When does DC JazzFest take place?

DC JazzFest takes place in Washington in early september. The exact dates for each edition can vary, so it's worth confirming them on the official website.

Where is DC JazzFest held?

It takes place in Washington (Washington, District of Columbia).

How do I follow the program and get tickets?

At Jazz Live US we publish its shows in our Calendar listings as they are confirmed, and for the full line-up and tickets you can check the festival's official website. If you join Jazz Live US, we'll let you know when the line-up is announced.

DC Jazz Festival

DC JazzFest is a five-day festival across Washington, DC, produced by the non-profit DC Jazz Festival organization and culminating in a two-day finale on the Potomac riverfront at The Wharf.

DC JazzFest, jazz festival in Washington — Image: dcjazzfest.org

City: Washington
Where: Washington, District of Columbia
When: Early September

The festival reached its 22nd annual edition in 2026, running September 2-6. It is a 501(c)(3) service organization supported in part by grants from the Government of the District of Columbia and by arts foundations, and it programs across the city before concentrating on the Wharf waterfront for the closing weekend, which in 2026 fell over Labor Day.

The 2026 edition was themed "The Future of Jazz: America's Next 250 Years", tied to the United States semiquincentennial, and featured Grammy winners and NEA Jazz Masters including Dee Dee Bridgewater, Kurt Elling with the Yellowjackets, Joshua Redman, Corey Henry & the Funk Apostles and Nate Smith. The organization also runs concerts outside the festival window, such as a Generations Series date in October and a November concert at which Gregory Porter appeared.

Shows in our listings

Upcoming live shows related to the festival on Jazz Live US.

Gregory Porter - DC Jazz Festival Benefit Concert, A Night of StarsMonday 16 November 2026 Tickets for this show ↗

See all shows →Official website ↗

Where to stay for DC JazzFest

Hotels and apartments around Washington. Prices shown are for one night; you can widen the dates on the map.

Frequently asked questions

When does DC JazzFest take place?: DC JazzFest takes place in Washington in early september. The exact dates for each edition can vary, so it's worth confirming them on the official website.
Where is DC JazzFest held?: It takes place in Washington (Washington, District of Columbia).
How do I follow the program and get tickets?: At Jazz Live US we publish its shows in our Calendar listings as they are confirmed, and for the full line-up and tickets you can check the festival's official website. If you join Jazz Live US, we'll let you know when the line-up is announced.

The exact dates for each edition can vary. Check the festival's official website to confirm the line-up and tickets.