Do you love all things jazz? Looking for a festival to attend in 2023? We’ve got you covered with a list of some of the biggest jazz festivals currently scheduled to take place in the United States in 2023. (More to come in a coming blog post!!) No matter where you live, hopefully there’s a festival or two that’s convenient for you to see this year! Click on the name of any festival to be taken to that show’s official website to learn more, check out the lineup, reserve tickets, and see hotel recommendations.
Blue Note at Sea 2023 — Fort Lauderdale, Florida
January 13-20, 2023
Hosted by Marcus Miller and Robert Glasper, this luxury jazz cruise sounds like a dream. Their motto? “Great music is the only rule.” It’s a Caribbean cruise that departs from Fort Lauderdale and features jazz performers such as Chris Botti, Brad Mehldau, and Damien Escobar. I know it’s coming up extremely soon, but as of the publishing of this blog, there are a few spots left on the ship and registration is still open if you’re looking for a spur-of-the-moment getaway! Otherwise, look out for 2024 dates if you’d like a little more time to plan!
Jazz In The Gardens 2023 — Miami Gardens, Florida
March 11-12, 2023
Headliners for Jazz In The Gardens include Jill Scott, Charlie Wilson, Ari Lennox, and Sean Paul. Enjoy two days of modern jazz. In between jazz performances, catch one of the many films being presented at the festival or join in on the art conference being held there as well.
Soul In The Desert 2023 — Phoenix, Arizona
April 15-16 2023
This festival features soul, jazz, and R&B at the Steele Indian School Park. Performers have not been announced yet, but early bird tickets are on sale now! You can choose one of the two days or buy two-day tickets.
Seabreeze Jazz Festival — Panama City Beach, Florida
April 19-23, 2023
Enjoy smooth jazz at this yearly festival held at the Aaron Bessant Park Amphitheater. See Boney James, Norman Brown, Lindsey Webster, Najee, The Jacksons, Regina Bell, and many more!
New Orleans Jazz Festival — New Orleans, Louisiana
April 28-May 7, 2023
Jazz and New Orleans flair? What could be better? Get ready for great food, music, and fun at this annual festival that’s been going on since 1970. Performers to be announced soon; visit the website above for the latest updates and to purchase tickets!
Newport Beach Jazz Festival — Newport Beach, California
June 2-4, 2023
Book now if this is one that interests you because tickets are going fast! According to the website, 75% of tickets to this jazz festival have been sold as of the writing of this blog post! The lineup has not been announced yet, but check the link above for the latest updates and info and to snag your tickets! Last year’s acts included Norah Jones, The Ron Carter Quartet, Corey Wong, and Lady Blackbird.
Newport Jazz Festival — Newport, Rhode Island
August 4-6 2023
Not to be confused with the previously mentioned festival in California, the Newport Jazz Festival in Rhode Island has been going strong since the 1950s! Past shows have featured artists and groups such as Nubyah Garcia, The Rainy Day Fund, and The Philadelphia Experiment. Tickets are not on sale yet, but check the link above to find out when they are!
Telluride Jazz Festival — Telluride, Colorado
August 11-13, 2023
Listen to some great jazz, funk, and soul amidst the scenic backdrop of the Rocky Mountains at the Telluride Jazz Festival in Colorado. While the lineup won’t be announced till spring 2023, you know it’s going to be good when past musical guests at the festival have included legends like Etta James and Dizzy Gillespie. Tickets go on sale starting February 1.
And for my L.A. people looking for something a bit more local to tide them over till a festival, check out my recent blog post on my top recommendations for places to listen to jazz in L.A. And don’t forget to look out for my upcoming blog post on more jazz festivals this year!
