The Chicago Jazz Festival is an annual event that has been held since 1974. The festival features a diverse lineup of jazz musicians from all over the world, as well as local Chicago talent. The 2023 Chicago Jazz Festival will take place from August 31 to September 3 at Millennium Park. The festival is free and open to everyone, promoting inclusivity and accessibility for all attendees.
Dates and Location
The Chicago Jazz Festival is scheduled to take place from August 31 to September 3, 2023, and will feature a lineup of talented jazz musicians from around the world.
- Location: Millennium Park
- Date: Thursday-Sunday, August 31–September 3, 2023
- Cost: Free Admission
The park can be entered through two main entrances at Michigan Ave. & Washington St. or Michigan Ave. & Madison St. There are also additional entrances at Randolph St. and Monroe St.
Venue Details
The Chicago Jazz Festival will be held at Millennium Park, which is located in the heart of downtown Chicago. The park is easily accessible by public transportation and is within walking distance of many of the city’s top attractions.
Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets, and picnic baskets to enjoy the performances in comfort. No outside alcohol is allowed. We recommend taking a look at the Millennium Park’s plan your visit guide.
Lineup and Schedule
The Chicago Jazz Festival celebrates jazz with performances in various locations throughout the city.
- We will post the lineup and schedule information here, when it becomes available.
The festival is a Labor Day weekend tradition that promotes free, high-quality music programming and showcases local talent alongside national and international artists to raise awareness and appreciation for jazz. The event is a joint effort between the Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events and the Jazz Institute of Chicago.
History of the Chicago Jazz Festival
The Chicago Jazz Festival was first held in 1974 and has since become a staple of Chicago’s cultural scene. The festival is held annually during Labor Day weekend and features both local and international jazz artists.
The jazz festival was relocated from Grant Park to Millennium Park in 2005. Throughout its history, the festival has showcased renowned jazz artists such as Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, and Ella Fitzgerald, as well as provided a platform for emerging musicians to perform.
In addition to the main festival, the Chicago Jazz Festival also features a number of free neighborhood concerts leading up to the main event. These concerts are held throughout the city and provide an opportunity for residents to experience the festival in their own communities.
Throughout its history, the Chicago Jazz Festival has remained committed to showcasing the rich history and diverse range of styles within the jazz genre. The festival has become an important cultural institution in Chicago and a must-see event for jazz fans from around the world.
Transportation and Accommodations
Getting to the Chicago Jazz Fest is easy thanks to the city’s extensive public transportation system. The festival is located in Millennium Park, which is easily accessible via the CTA L Train. The closest L Train stations are the Monroe Station and the Washington/Wabash Station. Both stations are served by multiple L Train lines, making it easy to get to the festival from anywhere in the city.
If you’re driving to the festival, there are several parking garages in the area. The Millennium Park Garage is located directly beneath the park and is open 24 hours a day. Other nearby parking garages include the Grant Park North Garage and the Grant Park South Garage.
For those traveling from out of town, there are plenty of accommodations in the area. The Loop, where Millennium Park is located, is home to several hotels, including the Palmer House Hilton, the JW Marriott Chicago, and the Kimpton Gray Hotel. There are also several Airbnb options in the area, ranging from private rooms to entire apartments.
If you’re looking for more budget-friendly accommodations, there are several hostels in the area, including the HI Chicago Hostel and the Chicago Getaway Hostel. Both hostels offer dorm-style rooms as well as private rooms.
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Featured Photo via Chicago Jazz Festival Facebook
Last Updated on April 18, 2023