Downtown Burlington's favourite free concert series is back this weekend. Jazz on the Plaza returns to the Burlington Performing Arts Centre's Outdoor Plaza from Friday, August 7 to Sunday, August 9, 2026 — three days of free live Canadian jazz in the heart of the city.
If you're heading downtown for the music, here's everything you need to know — plus how to make Pepe Cannabis part of your weekend plans. Our shop at 892 Brant Street is just a short walk from the Plaza.
What Is Jazz on the Plaza?
Jazz on the Plaza is the Burlington Performing Arts Centre's beloved free summer concert series. Each August, BPAC's Outdoor Plaza — at the corner of Elgin Street and Locust Street in downtown Burlington — transforms into an open-air stage showcasing outstanding Canadian jazz artists, from rising local talents to internationally celebrated performers.
The vibe is exactly what a summer weekend downtown should be: relaxed, social, and welcoming to all ages. Audiences bring their own seating, settle in under the open sky, and enjoy performances spanning jazz, soul, funk, Latin, and contemporary Canadian sounds. It's a long-standing Burlington tradition — and it's completely free.
The 2026 Weekend at a Glance
Dates: Friday, August 7 – Sunday, August 9, 2026
Location: BPAC Outdoor Plaza, 440 Locust Street, downtown Burlington
Admission: Free
This year's series opens Friday evening with a blend of jazz, soul, and Afro-Peruvian influences, followed by tropical psychedelic cumbia — and the weekend continues with Afro-jazz and a rotating lineup of Canadian acts across Saturday and Sunday. For the full performance schedule and set times, check the Burlington Performing Arts Centre's event page before you head down.
Arrive early if you want a good spot — the Plaza fills up fast on warm evenings, and lawn chairs are your friend.
Make a Weekend of It Downtown
One of the best things about Jazz on the Plaza is where it sits: right in the middle of downtown Burlington's best blocks. Brant Street's restaurants and patios are steps away, the waterfront and Spencer Smith Park are a short walk south, and the whole area buzzes on summer festival weekends.
And Pepe Cannabis is right on the route. Our shop at 892 Brant Street is a few minutes from the Plaza — easy to hit on your way downtown or on the walk back to the car. We're open 9AM to 10PM all weekend.
A few favourites worth grabbing for a summer music weekend:
• Cannabis beverages — cold cans from the fridge for winding down at home after the show. Browse our favourite drinks of 2026
• Pre-rolls — zero-prep sessions for a warm evening at home. See our top pre-roll picks
• Flower — including our exclusive house strains 11 Week Pink, Lemonatti, and Peach Tree
A Quick Reminder on Consumption
The Plaza is a public space, and Ontario's consumption rules apply as always: cannabis cannot be consumed at the event, in public squares, or anywhere smoking is prohibited. Enjoy your purchases at a private residence before or after the show, never drive impaired, and always carry valid ID.
If you want something for the weekend that fits smoke-free settings at home, our budtenders can point you to beverages, edibles, and other low-key formats.
See You Downtown
Free live jazz, summer evenings, and downtown Burlington at its best — Jazz on the Plaza is one of the easiest great weekends of the year. If you're in the neighbourhood, come say hi. We're just up the street.
Visit Us
Pepe Cannabis – Burlington
892 Brant Street
Burlington, ON L7R 2J5
(905) 333-5373
Hours: 9AM – 10PM, 7 days a week
Browse the full Burlington menu online or stop in on your way to the Plaza.
Must be 19+ with valid ID. Please consume responsibly. Cannabis cannot be consumed in public spaces, at events, or anywhere smoking is prohibited.
