Jazz Fest is Back This Weekend in Chicago—Here’s a Look at the Schedule

It’s that time of year again— Chicago’s favorite Labor Day Weekend tradition, Jazz Fest is back at [Millennium Park](https://secretchicago.com/millennium-park-summer-events-2025/) from August 28 through September 1. Presented by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), the annual festival is a four-day celebration of Chicago’s rich musical history and evolving cultural landscape. Jazz Fest 2025 will bring together legacy acts and emerging artists from around the globe for a vibrant showcase of today’s top talents. Here’s an inside look at the 2025 lineup. Monty Alexander, Kermit Ruffins to headline ------------------------------------------- The Jazz Fest 2025 lineup features dozens of performers across multiple stages at Millennium Park and the adjacent Chicago Cultural Center. This year’s headliners include jazz pioneers Monty Alexander, esperanza spalding, Kermit Ruffins, and the Ari Brown Quintet. The 2025 lineup also features a special “Next Generation” showcase highlighting emerging artists, including hometown heroes the Kevin King Regime. View the full lineup here. Jazz performances around the city --------------------------------- Jazz Fest 2025 isn’t limited to the confines of downtown— additional jazz shows will take place at some of Chicago’s favorite venues around the city, all weekend long. Music lovers can stop by local venues [Hungry Brain](https://secretchicago.com/best-jazz-clubs-chicago/) and Constellation for two nights of ensemble performances featuring jazz artists from Chicago and New Orleans. Additional showcases will take place at Fred Anderson Park and other public gathering areas. Click here to view the full list of outside shows. Know before you go ------------------ All Chicago Jazz Fest main events are free and open to the public. No pre-registration is required. The festival grounds are located just steps away from multiple [CTA](https://secretchicago.com/state-and-lake-cta-station-remodel-chicago/) stops, making the event easily accessible for all. Guests can bring food and non-alcoholic beverages to Jazz Fest; concessions will also be available for purchase. DCASE prohibits outside alcoholic drinks during Jazz Fest, but beer, wine, and other libations will be available for purchase within the festival grounds. For more details on Jazz Fest including accessibility info and safety tips, click here. Source: https://secretchicago.com/jazz-fest-chicago-schedule-2025/