public programs

We bring the jazz experience directly to communities through programs presented in venues throughout Chicago. 99% of our programs are free and open to the public. Our programs keep Chicago jazz musicians working by creating a wide array of performance opportunities, build bigger audiences for Chicago jazz by presenting concerts and festivals that are free and available for all and keep our community thriving.

chicago jazz festival

The Chicago Jazz Festival is one of the world’s great jazz festivals. This free four-day festival is a Labor Day tradition starting on Thursday and continuing through Sunday with stages throughout Chicago’s gorgeous Millennium Park and the Chicago Cultural Center.

WINTER JAZZ FAIR

Halfway to the Chicago Jazz Festival, this free and open-to-the-public one-day event includes jazz performances, panel discussions, vendors, and educational programs that bring together musicians, listeners, students, and media to have a great time and showcase the power of Chicago’s great jazz community.

JAZZCITY

Since 1997, the Jazz Institute of Chicago and the Chicago Park District have partnered to bring performances by top jazz musicians into Chicago’s beautiful parks. These free concerts allow communities to come together and experience world-class musicians in their neighborhoods. Learn more and see the list of JazzCity concerts for 2024. 

UPCOMING LIVE JAZZ FROM JAZZ INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO

Featured
JAZZ LINKS JAM SESSIONS, 5PM-7PM at jazz SHowcase
May 8
JAZZ LINKS JAM SESSIONS, 5PM-7PM at jazz SHowcase

Come hear the the next generation of jazz artists. Free and open to the public. Jazz Links Jam Sessions create live performance opportunities where student musicians can learn, grow, and connect with their jazz community.

GALA 2024 with SAMARA JOY
May 29
GALA 2024 with SAMARA JOY

Grammy® Award winner Samara Joy is headlining the Jazz Insitute of Chicago’s 2024 Gala at the fabulous Park West. Stay tuned for tickets and details.

JAZZCITY with PETE BENSON ORGAN TRIO
Jun 7
JAZZCITY with PETE BENSON ORGAN TRIO

Don’t miss the 2024 season opener of JazzCity featuring the PETE BENSON ORGAN TRIO at Willye White Park. Free and open to the public. LEARN MORE!

PAST PROGRAMS

new works fresh voices

The JIC and the Mellon Foundation recognize the need for artists to continue to create, to develop their voices, and to have the resources to do so.

NAVY PIER

Jazz Institute of Chicago is proud to program part of Water Colors, a free summer series at Chicago’s beautiful Navy Pier on Fridays at 6:30PM. Chicago is known for its colorful influence on jazz music, which takes center stage in this waterfront series of singers and musicians who specialize in “America’s classical music” at the Lake Stage in Polk Bros Park.

DR. TIMUEL BLACK INSPIRATION and EDUCATION PROJECT

Bringing the joy and power of jazz music to communities while re-igniting the economic platform for Chicago musicians.