TiACF26: NCSU Jazz Band: The North Carolina “Wolfpack”

This May, TiACF2026 returns to prove that the best bits of the city aren't always on the mainstream maps. We’re moving beyond the landmarks and diving headfirst into the heartbeat of our neighbourhoods. From 1 May to 31 May, the city transforms into a living, breathing stage where you can anticipate lived experiences that often blur the lines between art and daily life. We’re taking over the spots you walk past every day: the quiet neighbourhood squares, the courtyards in "off-grid" districts, and the sun-drenched rooftops and backstreets only locals know how to find. With over 300 free events, this isn't just a festival happening in Athens; it’s a festival made by the city, for the city. It’s your festival. Check out our curated selection or go to the official TiACF26 website to see what's on throughout May.

Wander into the shaded paths of the National Garden and you can find a sudden, electrifying burst of American brass. The festival welcomes 25 musicians from North Carolina State University as they bring the high-octane pulse of the world's great jazz clubs to the city’s green heart. Known as the "Wolfpack," these performers trade their Raleigh campus for the Athenian sun, delivering an authentic Big Band sound defined by roaring sections, relentless swing, and sharp improvisations.

The repertoire is a journey through the genre’s most iconic chapters. You can expect a set that pays homage to legends like Duke Ellington and Count Basie, while also diving into more contemporary works by figures such as Toshiko Akiyoshi and Mark Taylor. It is a performance where youthful exuberance meets a high level of musical pedigree, creating an infectious, celebratory atmosphere under the palms. Staying still is rarely an option when the swing is this authentic, so prepare to find your rhythm in one of the most serene corners of the city.