23rd Edition Rochester International Jazz Festival Starts Friday June 19th

The wait is over! The 23rd Edition of the Rochester Regional Health Rochester International Jazz Festival, presented by M&T Bank, starts Friday, June 19, launching nine days of extraordinary music, unforgettable performances, and festival excitement through June 27.

From Jazz Street to concert halls across the city, more than 300 performances by artists from around the world will fill 19 venues, including over 110 free shows, nightly jam sessions, and workshops, making the festival one of the most anticipated annual events.

Full details on the schedule, who's playing, venues, jam sessions, and Jazz Workshops are available at Rochesterjazz.com.

Venues include Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County, Eastman School of Music (Ray Wright Room 120), East & Chestnut Stage, Hatch Recital Hall, Hyatt Regency Rochester, Inn on Broadway, Jazz Street Stage, Kilbourn Hall, Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre, Max of Eastman Place, Montage Music Hall, Temple Theater, The Duke (Sibley Square), The Little Theatre, Theater at Innovation Square, Vanni's Jazz Lounge at the Inn on Broadway, Wegmans Pavilion (Rochester Regional Health Rhythm Square), and Wegmans Stage at Parcel 5.

Complete details on getting around the festival, what you may and may not bring, downloadable documents, policies, and other helpful information are available here.

Free fold-out pocket brochures are available at all venues and at the Ticket Shop at 100 East Avenue.

Food and drinks are available throughout the festival from food trucks. Outside food and drinks are not allowed.

Official festival gear, including apparel, gifts, and posters, is available at the Merchandise Store in Rhythm Square, open from 4 to 11 PM daily during the festival.

Get to know the artists by following the Festival's official 2026 Spotify Playlist.

Scenes from the festival, including performances, will be posted daily on the festival's website and Facebook and Instagram pages.

Kodak Hall is Also a Club Pass Venue

In addition to being the venue for ticketed headliner shows, Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre is now also a Club Pass venue for six nights, June 19-24, presenting 12 shows and 10 marquee artists: Arturo Sandoval, Bill Frisell Trio, Bob James Trio, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Celebrating John Coltrane with Joe Lovano + Special Guests, Danilo Pérez Trio, Harvey Mason’s Chameleon, Hiromi’s Sonicwonder, The Headhunters, and The Soul Rebels. Enter with a Club Pass or $40 at the door. Seating is general admission.

Wegmans Pavilion Moves to Rochester Regional Health Rhythm Square

The Wegmans Pavilion is now a bigger tented stage at Rochester Regional Health Rhythm Square, in the lot on Main Street between Gibbs and Chestnut (where the Big Tent was). This reimagined space is the place to meet up with friends, kick back with food and drinks, and soak in incredible live music all night long. Three free performances will be presented every night at 6:00, 7:45, and 9:30 p.m., all nine nights of the Festival.

Second Jam Session Added—Jazz Never Sleeps

The music doesn't stop when the concerts end. This year, the festival adds a second official Jam Session venue, giving musicians and fans even more opportunities to keep the music going late into the night. In addition to the longstanding Jam Sessions at the Hyatt Regency Rochester, the festival's official hotel, nightly Jam Sessions will also be presented at Vanni's Jazz Lounge at the Inn on Broadway. Both begin at 10:30 p.m., with free admission and food and beverages available for purchase.

One-Day Club Passes Now Available

Build the Perfect Festival Day—See up to 20 SHOWS!

The one-day Pass makes it easy to choose your day, discover legends and rising stars, and wander into something unexpected. Patrons can stay for what moves them, repeat favorites, and come and go all day across 10 Club Pass venues. Passes are valid only on the date of the pass. $79.53 (includes all fees). Buy online or at the Ticket Shop.

Note Parking & Street Closures

Festivalgoers are encouraged to review street closure and information before heading downtown. To avoid fines or towing, please pay close attention to posted parking regulations and garage operating hours. Due to road closures and increased traffic in the festival area, travel times may be longer than usual. Attendees are advised to allow extra time for arrival and parking. See Plan Your Visit for complete details.

Club Pass Redemption and Club Pass Purchases

Festivalgoers who have purchased 1-, 3-, or 9-Day Club Passes must redeem their tickets for passes and lanyards at the Festival Ticket Shop, located at 100 East Ave. at the corner of Gibbs Street, before attending any Club Pass shows. Passes cannot be redeemed at festival venues. Patrons should bring their email receipt, Apple Wallet ticket, printed confirmation, or order number, and a valid photo ID. The Ticket Shop is open from noon to 9 p.m. during the festival.

One-, Three-, and Nine-Day Club Passes are on sale now for unlimited daily access to 18–20 Club Pass Series performances, offering an affordable way to discover internationally acclaimed artists and emerging talent throughout the festival. Club Passes may also be shared or transferred when not in use. Discounted Student Club Passes are available in person only at the Ticket Shop.

Tickets are available for Headliner performances at Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre: GRAMMY-winning trumpeter Chris Botti on June 25, the “Empress of Soul” Gladys Knight on June 26, and the Legendary Count Basie Orchestra on June 27. All performances begin at 8 p.m. Buy tickets online at Rochesterjazz.com/tickets or at the Ticket Shop at 100 East Avenue, Rochester, NY, open daily during the festival from noon to 9 PM. Tickets are also available at the door if still available at the Box Office in the lobby at Kodak Hall, which opens at 7:00 PM on the days of the shows only.

Download the Free RIJF App

Festivalgoers are encouraged to download the free RIJF App, an essential tool for planning and enjoying the festival, at download it here. The App features the complete lineup, with easy browsing by artist, date, venue, and type of show. Users can create a personal schedule, buy tickets, receive the latest news and alerts, connect with RIJF on social media, set reminders for upcoming performances, and see what’s hot and what other fans are recommending. The RIJF App is sponsored by Harris Beach Murtha.

About the Rochester International Jazz Festival

The Rochester Regional Health Rochester International Jazz Festival, presented by M&T Bank, is one of the largest jazz festivals in the United States and the largest in New York State, transforming downtown Rochester, NY, each June into a walkable celebration of world-class live music. Over nine days, more than 1,750 artists perform in more than 300 concerts across 19 venues – from iconic concert halls and intimate clubs to vibrant free outdoor stages. With legendary performers, rising stars, and global talent, the festival delivers an unmatched mix of jazz and creative music in a lively festival setting. The unique European-style format allows audiences to experience multiple shows each night, creating one of the most immersive and musically diverse jazz festival experiences in North America.

The festival is produced by RIJF, LLC, a privately held company. The festival team is led by Marc Iacona, Executive Director and Producer; John Nugent, Artistic Director; Karl Stabnau, Operations Director; Jean Dalmath and Amanda Antinore, Public Relations/Marketing Directors; and Jenna Manetta-Knauf, Logistics Director. Since its founding in 2002, annual attendance has grown from 15,000 to over 210,000, generating $220M+ in regional economic impact and establishing the Festival as a premier international summer music event.