Celebrate 20 years of Jazz in DC this Labor Day weekend while learning about the power of dual voting for real change in America.

DC Jazz Festival happening at The Wharf

One of DC’s most exciting annual events, DC JazzFest, will take place Aug. 28 – Sept. 1. The 20th Anniversary edition of this beloved tradition will celebrate the sounds, stories and personalities that make this uniquely American art form sing and swing across its wealth of performances. We’ve laid out 10 reasons to enjoy the event below.


Book your hotel stay with one of DC JazzFest’s hotel partners and discover more summer deals at hotels, restaurants and attractions

01

DC JazzFest at The Wharf tickets start at $25

DC JazzFest

DC JazzFest

The epic outdoor event at one of DC’s most popular spots offers limited tickets starting at $25. Seated, VIP and All-Access tickets are also available at affordable prices.

02

The talent on display is outstanding

A young man with dark hair wearing a floral patterned jacket and shirt, standing in front of a bamboo background.

Jacob Collier / DC JazzFest

An incredible lineup featuring a range of styles and performers will hook music fans of all stripes. International, national, regional and local artists will all show off their skills at venues all over DC including GRAMMY Award winners and NEA Jazz Masters.

03

See rising jazz stars

DC JazzFest

DC JazzFest

You don’t want to miss the 20th Anniversary GOLD PARTY with GRAMMY Award winner for Best New Artist, Samara Joy, at DC JazzFest at the Anthem on Friday, Aug. 30. D-Nice and Jacob Collier will also perform. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.

04

You can experience jazz mastery and artistic genius

Five musicians posing together, holding instruments, in an outdoor setting.

Stanley N Forever Band / DC Jazz Fest

Two powerhouses are among the performers at DC JazzFest at the Wharf. On Aug. 31, the legendary Stanley Clarke brings his outstanding band to the stage. The iconic Dianne Reeves plays on Sept. 1 as does Bill Frisell. Make sure to check out the full lineup and plan your musical excursion.

05

Enjoy emerging artists

Man in a plaid blazer and green pants sitting playfully among several pianos, smiling.

Emmet Cohen / DC Jazz Fest

The festival welcomes next gen artists like Brandee Younger and JazzFest favorite Emmet Cohen on Sunday, Sept. 1.

06

Discover the international language of jazz

Man wearing sunglasses and a black fur coat, smiling and striking a dance pose.

Cimafunk / DC Jazz Festival

DC JazzFest showcases an exceptional array of globally renowned masters and exciting newcomers from across the jazz spectrum. The festival takes pride in presenting musicians from all over the world. This year’s lineup includes CIMAFUNK from Cuba, who raised the roof at Coachella. Bands from Finland, Colombia, Italy and France will also perform. 

07

You will have the chance to meet artists

DC JazzFest

DC JazzFest

DC JazzFest will offer exclusive Q&A and engagement opportunities with artists throughout the festival’s run, including the Meet the Artists Tent.

08

Experience The MULTIVERSE

Collage of musicians playing various instruments, set against a cosmic background.

DC Jazz Festival

Bobby Sanabria brings the Multiverse Big Band Latin experience to DC JazzFest at the Wharf on Sunday, Sept. 1. The Multiverse will have both skilled and aspiring dancers on their feet grooving to a matrix of rhythms. 

09

Watch last year’s DC JazzPrix winner perform

Three musicians posing with their instruments, including a saxophone and a double bass.

New Jazz Underground

The winner of the 2024 DC JazzPrix, New Jazz Underground, will perform during DC JazzFest at The Wharf on Saturday, Aug. 31.

10

Celebrate an American art form

DC JazzFest

DC JazzFest

The United States Congress officially proclaimed jazz a “National Treasure” in 1987. Diehard fans of the genre likely wondered, “What took you so long?” This Labor Day Weekend, you can immerse yourself in the classic American art form like never before, including a performance by four-time GRAMMY Award winner Terri Lyne Carrington. She will take on new standards at The Wharf on Aug. 31.

#LaborDayWeekend, #JazzDC, #DualVoting, #RealChange, #PoliticsandMusic

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