approximately 500m from the main entrance to the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. All trams along the St Kilda Road corridor stop here. These include the 3/3a, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67 and 72. For timetable information visit PTV or Yarra Trams.
What is access like at the Bowl?
Sidney Myer Music Bowl has wheelchair accessible seating (subject to availability) and assistive listening. Companion Card tickets are available for all ticketed events. More info can be found here: www.artscentremelbourne.com.au/visit/access
How do I make accessible bookings?
Customers looking to speak with someone about access needs can call 1300 665 915, Ticketek’s Accessible Ticket booking line – opening hours: Monday to Friday 9am-5pm (AEDT). More info, including an accessible booking form, can be found here:
help.ticketek.com.au/How-do-I-book-an-Accessible-Ticket.
Customers may also book wheelchair-accessible spaces online through the standard purchase path, by selecting the Accessible option in the ticket type menu.
What can I bring to the Sidney Myer Music Bowl?
For the full Conditions of Entry, please see the Arts Centre Melbourne’s website here:
https://www.artscentremelbourne.com.au/conditions-of-entry
As we all know in Melbourne, the weather can be unpredictable. The forecast is looking partly sunny, but we would recommend packing for all occasions:
- Check the weather before you leave home
- Wear sunscreen and bring a hat
- Pack a jumper and a raincoat (umbrellas cannot be taken into the venue)
- Wear comfortable shoes to dance the day away!
There are food and drink options available within the Bowl. The venue is licensed and alcohol will be available to purchase from bars on site. BYO alcohol is prohibited.
Patrons are welcome to bring a small picnic (some snacks are okay, but leave the buffet at home!) to enjoy through the afternoon. Prohibited items include sharp knives, glass of any kind, drugs and alcohol.
You are welcome to bring a picnic rug or a low-backed chair, however high back chairs will not be allowed within the Bowl.
I don’t want to miss anything! When are my favourite bands playing?
SET TIMES
3:00PM – Gates open
4:00PM – Emily Wurramara
5:30PM – Fred Wesley & the New JBs
7:15PM – The Teskey Brothers
Can I leave the event and return later on?
No, there are strictly no pass outs for Jazz at the Bowl.
Second Line Street Party
What is the MIJF Second Line Street Party?
A joyous and jumping musical march along the Yarra (Southbank) that channels the spontaneous and ecstatic all-in parades historically seen in the streets of New Orleans. Our Second Line is led by New Orleans legends, Rebirth Brass Band.
The second line will depart from Red Stair Amphitheatre in Southbank, before travelling along the Yarra river and finishing at Fed Square.
Audiences are encouraged to walk/dance alongside the parade.
How can I be involved?
Come join us and be part of the crowd at Red Stair Amphitheatre, ready for a 1:00PM departure. Our musicians will lead us through Southbank as we walk, dance and shake our way to Fed Square (beads, brightly coloured outfits, and unabashed singing and dancing are all highly encouraged). You can also come to watch the parade pass by (but you’ll have much more fun if you join in!).
Can I bring my instrument and play along?
As with a traditional New Orleans second line, the focus will be on the lead band, and as such we kindly request that local musicians do not bring their own instruments. There will not be an opportunity to play along with the band at this event.
Do I need a ticket?
This event is entirely free, so just turn up on the day (we can’t wait to see you!)
Is the Second Line accessible?
Absolutely! Please keep in mind that the event involves walking, so be sure to factor that in to your plans for babies and children as needed.
Are there toilets available?
Public toilets are available inside Freshwater Place at Red Stair Amphitheater and there are some half-way along the route on Southbank Promenade. There are also public toilets at Fed Square. Toilets are available at Flinders Street Station but require a myki to access.
Can I bring my own alcohol to this event?
No, consumption of alcohol is not permitted in unlicensed areas of Melbourne CBD. This includes Southbank Promenade and Fed Square.
What happens when the Second Line finishes at Fed Square?
The second line will arrive at Fed Square at approximately 2:00PM. Hang around and soak up the afternoon with a free outdoor concert at Fed Square as Rebirth Brass Band take the stage, followed by epic Japanese keyboardist and powerhouse vocalist Allysha Joy. Plus, a special double film screening! For more information about Free Jazz at Fed Square, visit this link.
Getting Involved
There are lots of ways to get involved in the Melbourne International Jazz Festival:
Volunteering
Our festival would not be possible without the dedicated group of volunteers who give their time and skills during and in the lead up to the festival. More information about the MIJF volunteer program can be found here.
Employment
MIJF has a small year-round team. Each year we have a limited number of contract positions that are advertised in the lead up to the festival. Opportunities are advertised on the Employment section of our website here and also through our e-news and social media.
Performing
MIJF is a fully curated event, as such invitations to perform are extended by the Festival’s Artistic Director and there is no open registration process. If you are interested in participating as a performer we do take expressions of interest for specific projects.