Event Overview
Official Name: DC Jazz Festival 2025
City & Venue(s): Washington, D.C. – The Wharf, Kennedy Center, Union Stage, and venues citywide
Dates: August 27 – September 1, 2025 (Labor Day Weekend)
Theme: Bridging Cultures Through Jazz, Community, and Global Sounds
The DC Jazz Festival (DCJF) is Washington, D.C.’s premier celebration of jazz and cultural diversity, blending local flavor with international sound. Held over the course of six days across the nation’s capital, this iconic festival features more than 150 performances by world-class musicians across multiple stages, from waterfront concerts at The Wharf to intimate showcases at historic landmarks and clubs.
With a mission to present jazz as a transformative and inclusive art form, the festival unites residents, tourists, and artists through performances, education, and cultural exchange — right in the heart of the nation’s capital.
History and Background
Founded: 2004
Founder: Charles Fishman (former manager of Dizzy Gillespie)
Original Name: Duke Ellington Jazz Festival (renamed DC Jazz Festival in 2010)
The DC Jazz Festival was established to pay tribute to the legacy of D.C.’s own Duke Ellington while providing a world-class platform for jazz expression. Since its founding, DCJF has expanded in scope and reach, becoming a key event in the international jazz calendar.
With support from the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities and various cultural institutions, DCJF has grown into one of the largest jazz festivals in the U.S., welcoming more than 100,000 attendees annually.
🌟 Notable Past Milestones:
- 2015: Launch of Jazz in the ’Hoods – programming in all eight D.C. wards
- 2018: The Wharf becomes the festival’s main stage location
- 2020: Virtual edition broadcast to over 150,000 viewers
- 2023–2024: Featured artists like Herbie Hancock, Dianne Reeves, Christian McBride, Kenny Garrett, and Samara Joy
Why You Should Attend
DC Jazz Festival is where music meets movement, legacy meets innovation, and D.C. meets the world.
🎷 What Makes It Special:
- Hosted in the nation’s capital — a city with deep African American cultural roots and jazz history
- Blends traditional jazz with modern fusions including Afro-Cuban, funk, hip hop, and R&B
- Waterfront setting offers a gorgeous backdrop for outdoor shows
- Emphasizes cultural diplomacy with artists from Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, and Latin America
🎶 Key Attractions:
- The Wharf Main Stage: Massive free and ticketed shows on the water
- Jazz in the ’Hoods: 20+ venues from Adams Morgan to Anacostia
- DC JazzPrix Competition: Emerging band competition judged by jazz icons
- Education Village: Youth programs, masterclasses, and artist Q&As
- Jazz Meets Hip Hop Night: Featuring DJs, beatmakers, and lyricists
Whether you’re an old-school jazz head or a new-school listener, DCJF offers soul, skill, and swing for everyone.
What to Expect This Year (2025)
🎤 Headliners & Special Guests (TBA — Based on Past Lineups)
Expect appearances from:
- Icons: Wynton Marsalis, Branford Marsalis, Esperanza Spalding
- Modern Greats: Christian McBride, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Robert Glasper
- International Artists: Fatoumata Diawara (Mali), Daymé Arocena (Cuba), Nubya Garcia (UK)
- D.C. Artists: Akua Allrich, Marc Cary, and the Duke Ellington School of the Arts ensembles
🎪 Main Areas & Stages
- The Wharf Stage: Main concerts with sunset views
- The Anthem: Indoor headliner venue with top acoustics
- Union Stage & Pearl Street Warehouse: Intimate club sets
- Kennedy Center Millennium Stage: Free programming
- Education Village & Meet-the-Artist Tent
🗓️ Schedule Highlights
- Wednesday–Thursday (Aug 27–28): Jazz in the ’Hoods – pop-up shows & museum events
- Friday–Saturday (Aug 29–30): Wharf concerts + JazzPrix showcase
- Sunday (Aug 31): Closing show at The Anthem
- Monday (Sep 1): Free Labor Day jazz brunches + gospel-infused jazz finale
Ticket Types & Pricing
- General Admission (Outdoor Stages): Many events are free
- Club & Indoor Venue Shows: $25–$85
- Wharf Premium Seats: $75–$150
- DCJazzPrix Finals: Included with full weekend pass or $30 standalone
- All-Access Festival Pass: ~$325 (early bird pricing)
🎟️ Tickets and RSVPs available at: https://dcjazzfest.org
Travel & Logistics
✈️ Best Airports
- Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA): Closest, 10–15 minutes from downtown
- Washington Dulles (IAD): 35–45 minutes via car or Silver Line Metro
- Baltimore-Washington International (BWI): ~1 hour away
🚗 Getting Around D.C.
- Metro: Clean, affordable — Wharf accessible via Waterfront or L’Enfant Plaza stations
- Rideshare: Uber/Lyft zones are active but can get congested at The Wharf
- DC Circulator Bus: Cheap and easy for hopping between venues
- Scooters & Bikes: Capital Bikeshare and Lime/Scooter options around The Wharf
Where to Stay
🏨 Recommended Hotels
- InterContinental Washington D.C. – The Wharf: Steps from the stage
- Canopy by Hilton Washington D.C. – The Wharf: Modern, music-friendly vibe
- Hotel Hive: Affordable boutique stay near Foggy Bottom
- The Darcy Hotel: Stylish and centrally located near Logan Circle
- Pendry Washington D.C. – The Wharf: Luxury meets jazz chic
Partner hotels often offer discount codes via the festival site — check regularly!
Where to Eat
D.C. is a culinary capital — and The Wharf is packed with global options.
🍴 Festival Food & Nearby Favorites
- Ben’s Chili Bowl On the Wharf: Black-owned D.C. icon
- Kith/Kin: Afro-Caribbean-inspired fine dining by Chef Kwame Onwuachi
- Hank’s Oyster Bar: Seafood and cocktails
- Union Market (nearby): Perfect for day tripping between shows
- Swizzler: Gourmet burgers and fries
During festival hours, expect food trucks, Afro-Latin pop-ups, BBQ stands, vegan bites, and frozen treats.
Tips for First-Timers
👕 Dress Code
- No formal code, but jazz-casual is the vibe — sundresses, linen, vintage jazz tees, bold prints
- Bring a foldable chair or picnic blanket for free lawn areas
- Comfortable shoes are a must for walking between stages
🌤️ Weather Prep
- It’s D.C. in late summer — expect heat and the chance of a short rainstorm
- Pack sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, and light layers for evening breezes
🤝 How to Connect
- Join the DCJF mobile app or Facebook groups to meet fellow jazz lovers
- Attend the Artist Talkbacks and Educational Workshops for direct engagement
- Use official hashtags to share photos and discover other attendees
How to Stay Connected
- Website: https://dcjazzfest.org
- Instagram: @dcjazzfest
- Facebook: DC Jazz Festival
- X (Twitter): @dcjazzfest
- TikTok: @dcjazzfest
- YouTube: DC Jazz Festival
- Hashtags: #DCJazzFest #DCJF2025 #JazzInDC
Final Notes
🎟️ How to Get Tickets & Register
RSVPs are required for most free shows. Paid concerts, brunches, and competitions are on sale at https://dcjazzfest.org
📝 Get Involved:
- Press, vendors, and artist submissions accepted through June 30
- Sponsor and volunteer forms available online
🦠 Health & Safety Guidelines:
- Security bag checks at Wharf entrances
- Medical tents on-site
- Festival will follow all D.C. Department of Health regulations
📅 Mark Your Calendar & Join the Jazz Journey!
The DC Jazz Festival 2025 is your chance to experience world-class music, cultural immersion, and breathtaking D.C. views all in one unforgettable week.
✨ Swing by the Wharf. Learn something new. Celebrate the culture.
👉 RSVP or grab your tickets now at https://dcjazzfest.org
