Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival: Where Culture, Community and Canadian Music Thrive

Each summer, the Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival transforms the historic village of Fort Langley into one of the Lower Mainland’s most vibrant cultural destinations—a place where music, art, and community converge. As we gear up for the 2025 edition of the Festival, it’s clear that this not-for-profit event is much more than a musical, art and culture celebration. It’s a showcase of Canadian talent, a booster for local business, and a reflection of the creativity and resilience that define our communities.

Last year’s festival welcomed more than 10,000 attendees and delivered an estimated $1.5 million in local economic impact—a powerful example of how live music events can support small businesses, artists, hotels, restaurants, and more. With this year’s lineup of headliner concerts, youth showcases, free outdoor music, art and Indigenous programming, and blues and big band spectaculars, we’re aiming even higher.

Independently operated and non-profit festivals like ours continue to endure a host of challenges—from rising costs to reduced public funding—while opportunities for Canadian artists to perform are steadily disappearing. Without spaces for artists to grow, perform, and connect with audiences, the sustainability of Canada’s live music ecosystem is uncertain.

At a time when communities across Canada are feeling the pressure of rising costs, global uncertainty, and shrinking arts funding, it has never been more important to support Canadian and local music festivals. Events like the Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival don’t just bring people together — they help sustain local jobs, grow our local, regional and national economies, and provide an essential platform for Canadian artists to thrive.

The benefits extend far beyond the stage. Live music drives tourism, sparks private-sector investment, and offers access to artistic performances that enhance our mental health, strengthen social bonds, and change lives.

It’s part of our mandate to showcase underrepresented voices, elevate Indigenous and youth performers, and create space for connection through culture, and this year, we’re proud to expand the Youth Concert Showcase Series — running two weeks ahead of the main festival and integrated into the festival weekend. We’ll also spotlight extraordinary Canadian talent in a range of shows, including two days of free music on outdoor stages, our Cool Blues Show, big band matinee and evening showcases, an R&B tribute, free music, art and Indigenous culture workshops and the return of Jazz AWE—our unique alternative jazz worship experience.

We’re especially proud that our Cool Blues Show continues to be the only dedicated blues festival south of the Fraser River, highlighting high-caliber local, regional and national performers in the beautiful and historic Village of Fort Langley.

And if you’re planning a staycation or travelling within Canada this summer, there’s no better destination than Fort Langley — the birthplace of British Columbia —which offers much more than music: from the Circle Farm Tour, local wineries and breweries, to heritage sites, museums, golf courses, the Greater Vancouver Zoo, and scenic parks and trails. The Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival is your perfect destination to explore it all.

Data from the Canadian Live Music Association’s recent Hear and Now report reinforces what we’ve long known: live music matters. In 2023 alone, Canada’s live music sector contributed over $10.9 billion in GDP, supported more than 101,000 jobs, and returned $3.7 billion in taxes. These numbers reflect something more profound—an understanding that investing in Canadian live music is investing in our future, our economy, our communities and our identity.

That’s why this year’s festival is leaning into new partnerships and national reach. We invite families, longtime jazz fans, curious newcomers, and cultural supporters alike to join us this summer. Whether you’re coming for a free outdoor set, a show-stopping headliner, or to cheer on emerging artists, you’ll be part of something special: a festival that honours Canadian creativity, powers local economies, and brings people together through the joy of live music. 

We need your support to keep this festival thriving! Buy a ticket, attend a show, volunteer your time, become a sponsor, or simply spread the word. Every action helps sustain a space where artists can perform, communities can connect, and culture can flourish.