DC Jazz Festival

The 2021 DC JazzFest will take place from September 1-5, with 20+ concerts, interviews and exclusive events featuring international superstars and homegrown talent. Our signature event, DC JazzFest at The Wharf will take place September 4-5, over Labor Day Weekend, as a hybrid of in-person and livestream performances to a worldwide audience. This tentpole weekend will occur at the The Wharf, a waterfront destination with restaurants, shops, and stunning views. Due to the ongoing pandemic, DCJF decided to postpone this year’s festival to September as a celebration of all things jazz in DC.

The largest jazz festival in the nation’s capital, the 17th Annual DC JazzFest will feature a robust lineup of performers – from local legends to NEA Jazz Masters – with concerts citywide. Festival experiences will include in-person and live stream performances, up-close-and-personal “Meet the Artist” conversations, and the DCJazzPrix international jazz band competition Finals live at Union Stage.

“While we are still in the middle of a challenging time, DC JazzFest is working closely with our DC partners to deliver a safe, world-class festival featuring great music for the jazz enthusiast and casual fan alike,” says DCJF Executive Director, Sunny Sumter. “The well-being of our patrons, artists and festival production team is a top priority and the move from June to September will support a safe festival experience for all.”