As the summer season winds down, there’s still time for music lovers to jaunt to a jazz festival during Labor Day weekend, and plenty of time to mark your calendars and plan ahead for several popular upcoming fall festivals.
DC Jazz Festival (Washington, DC)
August 27–31, 2025
This annual festival envelops DC’s southwest waterfront neighborhood with the sound of music. Highlights include Cécile McClorin Salvant at Arena Stage (Aug. 28), Lalah Hathaway at the Anthem (Aug. 29), Marcus Miller and the Branford Marsalis Quartet at the Wharf (Aug. 30), and the Jazzmeia Horn Quartet at the Wharf (Aug. 31). Ticket prices vary. The Wharf also has plenty of winning dining options.
Hathaway, whose latest album, “Vantablack,” centers the African American experience, spoke with the AmNews before her DC Jazz Festival engagement. The daughter of singer Eulaulah Hathaway and late great singer-songwriter Donny Hathaway said the District holds a special place in her heart since her parents met at Howard University.
“I feel like an honorary Howard baby,” she said. “My mom is from Virginia, so I would spend time there, and my first big gigs were in the DMV.”
For more info, visit dcjazzfest.org/.
Scenes from the DC Jazz Festival, (Josh Brown photos)
Chicago Jazz Festival (Chicago, IL)
August 28–31, 2025
Produced by the Jazz Institute of Chicago and the Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events, this free festival at the lakefront Millennium Park is an annual crowd pleaser. This year’s lineup boasts bassist and singer-songwriter Esperanza Spalding and jazz vocalist Ava Logan with her quintet.
For more info, visit choosechicago.com.
Blue Note Jazz Festival Presents the Black Radio Experience (Napa, CA)
August 29–31, 2025
Curated and hosted by Grammy Award-winning pianist and producer Robert Glasper, the winning roster for this year’s “Black Radio Experience” includes Jazmine Sullivan; the Roots; Willow; Stokley Williams; D-Nice featuring Slick Rick; Anthony Hamilton; and Earth, Wind & Fire.
At press time, single-day festival passes were still available. For more info, visit bluenotejazz.com.
Detroit Jazz Festival (Detroit, MI)
August 29–September 1
Billed as the world’s largest free jazz festival, this year’s event will present an eclectic array of jazz luminaries on four stages in Detroit’s downtown and in midtown on the campus of Wayne State University. Featured artists include artist-in-residence, pianist, and composer Jason Moran; the Branford Marsalis Quartet; Lakecia Benjamin; and Detroit native Endea Owens and the Cookout.
For more info, visit detroitjazzfest.org.
Monterey Jazz Festival (Monterey, CA)
September 26–28, 2025
When it comes to jazz fests, the west has one of the best. Monterey is the world’s longest continuously running jazz festival, and each year, thousands of music lovers flock to the 20-acre, oak-studded Monterey County Fairgrounds. Headliners scheduled for the 68th annual event include Dianne Reeves, Ledisi, Gregory Porter, Christian McBride & Ursa Major, and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue.
At press time, single-day and three-day ticket packages were still available. For more info, visit montereyjazz.org.
BRIC JazzFest (Brooklyn, NY)
October 17–18, 2025
Brooklyn is in the house for the 11th annual BRIC JazzFest. Curated by producer and composer Adrian Younge, the 2025 JazzFest brings together legends, innovators, and rising stars. Leading ladies of jazz dominate the lineup, including vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater, London saxophonist Nubya Garcia, and bassist and bandleader Endea Owens.
For more info, visit /bricartsmedia.org.
Arizona JazzFest (Glendale, AZ)
November 7–9, 2025
There’s no shortage of diverse talent with singalong hits at this outdoor, three-day music festival with reserved seating. The lineup highlights include Al Green, Stephanie Mills, Babyface, Kem, Dru Hill, After 7, CeCe Peniston, and Charlie Wilson.
For more info, visit azjazzfest.com.