Jazz festivals are an exciting way to experience live jazz music with other enthusiasts. From large, famous festivals like the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival to smaller, local events, there are jazz festivals taking place around the world throughout the year. If you want to attend a jazz festival, the first step is figuring out where and when to buy tickets.
Popular Jazz Festivals
Some of the most well-known and largest jazz festivals in the world include:
- New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival – New Orleans, Louisiana, USA – Last weekend of April – First weekend of May
- Montreal International Jazz Festival – Montreal, Quebec, Canada – Last week of June – First week of July
- North Sea Jazz Festival – Rotterdam, Netherlands – Second week of July
- Newport Jazz Festival – Newport, Rhode Island, USA – First weekend of August
- Chicago Jazz Festival – Chicago, Illinois, USA – Labor Day weekend
- Detroit Jazz Festival – Detroit, Michigan, USA – Labor Day weekend
- Monterey Jazz Festival – Monterey, California, USA – Third weekend of September
These large festivals can draw crowds of tens of thousands of people. If you want to attend one of these famous jazz festivals, it’s important to plan ahead and get tickets early, as they often sell out.
Local and Regional Jazz Festivals
In addition to the major jazz festivals, there are hundreds of smaller local and regional jazz festivals that take place around the world each year. These events range from single day concerts to weekend-long festivals spanning multiple stages and venues. Local jazz festivals are hosted in cities and towns of all sizes, often featuring both local talent and nationally-touring acts.
Some examples of regional jazz festivals in the United States include:
- San Jose Jazz Summer Fest – San Jose, California – August
- Sioux Falls JazzFest – Sioux Falls, South Dakota – May
- Rochester International Jazz Festival – Rochester, New York – June
- DC Jazz Festival – Washington, D.C. – June
- Chicago Winter Jazz Festival – Chicago, Illinois – January
Finding out about jazz festivals in your local area or region can take some research. Check local event listings in newspapers, magazines, websites, and radio stations. City tourism boards often promote larger festivals taking place locally. Searching online by your location and “jazz festival” can also turn up results.
When to Get Tickets
For large, internationally-known jazz festivals, tickets often go on sale 6-12 months in advance. The earlier you plan, the better selection and prices you will get. Here are some general guidelines on when to buy tickets:
- Major festivals like New Orleans or Newport – Buy tickets as soon as they go on sale, at least 6-12 months in advance.
- Medium-sized festivals like Monterey or Chicago – Buy tickets 2-6 months in advance.
- Local/regional festivals – Buy tickets 1-3 months in advance.
Keep in mind ticket prices often increase closer to the event dates. Buying early can sometimes save you money. For very small local events, you may be able to purchase tickets within a few weeks of the festival dates.
Where to Buy Tickets
Here are some of the main options for purchasing jazz festival tickets:
Festival Website
The official website of the jazz festival you want to attend is always the best place to check for ticket information. Most festivals will have a site with details on dates, artists, venues, and ticket links or sales. This ensures you are buying valid tickets directly from the festival organizers.
Ticketmaster/Live Nation
Many large festivals sell tickets through major ticket retailers like Ticketmaster or Live Nation. This option works for high-demand events that will sell out quickly. Make sure to purchase tickets on the festival’s official Ticketmaster page.
Eventbrite
Some smaller to midsize jazz festivals use Eventbrite to handle their ticketing. Look for a ticket link or Eventbrite page on the festival website.
Venue Box Offices
If the jazz festival takes place across multiple venues, you may be able to purchase tickets directly through the individual venue’s box office. Check the festival site for details on buying tickets this way.
Other Ticket Retailers
Besides major sites like Ticketmaster, you can find jazz festival tickets on many other ticket resale marketplaces like Stubhub, VividSeats, SeatGeek, or AXS.
Use caution when purchasing from third-party sites, as fraudulent tickets are a risk. It’s safest to buy through the official festival ticketing channels.
Ticket Prices
Ticket prices to attend jazz festivals can vary greatly depending on the size and prominence of the festival. To help budget costs, here are some typical price ranges:
Festival Type | Typical Ticket Price Range |
Major (New Orleans, Newport) | $60 – $300+ |
Medium (Monterey, Detroit) | $30 – $150 |
Local/Regional | $10 – $60 |
Multi-day passes to festivals offer a cost savings over buying tickets to individual days. Special VIP options are also available for some festivals that add extra perks like premium seating, food/drinks, merch discounts, and more.
Getting the Best Deal on Tickets
Here are some tips to get the most value when buying jazz festival tickets:
- Buy early – Prices usually start lower and go up closer to the festival date.
- Look for presales and special offers – Sign up for festival email lists to get presale ticket access before the general public.
- Buy multi-day passes – You’ll save over buying individual days.
- Go for general admission – It’s cheaper than reserving seats.
- Check group and student discounts – Some festivals offer deals for groups, students, military, etc.
- Buy official festival tickets – Avoid potentially fraudulent tickets from unofficial sources.
Jazz Festival Essentials
Once you’ve secured your jazz festival tickets, here are some tips to have the best experience:
- Check the schedule ahead of time and plan who you want to see. Highlight must-see acts.
- Hydrate and wear sunscreen – Festivals mean hours outdoors.
- Bring a blanket or lawn chairs for lawn seating areas.
- Wear comfortable shoes – You’ll be on your feet all day.
- Pack food or eat before arriving – Festival food can be pricey.
- Bring cash for vendors and merch.
- Charge your phone and bring an external battery.
- Travel light – Carry only essentials in a clear bag if needed.
- Plan your transportation – Parking/transit tips should be on the festival site.
Conclusion
Attending a jazz festival is a one-of-a-kind experience for music lovers. From New Orleans Jazz Fest to smaller local events, there are exciting festivals happening worldwide. Get your tickets early, prepare accordingly, and get ready for an unforgettable time immersed in incredible live jazz music and culture. See you at the festivals!