Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, PIJF was able to go ahead in 2020. The 2020 programme featured new free events aimed at families and the community, including a Jazz Parade and a Jazz Picnic in the Park at Hyde Park, performances from ex-pats Linda May Han Oh and Tal Cohen, a 1920s-style Cotton Club Dance Party, a Jazz Dinner event at the Alex Hotel.
Traditional Festival venues continued to support PIJF, including a free opening night in the State Theatre Courtyard in collaboration with RTRFM 92.1, and free daytime concerts at Northbridge Piazza. Other events included artist-in-conversations at the Alex Hotel, and PIJF Jam Sessions at The Ellington Jazz Club.

Local drummer and WAAPA lecturer Dr Daniel Susnjar released an Afro-Peruvian jazz album titled The Recipe featuring students from the WAAPA Jazz Performance course, and music from the album was performed at a free concert as part of PIJF 2020