Buddy DeFranco Jazz Festival

The festival is named for the clarinetist Buddy DeFranco, who had a long association with the University of Montana, and is run by the university's School of Music under its director of jazz studies, Rob Tapper. The 2026 edition was the 46th annual, held over two days in mid-March on the Missoula campus.

Its core is a mix of clinics and concerts led by visiting jazz artists and educators, with the 2026 faculty covering saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, bass and drum set. Visiting ensembles participate in big band and small group categories and compete for Best Section and Outstanding Soloist recognition, and evening concerts showcase both the guest artists and the participating groups. For registered ensemble members, concert attendance is included in the registration fee.