The Monterey Jazz Festival is the longest continuously-running jazz festival in the world and in 2024, the event takes place September 27-29 at the Monterey County Fairgrounds. The 2024 festival features five stages with 86 different events over three days. It’s the biggest festival to be programmed since the pandemic and we’re extending the hours as well, with shows ending around 11 p.m. each night.
Pianist Jason Moran is the 2024 Artist-in-Residence, who will appear in various groups over the weekend and Kyle Eastwood acts as the Showcase Artist, bringing one of the largest groups to ever perform on the Arena Stage with Eastwood Symphonic, featuring the Monterey Symphony. Composer Robert Glasper will premiere a new work as Commission Artist with vocalist Yebba on Sunday night. This year’s festival is curated by Darin Atwater, MJF’s third Artistic Director and the first African American to hold the role.
Visit Monterey Jazz Festival to purchase tickets to the 2024 event.
1. The shopping and food.
There are over 70 different vendors selling art, clothes, music memorabilia, food and much more from all over the world. “Monterey Jazz Festival has so much else to offer, from yummy food options to fun shopping and a warm and friendly atmosphere that is unparalleled among big music events,” wrote the San Jose Mercury News in 2019. There’s Thai, BBQ, Korean, Jamaican, vegetarian, desserts and much more, offering a wide taste of the world on the West Lawn in addition to pre-ordering a handmade Picnic-To-Go if you prefer the convenience. Beverages also feature wine from J. Lohr Vineyards, Castoro Cellars and Folktale Winery, beer from Alvarado Street Brewery and Other Brother and Local Motion Vodka Sodas.
2. Meet old friends, make new ones
Many fans have been coming to the jazz festival for decades, so it feels like a family reunion. It’s a community of music fans who are extremely knowledgeable, very passionate and friendly, so don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation, especially to talk about a new artist that you’ve just discovered or make a recommendation to someone who is looking for something new.
3. Artist spotting and “the Hang”
“Monterey makes it easy for jazz musicians to let their hair down,” said John Clayton to DownBeat in 2017. “You hang with the musicians and you hang with people in the audience.” The fairground is literally covered with jazz artists who walk the same paths as the fans. You might see some of your old favorites or meet a new favorite too, especially at signings in the Merchandise Room. Look for the Record Store Day Pop Up, featuring hard-to-find vinyl and artist signings as well!
4. Beautiful fall weather
Monterey can be many things in the fall — warm, chilly or just plain gorgeous. Be prepared for all sorts of climates, but when the moon is out, expect a magical night of music under the stars or a day of excitement under the shade of the oak trees with an average temperature of 72 degrees in September.
5. Being part of musical history
People still speak about the legendary concerts that have happened at Monterey – including Charles Lloyd’s 1966 Forest Flower performance, Herbie Hancock’s controversial 1972 set, Tony Bennett’s awe-inspiring moonlit debut in 2005, Trombone Shorty’s explosive show in 2010, Gregory Porter’s commanding and inspiring debut in 2012, Davina and the Vagabond’s out-of-left-field stunning debut in 2013 or Jamie Cullum’s spectacular return in 2023. Who will blow your mind this year?
6. The Premier Club is back!
If you want the ultimate hospitality experience in Monterey, the Premier Club (located in the Turf Club) is the place to be. The Premier Club offers air conditioning, private restrooms and a live stream of Arena performances. Top shelf no host bar and free non-alcoholic beverages plus a variety of small plates lets you enjoy your downtime, relax and kick up your feet for a bit!
7. A wide variety of incredible music, plus tributes to Sarah Vaughan and the Duke
The Monterey Herald wrote in 2023 that the festival “paints a really true picture of what jazz is today” and the same year the San Francisco Classical Voice wrote that the festival “offered a deeply satisfying roster of artists representing many of the genre’s most interesting directions.”
With five stages, you can sample all of the current trends happening in the jazz world, with a few crossover genres thrown in as well, including the three-time Grammy-winning vocalist Samara Joy and the cool funk of José James; the classical adaptation of film music from Clint Eastwood films curated and performed by the Kyle Eastwood Quintet and the Monterey Symphony, gospel legends Mavis Staples, Donald Lawrence & Company and the Blind Boys of Alabama with blues icon Bobby Rush, jazz fusion pioneer Stanley Clarke with his new group, N4EVER, plus up and comers from around the world that are elevating the jazz form to new heights. There’s also an artistic nod to jazz legends Sarah Vaughan and Duke Ellington as we collectively celebrate their 100th and 125th birthdays.
8. The vibe.
“…the festival’s long-running success is this: the sense of family that engulfs you from the moment you step foot onto the fairgrounds,” wrote The Huffington Post in 2016. Once you’ve experienced the laid-back informality of Monterey, it may become a yearly bucket-list item for you. It feels like home, every time.