Monterey Jazz Festival
The Monterey Jazz Festival is the longest-running jazz festival in the world, as well as one of the most acclaimed
September 2026
From its beginning in 1958, the Monterey Jazz Festival has showcased the titans of the jazz world, from Louis Armstrong and Billie Holiday to Herbie Hancock and Esperanza Spalding. In a tradition that began in the 1960s when bands such as Jefferson Airplane and Sly and the Family Stone were invited to perform, the Monterey Jazz Festival continues to cast a wide net, booking artists like The Roots and Los Lobos.
Held the third weekend of September at the 20-acre Monterey County Fairgrounds, the festival presents some 50 concerts on eight stages featuring hundreds of musicians. Additionally, there are panel discussions with the artists, workshops, clinics and exhibitions. The nonprofit Monterey Jazz Festival donates hundreds of thousands of dollars in proceeds to musical education and scholarships for students.
From the legends of the jazz world to up-and-coming performers, this festival is a celebration of talented musicians and one of most popular events worldwide for music-lovers.
Event Themes
- Art
- Culture
- Entertainment
- Family
- Music
- Nightlife
