AdminBorneo Jazz Festival will mark its 20th edition with a two-day programme that expands beyond its traditional concert format to incorporate music, culture, community and creative activities across Borneo.
Scheduled for 4 and 5 December 2026, the festival will be held for the first time in Miri city centre, with Pullman Miri Waterfront serving as the official venue. This year’s theme, “Beyond Jazz”, reflects the organisers’ plans to broaden the festival experience while maintaining its focus on music and cultural exchange.
Tickets will go on sale at midnight on 3 October through Jazzborneo.com, with ticket categories and prices to be announced ahead of the sales opening.
International acts join Borneo-wide programme
The festival will feature 10 acts across two evenings, representing seven countries and a range of musical styles including jazz, contemporary R&B, hip-hop, electronic music and jazz fusion.
The opening night on 4 December will feature Brunei’s Elisha Tiga Eksperiment, Japan’s Marter, Indonesia’s LaidThis Nite, Q Sound from the United States, and Malaysia’s Dato’ Zainalabidin & Julian Chan Jazz Orchestra.
The second night will feature Sarawakian artist Nathanie Ngu, Greg Tan & Ai Furusato under Berklee Asia Rising, Indonesia’s Matthew Sayersz & Marclesia Karim, Australia’s Brekky Boy and Sweden’s Platina Jazz.
Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the 20th edition represents an opportunity for the festival to develop further.
“‘Beyond Jazz’ reflects the direction we want the festival to take, growing beyond the traditional concert experience into a wider platform for music, culture, creativity, tourism and community, while remaining firmly connected to Borneo,” he said.
The main performances will take place at the Main Ballroom of Pullman Miri Waterfront, with five acts scheduled each evening from 7pm to midnight.
Festival Village expands community experience
Alongside the ticketed concerts, the Borneo Jazz Festival Village will provide a free-entry outdoor programme next to the hotel from 10am to 10pm on both days.
The family-oriented space will include food and beverage offerings, retail, arts and crafts, activities, live performances, community experiences and interactive brand activations.
An All Borneo Pavilion will bring together participation from Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei and Indonesia, highlighting the festival’s wider regional character.
The festival will also collaborate with Berklee Asia Rising, a programme under Berklee College of Music, through performances, workshops, masterclasses and artist-development sessions. Malaysian-American lecturer and Berklee Asia Rising founder Assoc. Prof. Edvard Lee will conduct a remote lecture, audience conversation and masterclass.
A non-competitive 5km Borneo Jazz Fun Run will additionally take place on 5 December, beginning at 6.30am.
Organisers said the festival’s central Miri location is intended to encourage activity around the city and support local businesses, tourism and Sarawak’s creative industries.
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