The Kaslo Jazz Etc. Festival will not go ahead this summer as organizers face mounting financial pressures and a $250,000 debt.
In a statement issued Monday, the festival’s board of directors said the decision comes after years of challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, worsening wildfire seasons, rising costs and the loss of corporate sponsorship.
“It’s pressures like these that are causing festivals everywhere to struggle,” said the board. “And today we find ourselves in their company; in debt and challenged with the decision about how to move forward.”
These challenges, the board said, mean the three-day event – known for its lakeside setting, camping and floating stage – will not take place in 2026 as it has for more than 30 years.
Instead, organizers said they are exploring smaller or alternative events but need more time to determine what that could look like.
The non-profit festival hasn’t turned a profit since 2019 and is currently $250,000 in debt.
“This debt is a result of the constantly rising cost for everything from infrastructure, insurance, contractors, and much more,” said the board.
Additionally, limited capacity at Kaslo Bay Park has meant the festival has been unable to increase ticket prices enough to break even.
“With year-to-year funding, it is impossible for arts organizations such as ours to confidently plan on any funding when budgeting, which means we rely on ticket sales and other smaller revenue streams over one weekend to get us through an entire year. This is no longer sustainable.”
The organization also has no current staff. Its executive director, artistic director and bookkeeper were all laid off in November 2025 and have been supporting the board voluntarily since.
Organizers hope to eliminate the festival’s $250,000 debt by the end of this year while also restructuring operations to prevent similar financial challenges in the future.
“That means reimagining what type of events we can produce in this new era, and also working on governance, policies, and procedures to strengthen the organization from being overwhelmed.”
Despite the cancellation, the board said it hopes to bring music back to Kaslo in a new format and is asking for public support through donations and other fundraising efforts.
Ticket holders will be contacted directly with options, and further details about potential events are expected in the coming months.
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