Chicago Jazz Festival, a Labor Day Weekend tradition since 1979, celebrates the rich heritage of jazz music in the heart of the Windy City. The festival takes place from August 29 to September 1, 2024, at the Chicago Cultural Center & Millennium Park. It showcases a diverse lineup of local, national, and international jazz artists. Produced by DCASE and programmed by the Jazz Institute of Chicago (JIC), this four-day event promises free admission and an unforgettable experience for jazz enthusiasts of all ages.
Schedule
The Chicago Jazz Festival 2024 promises a rich array of performances, offering a blend of emerging talents and seasoned artists across two main venues. At the Claudia Cassidy Theater on the 2nd Floor North, the schedule kicks off with "The Young Masters," presented by Live the Spirit from 1-2 pm, followed by the Jeff Chan Ensemble, hosted by Asian Improv, from 2:30-3:30 pm. The DJAZ Quartet will perform from 4-5 pm under the auspices of The Elastic Arts Foundation, and the day concludes with "What is This Thing Called Jazz?" presented by the Education Committee of the Jazz Institute of Chicago from 5:30-6:30 pm. Meanwhile, Preston Bradley Hall on the 3rd Floor South features IRIS with special guest Russ Johnson, presented by The Fulton Street Collective, from 12:30-1:30 pm, followed by The New Deal Gypsy Jazz Band, courtesy of the Illiana Club of Traditional Jazz, from 2-3 pm. The Miguel de la Cerna Quartet takes the stage from 3:30-4:30 pm, presented by The Hyde Park Jazz Society, and The Southside All Stars featuring Di'Kobi Berry and Darius Hampton will perform from 4:45-5:45 pm, presented by The South Side Jazz Coalition. The evening rounds off with Jason Adasiewicz from 6-6:45 pm and Amina Claudine Myers from 7-8 pm. As always, the schedule is subject to change.
Origins and Growth of the Festival
It all started with three independent jazz festivals—one to honor Duke Ellington, the other to honor John Coltrane, and the third by Jazz Institute of Chicago—all taking place in Grant Park. In 1979 they united under one name and turned into a week of free jazz performances. Over the years, it has drawn crowds of up to 30,000 annually, featuring iconic performances by Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, BB King, and many others. Jam sessions follow the concerts, offering an immersive experience of Chicago's vibrant jazz scene.
Food and Beverage
Food and beverage options abound, with guests permitted to bring their own non-alcoholic beverages and food. Outside alcohol is prohibited. However, attendees can purchase beverages at various price points within the venue.
Parking and Public Transportation
For those driving to the festival, nearby parking garages are conveniently located at Grant Park North Garage, Grant Park South Garage, Millennium Park Garage, and Millennium Lakeside Garage. Attendees can pay for parking in person at each garage or pre-pay online for discounted rates. Alternatively, guests can utilize public transportation, with easy access to Millennium Park via the CTA elevated lines, subway, and bus. From the elevated lines, exit at Washington/Wabash and walk east. From the subway, exit at Lake (Red Line) or Washington (Blue Line) and walk east. The park is also served by several bus routes, including 3, 4, 6, J14, 20, 56, 60, 124, 146, 147, 151, and 157.
The Festival's Modern Home
Since 2017, the festival has found its home in Millennium Park, offering multiple performance pavilions alongside the Chicago Cultural Center. Attendees can enjoy free admission to all events, with American Sign Language Interpretation provided for concerts on the Jay Pritzker Pavilion stage.
