5 recurring jazz jam sessions in Montreal, sorted by night. We checked each one against the venue’s own website, calendar or ticket page on October 10, 2026. Jam nights move, so open the venue’s listing before you head out. New to jams? Read how to sit in. Another city? Search the whole map.
Monday jazz jams in Montreal
Every Monday
L'Entracte Monday Jazz Jam
20h30, jam from 22h15
Cabaret Jazz L'Entracte · 1112 Rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest, Downtown
- Host: A different singer-led quartet each week (Sarah Boutin Quartet on 12 Oct, Sarah Stevenson Quartet on 19 Oct 2026)
- How it runs: The quartet plays two sets, then the jam is open to everyone, pros and beginners alike. Horn players are asked to bring their instruments.
- Style: Vocal jazz
- Cover: $15 for the concert; the jam is free
- For bass players: The club asks rhythm-section players to come jam. The quartet's bassist changes weekly (Ethan Robertson on 12 Oct, Emmett Murray on 19 Oct 2026).
- Good to know: Monday jams are listed through 19 Oct 2026 so far, and some club events are 18 and over, so check the listing first.
Venue listing Checked October 10, 2026
Tuesday jazz jams in Montreal
Every Tuesday
Le Balcon Jazz Sessions
19h00
Le Balcon · 463 Rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest, Downtown
- Host: Presented with the Université de Montréal
- How it runs: Two bands play, then the stage opens to any musicians who want to keep it going in a jam.
- Cover: Free for musicians who play the jam; show tickets from $12
- Good to know: The venue doesn't give the jam's start time (show-only guests are asked to arrive 19h45 to 20h30), and it's listed through 10 Nov 2026 so far. The heritage building isn't wheelchair accessible.
Venue listing Checked October 10, 2026
Every Tuesday
Alex Bellegarde Trio + Jam Session
21h30
Dièse Onze · 4115-A St-Denis, Plateau Mont-Royal
- Host: Alex Bellegarde Trio, with Eric St-Jean (piano), Martin Auguste (drums) and a different guest each week
- How it runs: The trio and that week's guest play a set, then it opens up to the jam.
- Cover: $8
- For bass players: The leader, Alex Bellegarde, plays upright bass in the trio.
Venue listing Checked October 10, 2026
Wednesday jazz jams in Montreal
Every Wednesday
Concordia Student Jazz Jam
17h00 to 19h00
Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill · 1254 Rue Mackay, Downtown
- How it runs: A relaxed early session where you can share a tune and get a feel for the stage.
- Cover: Free
- Good to know: Set up for students and young players. It's listed through 28 Oct 2026 so far, so check the club's calendar after that.
Venue listing Checked October 10, 2026
Every Wednesday
Upstairs Jam Session
19h30
Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill · 1254 Rue Mackay, Downtown
- Host: Jim Doxas, with a different guest most weeks
- Cover: $10 plus tax
Venue listing Checked October 10, 2026
Before you sit in
Jam etiquette
- A1Use the sign-up sheet if there is one, and ask to sit in. If a bassist is already on the stand, ask: “Hey, is it cool if I play?”
- A2Don’t push to the front. In Will’s words: “Don’t try to always be the first one to play. Don’t kick anybody off especially if nobody knows you.”
- A3Time your walk. When Will hears the band “playing the head out of the song,” that’s when he starts making his way up.
From lesson 5 of From Unknown to Unavailable. All five tips
Go deeper
From Unknown to Unavailable
A field manual from NYC bassist Will Lyle for bassists who can play but aren't getting the call, and don't know why.
FAQ
Which nights have jazz jams in Montreal?
As of October 10, 2026, our list has jams on Monday (1), Tuesday (2) and Wednesday (2). Check the venue listing on the day you go, since nights change.
How do I sit in at a jazz jam as a bass player?
Put your name on the sign-up sheet if there is one. If a bassist is already playing, ask if you can take a tune. Don’t try to go first every time, and don’t bump anyone. New York bassist Will Lyle starts walking toward the stand when he hears the band play the head out.
Other cities
Browse every city on the Jam Finder
Better Bass Lessons isn’t connected to any venue on this page. Listings checked October 10, 2026.