Enjoy three days of fantastic music and unforgettable performances at the Monterey Jazz Festival, the world’s longest continously running jazz festival in the world. The festival brings together legendary artists, rising stars, and adventurous new voices for a dynamic weekend of live music across multiple stages in an intimate coastal setting.
What to Expect at the Monterey Jazz Festival
Founded in 1958, the Monterey Jazz Festival continues to celebrate jazz as a living art form through performances, artist conversations, education programs, and special collaborations unique to the festival experience. Each year’s lineup reflects the festival’s commitment to artistry, innovation, and welcoming audiences from around the globe to Monterey’s iconic gathering place for music lovers.
Why Is the Monterey Jazz Fest Famous?
As one of the genre’s most prestigious events, the Monterey Jazz Festival has hosted an astonishing roster of performers over the decades, including Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Dave Brubeck, and countless other jazz icons. Held on the oak-shaded grounds of the Monterey County Fairgrounds, the festival offers a uniquely intimate atmosphere, with multiple stages showcasing everything from traditional jazz and big band to Latin jazz, fusion, blues, and contemporary interpretations of the art form.
Who’s Playing Montgerey Jazz Fest in 2026?
The 69th Monterey Jazz Festival—taking place Sept. 25–27, 2026—once again brings together a mix of jazz legends, contemporary innovators, and rising stars. This year’s lineup is anchored by some of the biggest names in the genre, including performances by Herbie Hancock and Ron Carter, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Charles Lloyd, Ravi Coltrane, and Cécile McLorin Salvant.
Other artists span a broad range of styles, from straight-ahead jazz and big band to avant-garde, Latin, vocal jazz, and genre-blending contemporary projects. As a result, the festival represents the genre’s past, present, and future, spread across multiple stages on the Monterey County Fairgrounds.
How to Get Tickets for the Monterey Jazz Festival
Festival ticket options include Full Weekend Arena Packages with reserved seating for Arena performances and access to Grounds stages throughout the weekend, as well as single-day Arena tickets and Grounds tickets for select performances and experiences.
Explore ticket options and view the latest lineup at montereyjazzfestival.org. Follow Monterey Jazz Festival on social media and join the festival email list for artist announcements, festival updates, and special offers throughout the year.
Things to Do Near the Monterey Jazz Festival
It’s easy to build a whole vacation around attending the festival. Monterey is also home to don’t-miss spots including the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row, the former sardine-canning area that is now lined with restaurants and shops. History buffs can explore Old Fisherman’s Wharf and the city’s historic adobes, while scenic drives along the coast offer sweeping views of Monterey Bay. For more ideas on things to do in Monterey, check out these tips for whale watching near Monterey, golfing in Monterey and Carmel, and the hidden gems of Monterey County.
