Montclair Jazz Festival

06/05/2026

On Saturday, August 15, the grand finale of the festival returns to the historic Lackawanna Station in the heart of Montclair for a jam-packed day of FREE inspiring live music, community, culture, food vendors, artisan shopping, and unforgettable performances.

After five FREE SOUNDCHECK SERIES concerts all summer long at the Wellmont Arts Plaza, the festival culminates with the DOWNTOWN JAMBOREE + BLOCK PARTY — transforming Lackawanna Station into one of the region’s biggest celebrations of jazz and community.

students will be performing at the DOWNTOWN JAMBOREE as their award-winning two-week intensive summer session program comes to an end!

🎟️ Register now and be part of what keeps the music going. Secure your JAM PASS ticket and be entered for a chance to win access to the VIP Lounge at the DOWNTOWN JAMBOREE. Link in bio.

https://www.tixr.com/groups/montclairjazzfestival/events/montclair-jazz-festival-downtown-jamboree-189014

06/04/2026

Memberships for the 2026 MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL are on sale now, and the perks start as soon as the SOUNDCHECK SERIES kicks off on June 16.

From JAM PASS ticket express entry and exclusive access to the Members Tents, to festival swag, merchandise discounts, special invitations to JAZZ HOUSE KiDS events throughout the year, and more, membership is your all-access pass to an even deeper festival experience. Your support also helps sustain world-class music, arts education, and community programming all year long.

🎟️ Become a Friend of the Festival today through the link in our bio.

https://www.montclairjazzfestival.org/memberships

06/03/2026

On June 16, the 2026 MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL FREE SOUNDCHECK SERIES opens with Quartet and legendary saxophonist .watson.4 taking over the Wellmont Arts Plaza.

As the first installment of a FREE five-concert summer series leading up to the DOWNTOWN JAMBOREE + BLOCK PARTY
Upgrade your festival experience with the JAM PASS for premium reserved seating, VIP hospitality access, exclusive perks, and insider experiences all season long.

🎟️ Register now and be part of what keeps the music going. Secure your JAM PASS ticket and be entered for a chance to win access to the VIP Lounge at the DOWNTOWN JAMBOREE. Link in bio.
https://www.tixr.com/groups/montclairjazzfestival/events/montclair-jazz-festival-downtown-jamboree-189014

06/01/2026

BE A PART OF IT. MAKE IT YOURS! Support the summer tradition you know and love with a new MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL JAM PASS ticket.

In keeping with our commitment to making the MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL accessible to all of our neighbors, as production costs rise year after year, all proceeds will help sustain the MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL for years to come.
Get your “Pay What You Wish” JAM PASS ticket and enjoy:
• Express entry through the JAM PASS Fast Lane
• Entry into a sweepstakes to win VIP Lounge JAM PASS with open bar + elevated hospitality, luxury bathroom, and more!

🎟️ Get your “Pay What You Wish” JAM PASS ticket and be entered in the sweepstakes to win 2 places to the VIP Lounge at the DOWNTOWN JAMBOREE! https://www.tixr.com/groups/montclairjazzfestival/events/montclair-jazz-festival-downtown-jamboree-189014

Get your Montclair Jazz Festival - Downtown Jamboree Tickets at Lackawanna Station in Montclair by Montclair Jazz Festival from Tixr.

05/31/2026

Join us in celebrating our incredible Artistic Director, Christian McBride 🎈🎶

A true leader in every sense, Christian brings a rare combination of brilliance, heart, and purpose to everything he does. His presence on stage is unforgettable, but it’s the way he invests in young musicians, guiding, encouraging, and opening doors, that makes his impact so meaningful to all of us at JAZZ HOUSE KiDS.

Because of him, this community continues to grow stronger, more inspired, and more connected through music. We are so grateful for all that you give, today and every day.

Wishing you a birthday filled with joy, great music, and moments that mean the most. 🥁🎵

05/28/2026

The 2026 MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL FREE SOUNDCHECK SERIES begins June 16 with an unforgettable opening night in the heart of Montclair 🎷 Visionary pianist and composer starts the night, followed by legendary saxophonist .watson.4 representing Houston and Kansas City, respectively.

Part one of a FREE five-concert summer series leading up to the DOWNTOWN JAMBOREE + BLOCK PARTY, the SOUNDCHECK SERIES brings together renowned artists and standout local talent for free live music all summer long at the Wellmont Arts Plaza.

Want to experience the festival on another level? The JAM PASS unlocks premium perks throughout the season, including reserved seating access, VIP hospitality benefits, exclusive experiences, and insider access leading up to the Downtown Jamboree on August 15. Limited passes are available now.

Bring a chair, grab a drink, and kick off the summer with us.

🎟️ Get your “Pay What You Wish” JAM PASS and be entered in the sweepstakes to win 2 places to the VIP Lounge at the DOWNTOWN JAMBOREE! Link in Bio.

https://www.tixr.com/groups/montclairjazzfestival/events/

05/27/2026

Happy Birthday to the legendary ! 🎉 Your love for jazz and unwavering support of the music community continue to inspire us every day. Wishing you a day full of joy, soulful sounds, and celebration! 🎶🎂

Here’s a throwback to the 2017 MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL!

05/26/2026

In a year marking the United States’ 250th anniversary, the 2026 MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL has been selected by the Smithsonian Institution as a collaborating festival for “Of the People: The Smithsonian Festival of Festivals.”
This collaboration underscores the festival’s role as a vital platform for civic engagement, cultural exchange, and the celebration of America’s original art form: jazz.

From the FREE SOUNDCHECK SERIES to the FREE DOWNTOWN JAMBOREE, Montclair becomes a place where history, music, and community come together to honor the nation’s past and shape its cultural future.
Explore the full lineup and everything planned for the 2026 MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL by visiting montclairjazzfestival.org

🎟️ Get your “Pay What You Wish” JAM PASS and be entered in the sweepstakes to win 2 places to the VIP Lounge at the DOWNTOWN JAMBOREE!
www.tixr.com/groups/montclairjazzfestival/events/montclair-jazz-festival-downtown-jamboree-189014

05/22/2026

The 2026 MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL is powered by community and there’s a place for you in it. 🎷✨

Join a growing community of music lovers, local businesses, artists, and supporters helping keep world class jazz accessible right here in Montclair. Whether you’re looking to support the arts, showcase your business, or be part of the festival experience firsthand, we’d love to have you involved.
🎶 Volunteer opportunities
🎶 Vendor applications
🎶 Sponsorship packages
🎶 Memberships + in-kind support opportunities

🔗 Visit our website to get involved: https://www.montclairjazzfestival.org/get-involved

05/21/2026

A visual tribute to two of the most influential voices in American music. 🎺
For the 2026 MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL, visual artist Andres Chaparro unveils original festival artwork honoring the centennials of Miles Davis and John Coltrane. Two modern giants whose groundbreaking collaboration transformed jazz and reshaped the global cultural landscape.

As the festival joins the Smithsonian Institution’s national Semiquincentennial commemoration, this year’s celebration honors Davis and Coltrane not as distant history, but as living inspiration. The artwork reflects the enduring spirit of freedom, creativity, and innovation that continues to define their legacy. The tribute will come to life through special performances by the JAZZ HOUSE Collective during the DOWNTOWN JAMBOREE + BLOCK PARTY this August 15.

🎟️ Get your “Pay What You Wish” JAM PASS and be entered in the sweepstakes to win 2 places to the VIP Lounge at the DOWNTOWN JAMBOREE! https://www.tixr.com/groups/montclairjazzfestival/events/montclair-jazz-festival-downtown-jamboree-189014