About Generations in Jazz
Generations in Jazz is an annual jazz festival and youth music education event held on the outskirts of Mount Gambier in South Australia's Limestone Coast. Established in 1987, it brings school big bands, vocal ensembles and jazz combos from around Australia together with professional jazz musicians for a weekend of competition, workshops and concerts. The event is run by a non-profit organisation with a dedicated board and management team.
The 2027 festival runs from Friday 30 April to Sunday 2 May 2027 and celebrates 40 years since the first event. According to the official schools timeline, Friday opens with a Welcome Concert and the first round of adjudication for the James Morrison Scholarship and the GIJ Vocal Scholarship. Saturday is given over to the City of Mount Gambier National Stage Band Competition, the Southern Limestone Coast Council Vocal Ensemble Competition and the Billy Hyde Small Jazz Combo Competition, followed by the second scholarship adjudication and the evening Gala Concert. Sunday has workshops and Superband rehearsals before the Awards Concert, which finishes around 12.30pm.
For audiences, the main draws are the headline concerts and the chance to hear young players at the start of their careers. The James Morrison Scholarship is one of the country's most significant awards for emerging jazz instrumentalists, and finalists perform live before a panel of leading jazz figures. Generations in Jazz also partners with the Australian Youth Jazz Orchestra and the Jazz Composers Co-op on the National Big Band Composition Awards.
The 2026 festival, held from 1 to 3 May, opened with the AYJO Youth Big Band and Belgian trumpeter Bert Joris, and the Saturday Gala Concert was headlined by Tower of Power. The 2026 public program ran at the festival site at Ob Flat, 11 Clarke Road, with adult weekend passes at $220 and separate tickets for individual concerts and sessions.
Public tickets for 2027 go on sale on 18 January 2027, and the full 2027 schedule is still being prepared. Mount Gambier is reachable by direct flights from Adelaide with Qantas and Rex, and the festival runs a Facebook group where locals offer accommodation to visitors during the event weekend.
Frequently asked
When is Generations in Jazz 2027?
Friday 30 April to Sunday 2 May 2027 in Mount Gambier, South Australia, marking the festival's 40th year.
When do tickets go on sale?
Public tickets go on sale on Monday 18 January 2027, according to the official 2027 timeline.
How much did tickets cost in 2026?
In 2026 an adult weekend pass was $220, the Friday Welcome Concert $60, a Saturday day pass $40, the Saturday night concert $95 and the Sunday finale $10.
Who takes part?
School stage bands, vocal ensembles and small jazz combos from across Australia compete, alongside finalists for the James Morrison Scholarship and the GIJ Vocal Scholarship.
How do I get to Mount Gambier?
Qantas and Rex fly direct from Adelaide, or you can drive via the Southern Ocean Drive along the coast.
Contact the festival
Last verified 2026-10-20. Dates, prices and lineups change — always confirm on the official festival site before booking.