Chicago Jazz Festival 2026

September 3–6, 2026Chicago, Illinois, USA · Millennium Park (Jay Pritzker Pavilion)

The Chicago Jazz Festival is a world-renowned, admission-free event held annually over Labor Day weekend. Produced by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) and programmed by the Jazz Institute of Chicago, the festival celebrates Chicago's rich jazz heritage by featuring a diverse lineup of local, national, and international performers. The event takes place in the heart of downtown Chicago at Millennium Park and the Chicago Cultural Center, showcasing everything from jazz legends to influential modern masters and emerging voices in the genre.

Jazz
Chicago-style Jazz
Hard Bop
Post-Bop
Avant-garde Jazz
Blues
Soul Jazz
Traditional Jazz
Gypsy Jazz
Big Band
New Orleans-style Jazz

Ages: 0–99
Family friendly: Yes

The Chicago Jazz Festival has been implementing sustainability initiatives since 2017. Key efforts include a partnership with the Shedd Aquarium's 'Shedd the Straw' campaign, leading to the elimination of plastic straws. The festival encourages attendees to bring reusable water bottles and has a zero-waste program aiming to divert at least 90% of waste from landfills through recycling and composting.

Getting there

Venue

Millennium Park (Jay Pritzker Pavilion)

201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602, USA, Chicago, Illinois, USA

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