The Portlaoise Jazz Festival is making a long-awaited return after a 30-year hiatus, with the event scheduled to kick off on 30 January 2026.
Organisers aim to bring live jazz performances, workshops, and community engagement to Laois, attracting visitors and boosting local hospitality and cultural tourism in the Midlands.
Founded in 1988, the festival was a popular event before going on a break in the mid-1990s.
The 2026 Event: Led by a local volunteer committee, the 2026 comeback aims to bring live music back to the town’s streets, pubs, and venues.
The festival will feature over 40 acts across more than 20 venues, offering a mix of jazz, blues, and soul. Highlights include:
- Opening Act: Jazz guitarist Lee Meehan and his quartet will headline at the Dunamaise Arts Centre on Friday, January 30th.
- Jazz Trail: A “Jazz Pub Trail” will run through Main Street on Saturday and Sunday.
- Workshops: The Conor Guilfoyle Octet will host a free masterclass at the Dunamaise Arts Centre on Saturday, January 31st.
- Accessibility: Many events, including the Jazz Trail, are free to attend.
The revival is heavily supported by local sponsors, including Cummins Motor Group.
