Monterey Jazz Festival

Monterey Jazz Festival MJF69 is September 25-27, 2026! (US carriers only)
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Explore the lineup and get your tickets: https://montereyjazz.org

Support Jazz all year-long: Text JazzEd to 50155 to donate to MJF! Held every September on the Monterey Fairgrounds site where the Festival was first presented in 1958 the Monterey Jazz Festival began as a dream for founder Jimmy Lyons and his co-founder and colleague, Ralph Gleason. It was a dream of a "sylvan setting with the bes

t jazz people in the whole world playing on the same stage, having a whole weekend of jazz." That dream became reality in 1958, with the first Monterey Jazz Festival bringing in artists like Dizzy Gillespie, Louis Armstrong, John Lewis, Shelly Manne, Gerry Mulligan, Art Farmer, Ernestine Anderson, Harry James, Max Roach, and Billie Holiday. Every year since then, every September sees the same caliber of talent grace the stages on the Monterey Fairgrounds, as the Monterey Jazz Festival presents the best jazz performers in the world for a three-day celebration of the best in jazz. In addition, the Monterey Jazz Festival features jazz conversations, panel discussions, workshops, exhibitions, clinics, and an international array of food, shopping, and festivities spread throughout the 20-acre Monterey Fairgrounds.

06/01/2026

This fall, join us for a blues jam with Christone "KINGFISH" Ingram, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram and Friends featuring Shemekia Copeland at MJF69.

This is jazz and blues joy 🎶 And this is where you’ll want to be: in front of the Jimmy Lyons Stage at 12:30pm on Saturday, Sept. 26 🗓️

Get your Arena tickets today: https://heyor.ca/tPkJ1W

05/31/2026

Sunday at MJF69 doesn't slow down. We're closing out the festival with an exclusive pairing of two jazz legends: Herbie Hancock and Ron Carter, as they celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Miles Davis.

Don't miss this Only in Monterey special tribute to the enduring legacy of Miles Davis.

Who are you looking forward to seeing live this year?

Get your tickets. Single-Day, full weekend, Arena or Grounds: https://heyor.ca/tPkJ1W

Saturday at MJF69 is a big day. With 5 stages and expansive grounds to explore, there's always a show to catch, a bite t...
05/30/2026

Saturday at MJF69 is a big day. With 5 stages and expansive grounds to explore, there's always a show to catch, a bite to eat, and a memory to make.

Make your plans: https://heyor.ca/hAVNEi

05/29/2026

Flashback Friday:

The year is 2005, and Pat Metheny, Antonio Sánchez (drums), Christian McBride (bass) and David Sánchez (saxophone) perform at MJF48.

A great show, and a great memory from the Monterey Jazz Festival.

David Sanchez returns with his Carib Ensemble to MJF69 on Saturday, Sept. 26. Catch him on the West End Stage at 2pm.

05/28/2026

See Alexa Tarantino at MJF69 on Friday, September 25 at 3:45pm on the West End Stage.

Join us for a great show: https://heyor.ca/tPkJ1W

And while you wait for sunny September to arrive, you can explore Alexa's music: https://heyor.ca/lbLzJP

Looking for some great live jazz? You can catch Monterey Jazz Regional All-Star Combos throughout the Spring and Summer,...
05/27/2026

Looking for some great live jazz? You can catch Monterey Jazz Regional All-Star Combos throughout the Spring and Summer, at venues across Monterey, including Folktale Winery & Vineyards and Esteban Restaurant.

They're all listed here on Facebook (just look under our Events) and you can find all the details our website, too: https://heyor.ca/L4nsna

Reservations are often required. We look forward to seeing you.

05/26/2026

We learned tonight about the passing of The Colossus, Sonny Rollins, at age 95 at his home in Woodstock, New York. Sonny was one of the greatest saxophonists — in any era — of jazz. Monterey presented him seven times beginning at our first festival in 1958, through his final appearance in 2011, and at each show, he was at the height of his powers. It was mesmerizing, emotional, and awe-inspiring for several generations of Monterey Jazz staff and jazz fans to see and hear him play over that 53-year period. It was like hearing the evolution of life, and jazz itself.

Sonny Rollins was the last living artist from MJF1 remaining and now joins the elders. Thank you Sonny for all you have given us during your time on earth, we were privileged to spend some time with you. Godspeed.

"Biji" was recorded at the 50th Monterey Jazz Festival in 2007 and features Sonny Rollins, tenor saxophone; Clifton Anderson, trombone; Bobby Broom, guitar; Bob Cranshaw, bass; Willie Jones III, drums; and Kimati Dinizulu, percussion.

With gratitude, today we remember and honor the brave servicemen and women who gave their lives defending our nation. Th...
05/25/2026

With gratitude, today we remember and honor the brave servicemen and women who gave their lives defending our nation. Thank you for your service.

The USAF Commanders Jazz Ensemble celebrates America’s musical heritage through performing the rich sounds of big band j...
05/24/2026

The USAF Commanders Jazz Ensemble celebrates America’s musical heritage through performing the rich sounds of big band jazz.

Comprised of 20 full-time professional Airmen-musicians, The Commanders is one of 10 ensembles that make up the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West.

We're honored they're joining us at MJF69 and we hope you will too. See them live, Friday, September 25 at 3:30pm on the Garden Stage.

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Monterey, CA

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Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

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