Chicago Jazz Festival

15/08/2025

All things jazz are right around the corner! 🎷

We’re bringing free neighborhood performances across the city - showcasing Chicago’s incredible artists so that everyone can experience world-class jazz.

Explore the full schedule at ChicagoJazzFestival.us and join us in celebrating the sounds of our city!

➡️Aug 19 – 28: Chicago Jazz Festival neighborhood events
➡️Aug 28 – 31: Chicago Jazz Festival

07/05/2025

DCASE is proud to announce the headliners performing at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion for the 2025 , taking place on Thursday, August 28 through Sunday, August 31!

Headliners include the boundary-pushing bassist and vocalist Esperanza Spalding, piano legend Monty Alexander, charismatic trumpeter and vocalist Kermit Ruffins as well as Afro-Cuban guitar virtuoso Eliades Ochoa. More details regarding the full lineup will be posted soon at ChicagoJazzFestival.us.

The Chicago Jazz Festival, a Labor Day weekend tradition, returns to Millennium Park and the Chicago Cultural Center to celebrate all forms of jazz through free, high-quality music programming. Over the course of four days, the festival continues its legacy of showcasing Chicago’s vibrant jazz community alongside national and international artists to raise awareness and appreciation for one of the city’s most beloved art forms—all completely free to the public.

06/03/2025

We’re excited to announce that the 2025 will return to the Chicago Cultural Center and Millennium Park on August 28-31!

It’s time, Chicago!!!

We're thrilled to announce the 2025 lineup of spring and summer festivals and events starting this May, showcasing the city's vibrant arts, culture and community spirit!

Visit Chicago.gov/DCASE for details and updates.

🍓 Chicago Farmers Markets, Citywide, May-October

🌞 Maxwell Street Market, 1330 S. Halsted, Second Sundays, May-October

🙏 Wreath Laying Ceremony & Parade, Daley Plaza and State St., May 24

🎸 Chicago Blues Festival, Ramova Theatre and Millennium Park, June 5-8

🎶 Millennium Park Summer Music Series, 10 concerts, June 26-August 7

🗣 Chicago Gospel Music Festival, Millennium Park, July 12

📽 Millennium Park Summer Film Series, July 1-August 19

💃 Chicago SummerDance, Citywide, June-September

✈ Chicago Air and Water Show, North Avenue Beach, August 16 & 17

🎤 and Conference, Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park and Chicago Riverwalk, August 22 & 23

🎷 Chicago Jazz Festival, Citywide, August 28-31

🍕 Taste of Chicago, June 28 in Marquette Park, July 19 in Pullman Park, August 9 in Albany Park and September 5-7 in Grant Park

🎄 PLUS your favorite holiday events will return with the Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 21, the Holiday Sing-Alongs on December 5, 12 and 19 and a HUGE Celebration on December 31!

Additionally, the Grant Park Music Festival (presented by the Grant Park Orchestral Association with support from the Chicago Park District and DCASE) takes place June 11-August 16 in Millennium Park.

Let us know what events you’re MOST excited about in the comments, and be sure to share the big news with your friends!

04/09/2024

It was a fantastic 2024 Chicago Jazz Festival. Amazing weather, beautiful Millennium Park and Chicago Cultural Center, great audiences, and word-class talent. Here's a look-back at the four day Labor Day weekend Chicago Jazz Festival!
https://youtu.be/qW4osjOleOA

Chicago Cultural Center
Park
Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
Chicago Mayor's Office

A look back at the 2024 Chicago Jazz Festival at the Chicago Cultural Center and Millennium Park. August 29-September 1, 2024. Festival artists included at t...

03/09/2024

On behalf of DCASE and the Jazz Institute of Chicago, thank you SO MUCH to all of the artists, partners and patrons that made this year's event a fantastic success!
Additional thanks to the Millennium Park Foundation and the Lloyd A. Fry Foundation for their support. We'll see you all in 2025!

02/09/2024

It’s been a fantastic fest this year, but it’s not over yet! Spanish Harlem Orchestra brings the house down at Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

Pianist and arranger Oscar Hernández leads a charged band including Marco Bermudez, Jeremy Dejesus and Carlos Cascante on vocals; Mitchel Frohman on saxophone and flute; Douglas Beavers and Juan Lakunza on trombone; Manuel Ruiz and Alex Norris on trumpet; Gerardo Madera on bass, and George Delgado, Oreste Abrantes and Luis Quintero on percussion.

02/09/2024

Love being the highest attended festival this weekend 💕

02/09/2024

Spanish Harlem Orchestra brings the house down at Jay Pritzker Pavilion!

Pianist and arranger Oscar Hernández leads a charged band including Marco Bermudez, Jeremy Dejesus and Carlos Cascante on vocals; Mitchel Frohman on saxophone and flute; Douglas Beavers and Juan Lakunza on trombone; Manuel Ruiz and Alex Norris on trumpet; Gerardo Madera on bass, and George Delgado, Oreste Abrantes and Luis Quintero on percussion.

01/09/2024

Orrin Evans Quartet fills the Pritzker!

Philadelphia-based pianist Orrin Evans’ seeks deeper meaning- musical, collaborative, spiritual. He is joined tonight by rising alto saxophonist Caleb Wheeler Curtis, veteran bassist Robert Hurst and drummer Mark Whitfield Il.

01/09/2024

Eddie Henderson Quintet gets started at Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

Led by trumpeter Eddie Henderson, featuring pianist George Cables, alto saxophonist Donald Harrison, bassist Gerald Cannon and drummer Mike Clark.

01/09/2024

It’s time for the Jay Pritzker Pavilion! Grab your lawn chair and blankets, it’ll be a busy night!

01/09/2024

Jason Palmer Quartet fills the Von Freeman ! Standing room only 🎶

Veteran Jason Palmer leads Trumpeter and North Carolina native Jason Palmer leads a band at the festival for the first time. He is accompanied by tenor saxophonist Gregory Groover Jr., bassist Max Ridley and drummer Lee Fish.