Event Overview
Official Name: Capital Jazz Fest 2025
Location: Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, Maryland
Dates: June 6–8, 2025
Theme: Soulful Sounds, Black Excellence, and Summertime Vibes
Each summer, the Capital Jazz Fest transforms Maryland’s scenic Merriweather Post Pavilion into a soulful, high-energy celebration of jazz, R&B, and Black culture. More than just a music festival, Capital Jazz is a cultural experience — where generations gather to groove, shop, connect, and celebrate legacy and artistry. With over 30 acts across three days, food from around the globe, a dynamic marketplace of Black-owned businesses, and a sea of lawn chairs and dancing fans, this event has become a rite of passage for music lovers.
Whether you’re a die-hard jazz aficionado or just craving good vibes and better company, Capital Jazz Fest delivers a musical and cultural experience that stays with you all year.
History and Background
Founded: 1993
Founder: Capital Jazz Productions
Capital Jazz Fest was launched in 1993 with the goal of creating a unique platform for contemporary jazz, R&B, and soul artists to connect with fans in a beautiful outdoor setting. What started as a niche event for jazz lovers has grown into one of the most respected music festivals in the country, known for blending top-tier music with an atmosphere of elegance and fun.
🌟 Key Milestones:
- Early 2000s: Introduced the Soul Stage, dedicated to R&B and soul music
- 2010s: Began integrating emerging artists alongside legacy acts
- 2020: Hosted a virtual edition due to COVID-19
- 2023-2024: Sold-out crowds with performances by Fantasia, Babyface, Lalah Hathaway, Kenny Lattimore, and George Benson
For over 30 years, the Capital Jazz Fest has remained true to its mission: to spotlight soulful, meaningful music in a warm, communal setting.
Why You Should Attend
Capital Jazz Fest is more than a music event — it’s a cultural reunion, a chill zone, a date spot, a girls’ trip, and a family tradition all rolled into one.
🎵 Unique Musical Blend
- Contemporary Jazz
- Neo-Soul & R&B
- Gospel & Spoken Word
- Classic Funk & Fusion
Expect multi-generational talent on stage, from Grammy winners to genre-pushing newcomers. It’s where Chaka Khan meets PJ Morton, and where smooth sax meets soulful vocals.
🛍️ Festival Marketplace
Shop handcrafted jewelry, clothing, skincare, art, and accessories — most from Black-owned brands.
🧠 Empowerment & Community
- Wellness Tents with mental health and self-care workshops
- Live Panels on Black entrepreneurship and generational wealth
- Interactive Zones for painting, yoga, and guided meditation
Capital Jazz Fest attracts a sophisticated, culture-loving crowd — perfect for networking, reconnecting, or just relaxing.
What to Expect This Year (2025)
🎤 Headliners (Expected – Official Lineup Coming Soon)
Past performers suggest a powerhouse 2025 lineup may include:
- R&B/Soul: Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild, Ledisi, Anthony Hamilton
- Jazz Legends: Boney James, Gerald Albright, Kirk Whalum
- Crossovers: H.E.R., Robert Glasper, Moonchild
- Special Tributes: Marvin Gaye 50th Anniversary tribute or Luther Vandross live band showcase
🛠️ Stages & Areas
- Main Stage (Pavilion): Big names and jazz icons
- Soul Stage (West Lawn): Emerging R&B, soul, and crossover acts
- Jazz Café Stage: Intimate performances and storytelling sessions
- Marketplace Pavilion: 100+ vendors from across the country
- Wellness Garden: Sound baths, chair massages, plant therapy sessions
🗓️ Schedule Highlights
- Friday Night Kickoff (June 6): Intimate jazz concert under the stars
- Saturday (June 7): Full day of music + wine garden + panel stage
- Sunday (June 8): Gospel brunch + jazz fusion marathon + soul finale
Ticket Types & Pricing
- General Admission (Lawn Access): Starting at $125/day
- Reserved Pavilion Seating: $200–$300/day
- VIP Packages: $500+ (includes premium seating, lounge access, artist meet-and-greets, VIP restrooms)
- 3-Day Passes: Available for both GA and Reserved sections
🎟️ Purchase at: https://capitaljazz.com/fest
Travel & Logistics
✈️ Best Airports
- Baltimore-Washington International (BWI): Closest, 20–25 minutes away
- Washington Dulles (IAD): ~1 hour drive
- Reagan National Airport (DCA): ~50 minutes
🚗 Ground Transportation
- Rideshare: Lyft/Uber pickup zones available near the venue
- Rental Car: Ideal for groups or those staying outside Columbia
- Shuttles: Many hotels offer shuttle services directly to Merriweather Post Pavilion
🗺️ Getting Around
Columbia, MD is suburban — a rental car or rideshare app is highly recommended for exploring.
Where to Stay
🛏️ Recommended Hotels
- The Merriweather Lakehouse, Autograph Collection: Closest to venue — modern luxury
- DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia: Affordable and stylish
- Residence Inn by Marriott: Great for groups or longer stays
- Hotel at Arundel Preserve: High-end amenities + shopping nearby
Partnered hotels typically offer shuttle packages — check the Capital Jazz site for deals.
Where to Eat
Columbia has great food options nearby, and the festival features amazing food trucks and vendors.
🍗 Festival Food Must-Trys:
- Jerk chicken and rice
- Crab cakes & seafood platters
- Vegan soul bowls
- Funnel cakes & frozen lemonades
🍴 Local Black-Owned Restaurants:
- Nora’s Grill & Bistro (Laurel): Southern with a twist
- Smokin Joe’s BBQ (Elkridge): Pit-smoked BBQ classics
- Gangster Vegan Organics (Baltimore): Raw, plant-based soul food
- Mahogany (DC): Upscale Black-owned restaurant for a post-festival meal
Tips for First-Timers
👗 Dress Code
- No formal code, but the vibe is upscale chill. Think sundresses, linen fits, sandals, sunglasses, and wide-brimmed hats.
🌞 Weather Prep
- Early June in Maryland can hit 85°F+
- Bring sunscreen, hats, a lightweight blanket or low-rise chair
- Small coolers and refillable water bottles are allowed
🤝 Connect & Engage
- Join the Capital Jazz Facebook Group
- Follow the #CapitalJazzFest hashtag for meetups and pre-parties
- Make new friends — the crowd is grown, fun, and friendly
How to Stay Connected
- Website: https://capitaljazz.com/fest
- Instagram: @capitaljazzfest
- Twitter/X: @capitaljazz
- YouTube: Capital Jazz TV
- Facebook: Capital Jazz SuperCruise & Festival
- Official Hashtag: #CapitalJazzFest2025
Final Notes
🎟️ How to Register or Get Tickets
Tickets go fast, especially for reserved seating. Buy now at https://capitaljazz.com/fest
📝 Vendor, Press & Artist Submissions
- Applications typically close by April
- Check the site’s “Contact” or “Get Involved” section
🦠 Health & Safety Guidelines
- Security screenings at all gates
- Bag size limitations
- Weather alerts and health info posted online as the event nears
📅 Mark Your Calendar
Capital Jazz Fest 2025 is where grown vibes, good people, and great music unite under the Maryland sky. Whether you’re sipping wine on the lawn, discovering your new favorite artist, or two-stepping with your crew — it’s the summer escape you didn’t know you needed.
🎷 Book your tickets. Pack your chair. Tell a friend.
👉 https://capitaljazz.com/fest
