The MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL Celebrates the Jazz Cities that Shape Our Culture and Tell our National Story

JAZZ is the sound of FREEDOM finding its voice.  

To commemorate America’s semiquincentennial, the 17th annual MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL produced by JAZZ HOUSE KiDS will celebrate the jazz cities that shape our culture and tell our national story. 

“Jazz was born in New Orleans and raised in New York City, but along the way it made many stops where it grew, and continues to grow today. The cities that we’re spotlighting at this summer’s festival are among the most important cities in the history of jazz. Places where the music didn’t just develop, but helped shape the cultural identity of the cities themselves.”  CHRISTIAN McBRIDE

This year’s festival will also pay tribute to the centennial birthday of seminal figures Miles Davis and John Coltrane. 

2026 SOUNDCHECK Series

June 16, 2026, 6:00 – 10:00 PMWellmont Arts Plaza

Register Now

DOWNTOWN JAMBOREE

From$0.00

August 15, 2026, 12:00 – 9:00 PMLocation is TBD

Register Now