The Beyond Jazz Weekender lands in Bellingen on 14-15 August 2026, delivering two distinct nights that celebrate jazz as a living, evolving and joyfully physical artform.
Building on the inaugural event in 2025, the Bellingen Memorial Hall will again host the two-day celebration of jazz in all its myriad forms and delights.
Memorial Hall Venue Coordinator, Phil Nicholas, is thrilled at the success of last year’s event, which showcased how versatile jazz can be, gyrating from the dancefloor to the concert hall and everywhere in between.
“The weekend opens on Friday 14 August with The Jazz Doof, transplanting Sydney’s underground jazz-warehouse energy into the Bellingen night,” said Phil Nicholas.
“Think sweat-soaked dancefloors, chest-rattling bass and rule-breaking contemporary jazz led by three of the scene’s standout acts: Haztet, Lux Trevis and Flux State, each fusing spiritual jazz, psychedelic groove and hybrid electronic beats into a high-energy party where improvisation meets club culture.”
The event is as popular with performers as it is with patrons – Ilan Aarons of the Haztet Collective was enthusiastic about returning to play in Bellingen as part of the Beyond Jazz Weekender.
“Having previously visited the Memorial Hall with one of my other bands – Ferrari Party – earlier this year, I know there’s a great audience in Bellingen hungry for more of this music, so we can’t wait to bring the Sydney jazz doof vibe there in August,” said Ilan Aarons.
Bellingen Shire Council Mayor, Cr. Steve Allan, emphasised the importance of cultural events such as the Beyond Jazz Weekender both for the wellbeing and vibrancy of the Bellingen Shire, as well as the broader economic benefits such events bring.
“The Bellingen Shire is known for its vibrant cultural life, and that vibrancy draws visitors from near and far to experience what we are fortunate enough to have right outside our front doors,” said Mayor Allan.
“After a rough start to the year with the closure of Waterfall Way, having events like this one are crucial for the recovery of our community – not only with the flow on economic benefits to our local businesses, but for the sheer injection of joy we all receive when we see our towns bustling and full of life.”
A limited number of early bird tickets are now available for Friday, Saturday and a discounted two-day bundle. So don’t delay, head to beyondjazzweekender.com.au and secure your tickets today.