D.C. Jazz Fest Is Returning To The Wharf

Save

The 21st annual D.C. JazzFest is kicking off on Wednesday, Aug. 27 until Sunday, August 31st!

The incredible music will take over the city and provide plenty of opportunities for Washingtonians to learn about Jazz and its rich local history.

2025 D.C. Jazz Fest Schedule

The 2025 D.C. Jazz Fest will be spread out throughout the capital with multiple venues across the city.

Here’s a quick peek at the schedule:

• Wednesday, August 27th
  • Eaton DC
    • Soundtrack to a Coup D’etat
    • Reggie Bowens
    • Heidi Martin
  • Hamilton Live
    • JazzDC Orchestra
    • Christie Dashiell, Brandee Younger, and Paul Carr
  • Kennedy Center
    • Joshua Bayer Quintet
  • We Act Radio
    • Jazz and Poetry: Tribute to Thomas Sayers Ellis
• Thursday, August 28th
  • Arena Stage Keeger
    • Cecile McLorin Salvant
  • Downtown DC / Anthem Row
    • Brass-A-Holics Second Line
    • Benjie Porecki
    • Be’la Dona
    • Brass-A-Holics
  • Kennedy Center
    • Leigh Pilzer Startet
  • Kreeger Museum
    • Imani-Grace Cooper
  • Takoma Station
    • Elijah Easton
  • Palisades Hub
    • Mart Ehrlich Trio Exaltation
• Friday, August 29th
  • Canal Park
    • Justin Mendez
  • Westminster Church
    • Organ Summit
  • Kennedy Center
    • Herb Scott
  • American University
    • Joshua Bayer
  • The Anthem
    • Lalah Hathaway
    • Mathew Whitaker
• Saturday, August 30th
  • Arena Stage
    • Eric Byrd Trio
    • Branford Marsalis Quartet
  • The Wharf
    • Tony Martucci
    • Sun Ra Arkestra
    • Jahari Stampley Family Trio
    • Rgw Baylor Project
    • Akua Allrich & the Tribe
    • Birckhead
    • The String Queens
    • Next Jazz Legacy
    • Marcus Miller
• Sunday, August 31st
  • Arena Stage
    • Paul Carr & Vanessa Rubin
    • Makoto Ozone & Gregoire Maret
    • Dado Moroni Trio
    • The Jazzmeia Horn Quartet
    • Ron Carter
  • The Wharf
    • Christie Dashiell
    • Hiruy Tirfe Quartet
    • Lyle Link
    • Jonkuk Kim
    • Emmet Cohen Trio
    • Todd Marcus
    • Gary Bartz Ntu Troop
    • John Scofield Trio
    • Keyon Harrold
    • Eddie Palmieri Tribute
    • Corcoran Holt Quintet + Jam

What is DC Jazz Fest?

DC Jazz Fest was founded in 2004 by jazz producer Charles Fishman and his wife, Stephanie Peters, to teach the history of jazz roots – including those in D.C. – to inspire a new generation of jazz musicians and enthusiasts.

This year’s festival will feature both renowned artists and up-and-coming local talent!

A full lineup and list of participants can be found here.