MUSIC NEWS: Summer in the Park 'Jazz In The Park'

Summer in the Park 2026 Swings On: Boroondara Arts Jazz in the Park is Set to Turn Up the Heat

After a powerful opening weekend celebrating culture, community and creativity, Summer in the Park 2026 is turning up the tempo with Jazz in the Park, a high-energy, Latin-infused summer fiesta set to light up Boroondara.

The season launched in spectacular style with Djirrungana Kulture, a moving evening of Indigenous storytelling, ceremony, dance and music curated by Jason Tamiru at the enchanting Maranoa Gardens, where audiences gathered for an unforgettable night. First Nations folk music, dance and opera set a meaningful and reflective tone for the weeks ahead.

Festivities then rolled into the Camberwell Civic Precinct Hub, where families enjoyed Party in the Park, with a solar-powered stage and performances by local and interstate artists. This event also marked the beginning of Slow Art Collective’s progressive live art installation, which will continue every Friday throughout the program, with festival-goers invited to contribute to its colourful structure over five festive weeks.

Now, the spotlight shifts to Jazz in the Park, on Saturday 21 January, delivering big brass, big vibes and big fun as part of Boroondara’s much-loved warm-weather tradition. Audiences are invited to feel the heat with Havana Club Orquestra, a 14-piece mambo powerhouse bringing the golden-era sounds of 1950s and 60s Cuban and New York dance music to life.

Led by musical director Alex Howroyd, Havana Club Orquestra channels the spirit of Havana’s legendary ballrooms with driving percussion, rich vocals, and explosive horn lines, inspired by icons such as Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, and Machito. Expect irresistible rhythms, lush harmonies and a dancefloor-ready atmosphere that invites everyone to move or simply soak up the vibes.

The night kicks off with a vinyl DJ set from DJ Nico Deoki, lively competitions and plenty of opportunities to dust off your Latin dancing shoes or watch the action unfold from the grass.

Jazz in the Park is part of Summer in the Park 2026, running from 29 January to 28 February, with free, all-ages events every Friday night and every weekend across Boroondara’s most iconic parks and gardens. Championing sustainability, local artists, cultural diversity and community connection, the 2026 program features more than 70 artists across 14 vibrant performances.

February Highlights and Schedule:
Friday 6 February: Kylie & Dannii Disco in the Park
A celebration of local icons with Perfectly Queer and DJ Chelsea Wilson (Disco gear and sequins are encouraged!)

Friday 13 February: Zorba in the Park
An evening of classic Greek melodies, dance lessons, and big community energy from the beloved Melbourne Greek outfit, Estudiantina of Melbourne, with a free Greek dancing lesson to kick off the night.

Friday 20 February: Country in the Park
Boot-scootin’ and line-dancing fun with the Country Struts, and toe-tapping live bluegrass by the Canyon Callers.

Friday 27 February: Gusto Gusto in the Park
The Friday Hub series closes with a euphoric global-music party featuring one of Australia’s hottest festival bands, Gusto Gusto, fresh from stages like Glastonbury.

Other festival events include Lunar New Year in the Park (Sunday 15 February) at Balwyn Park, Classical in the Park (Saturday 7 February) at Alexandra Gardens, and Opera in the Park: La Dolce Vita featuring Alexander Lewis and Opera Scholars Australia(Saturday 28 February) at Canterbury Gardens. 

Enjoy more Family Fun with Woody's Bush Bash in the Mall at Maling Road, Canterbury, a kids' cabaret show with puppetry, ukulele, storytelling and Cinema in the Park: The Addams Family at Greythorn Park, an outdoor spooky movie screening experience with costume prizes and more.

Alternative Valentine's Day at Junction Skate & BMX Park offers young people a chance to skip the clichés for Valentine’s Day with skate competitions with pros, followed by a free concert featuring popular Indie bands Krystal Rivvers and Gypsy Lee.

All events are accessible, free and open to everyone. Bring a picnic and a rug, gather your friends and family, and enjoy summer at its best as the sun goes down. Some refreshments will be available for purchase.

This accessible and inclusive festival is completely free, no booking required.  Bring a picnic blanket, gather your friends, family and neighbours, and enjoy the magic of summer in Boroondara.

FREE and un-ticketed
Event Link