Monterey Jazz Festival

September 27 - 29, 2019

This page has all the events that took place in 2018. Bookmark this page and return to get information about 2019's events!

The Monterey Jazz Festival, the longest continuously-running annual jazz event in the world, began in 1958 with San Francisco jazz radio broadcaster Jimmy Lyons as its founder. 38,000+ fans are expected to attend the 61st edition of the two-day and three-night celebration that takes place September 21-23, 2018. The Festival features over 500 artists performing on eight stages spread over the 20-acre Monterey County Fair and Event Center in Monterey, California.

Missed the Monterey Jazz Festival? Listen to live music year-round at these "5 Great Places for Jazz in Monterey."

Music

Whether you prefer jazz, blues, folk, or American song, the discerning jazz music fan is sure to find both old favorites and visionary new artists to love at the Monterey Jazz Festival. Notable performers to appear in 2018's lineup includes Norah Jones, Wynton Marsalis, Dianne Reeves, Charles Lloyd and many others. Visit the official site for a full listing of the scheduled performances that grace the eight Monterey Jazz Festival stages.

Mission

The Monterey Jazz Festival is more than just a three-day event. As a nonprofit, Monterey Jazz Festival is devoted to education by presenting year-round local, regional, national, and international programs. Schools in Monterey County and thousands of students have been the benefactors of the Festival’s educational efforts through the Traveling Clinicians Program, Summer Jazz Camp and Monterey County All-Star Bands, which embark on annual performance trips each summer. The Festival now spends over $500,000 annually on its programs, including the Next Generation Jazz Festival, gathering the best student bands from across the nation each spring, the Next Generation Jazz Orchestra, selecting the country’s best musicians for summer tour each year, and the Artist-In-Residence program, which brings an renowned artist to work with young musicians in performances and clinics at the Next Generation Jazz Festival, Summer Jazz Camp, and at the Monterey Jazz Festival.

Other Activities

If you need a break from the live music, the Monterey Jazz Festival has plenty of other activities to keep you entertained – including international food, many vendors selling assorted merchandise from across the world, and more. If you want an exclusive top-end experience, don’t miss out on MJF’s new and improved hospitality. 

Children's Activities

Sunday, September 23 is Family Day at the Monterey Jazz Festival. Family Day includes expanded activities and entertainment featuring the popular Percussion Playshop, Jazzy Jumper, and the Instrument Petting Zoo, where kids can get hands-on experience playing professional-level equipment provided by Yamaha. Family Day celebrates the youth of today and the musicians of tomorrow with area high school jazz bands, the Next Generation Jazz Orchestra, and the top ensembles from the 2018 Next Generation Jazz Festival.

Monterey Jazz Festival Tickets

Full Weekend Arena Ticket Packages offer a reserved seat to each of the five concerts on the Jimmy Lyons Stage in the Arena (renewable annually) plus, access to the seven additional Grounds Stages, and all Festival activities. Full Weekend Arena Ticket Packages begin at $340.

Full Weekend Grounds Packages offer access to seven Grounds stages and activities. Full Weekend Grounds Packages are $155.

Single Day Arena Tickets offer a reserved seat to each of the five concerts on the Jimmy Lyons Stage in the Arena plus access to the seven additional Grounds stages and all Festival activities. Friday Single Day Arena Tickets are $87. Saturday and Sunday Single Day Arena Tickets are $174 each day.

Single Day Grounds Tickets offer access to seven Grounds stages and activities on each day. Single Day Grounds Tickets are $45 for Friday, and $65 for Saturday or Sunday. Youth discounts are available.

Tickets are available at the Monterey Jazz Festival website. For more information, see the artists page on the Monterey Jazz Festival website.

Monterey Jazz Festival Hotels

Hotels in Monterey as well as nearby cities like Carmel, Pacific Grove, Seaside and Marina often sell out well in advance of the Monterey Jazz Festival, one of the most popular annual Monterey, California events. Reserve as far ahead as you can and be sure to check our "Specials" page for the latest hot hotel deals!