28th Annual PENTASTIC HOT JAZZ and MUSIC FESTIVAL
September 11th, 12th & 13th, 2026
Press Release
April 5, 2026
PENTASTIC HOT JAZZ & MUSIC FESTIVAL – END OF AN ERA
The Board of Directors of the Pentastic Jazz Society has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2026 28th annual Pentastic Hot Jazz & Music Festival. A combination of insurmountable challenges has led to this outcome.
Significant issues related to U.S. band travel across the border, a decline in grant funding, rising operational costs, and an aging demographic were all major factors considered in reaching this conclusion.
For 30 years—aside from a two-year hiatus during COVID-19—the festival has brought economic and social vibrancy to our community. Its legacy is one of joy, music, and connection, and it will be remembered as a key economic driver for the region. We bring the festival to a close at a time when local sponsors, the City of Penticton, and many loyal patrons remain supportive and planning to return. Unfortunately, circumstances beyond our control have made this the responsible decision for the society.
We extend our sincere gratitude to all supporters, past and present, and especially to the dedicated volunteers whose efforts have made the festival a warm and welcoming event for our city. “This was a difficult decision to make,” says Beth Campbell, Pentastic Jazz Festival Society. “But, unfortunately, the math didn’t make sense. The cost of organizing these events has made it very challenging to deliver a quality product, and we couldn’t settle for less. We owe that to our patrons who have enjoyed the festival for decades.”
PERFORMER VIDEO GALLERY
Dave Bennett & the Memphis Speed Kings
Tom Rigney & Flambeau
After Midnight
The Yard Katz
South Okanagan Big Band
Casey Thomas Burns – Casey and the Moonshine Band
Sponsors
Interested in becoming a Fantastic Pentastic Sponsor?
Download our sponsorship package to see the benefits (other than supporting a great festival)
Updates For 2026
Have a question about sponsorship? Please complete this form
Many thanks to our amazing sponsors. This festival would not be possible without them.
Our Sponsors
Platinum Sponsors
Daisy McAlpine and Peggy Barron
Phillip and Trish Locke
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
New Horizons Productions
Penticton & District Society for Community Living
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS)
Sandstone Landscaping Supplies Ltd.
Penticton Secondary School
Bronze Sponsors
Blaze King
Breakfast Club Catering
Budget Car & Truck Rental
Canada Safeway
Canco Penticton (official gasoline supplier)
Cannery Brewery
Daryll Lowrey
Doug and Irene Gateson
Grant Klatik (Chamberlain Property Group)
Grant Pattingale Piano Services
Greyback Construction Ltd
IGA Summerland
Jade Line Moving and Storage
Jill Johns
La Casa Ouezeria
Nor-mar Industries Ltd.
Penticton Towing
Richard P. Thompson KC
Rick and Annette Whitaker
Robert Mickelborough
Salty’s Beachhouse
Sociale’ Ristorante
Susan and Chris
Friends of the Festival
Fountain Tire
Real Canadian Superstore
Save-on-Foods
Theo’s Restaurant
FAQ & Contact
Contact
Have a question?
- Local: (250) 770-3494
- Toll-Free: 1-866-599-3494
- Email: support@pentasticjazz.ca
Get in touch with us.
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How much are passes for 2026?
- All Event (Friday through Sunday) $174.99
- Friday and Sunday Only: $99 each day
- Saturday Only: $124.99
How does the all-day pass work?
Your all–events pass entitles you to admission to all venues during festival hours and your individual day pass entitles you to the same on the appropriate day. Your pass must be visible to volunteers at all times and is required for entrance to the venues and for use of the free shuttle service.
Can I buy my pass during the festival?
Purchasing the passes during the festival is easy. You can purchase them at the registration table at the Trade & Convention Centre, which operates as our headquarters.
Will I need to find parking near the venues?
Leave your car at home! We are pleased to offer complimentary shuttle service between sponsoring hotels, and the venues, from:
- Friday – 2 p.m. until 10:00 pm
- Saturday – 9:00 a.m. until 11 pm
- Sunday – 8:00 a.m. until 4 p.m.
The shuttle stops are located near the entrance of each venue. Please note there may be delays depending on timing (we use the shuttles to transport the bands too!) and so we ask for your patience. Plan ahead. Our Shuttle drivers are volunteers, and tips are not accepted but smiles are.
If you are not sure if your hotel is sponsoring, please ask at the front desk at the time of booking.
If you require special assistance with a pick-up from a sponsoring hotel, please contact our Dispatch Centre at 250-490-2347 to make these arrangements.
Can I take photos or videos?
No professional videotaping, photographs or audio recording is allowed during performances. Media representatives are asked to contact the venue managers in advance, for access to the venue and for permission to take photographs.
Will performers be selling their CDs?
Yes, individual bands and performers will gladly sell you audio recordings of their music. These are typically available at individual performances. Or you may visit CD Central inside the Trade & Convention Centre.
Who do I call for medical attention?
We sincerely hope that you do not need these services but if you do, please contact any Festival Volunteer. A medical clinic is located at 162 – 1848 Main Street in Penticton (250-493-5228). The hospital is at 550 Carmi Avenue (250-492-4000). For emergency services please call 911.
Are the events fully accessible?
Yes.
Is smoking allowed?
All of our venues are designated non-smoking.
Can I dance during a performance?
Please do! For the enjoyment of those spectators that can’t sit still, dance floors are located at all venues except at the S.S. Sicamous.
Venue Information
“Bourbon Street” & “The French Quarter”
Our Festival Headquarters at the Penticton Convention Centre!
273 Power Street, Penticton
- Fully accessible
- Registration – prepaid tickets may be picked up here
- CD sales for all bands
- Dance floors
- Food & beverage options
