WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 28: Saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin performs at the DC JazzFest 20th Anniversary Opening Night Celebration at the Embassy Of Australia on August 28, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Shannon Finney/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, D.C. - DC JazzFest is returning for Labor Day weekend with five days of performances across the District, culminating in a two-day celebration at The Wharf.
The 2026 festival runs from Wednesday, Sept. 2, through Sunday, Sept. 6. Its theme, "The Future of Jazz: America’s Next 250 Years," looks ahead while marking the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
When is DC JazzFest at The Wharf?
What we know:
The festival’s main event at The Wharf is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 5, and Sunday, Sept. 6, from noon to 10 p.m. each day.
The Wharf is located at 1001 7th St. SW along the Potomac River.
Organizers say this year’s programming will highlight renowned and emerging artists, including musicians blending jazz with global sounds, pop, hip-hop, Latin music, gospel, country and the blues.
What else is happening during DC JazzFest?
Dig deeper:
Events begin Sept. 2 with opening-night performances at Hamilton Live and Mr. Henry’s.
Other citywide shows are scheduled at the Kreeger Museum, St. Vincent Wine, Takoma Station Tavern, Westminster Church, Villa Albertine, Union Stage, Pearl Street Warehouse and Arena Stage.
The weekend lineup also includes:
- DC Jazz Bops! Kids Concert
- DC Jazz Prix Finals
- Meet the Artists events at Arena Stage
- Performances by artists including Pureum Jin & the Empress, Brandon Woody’s Upendo, José André Quartet, Shacara Rogers Gospel Hour and Emmet Cohen Jam
What to know before buying tickets
What you can do:
Organizers say festival tickets are nonrefundable and events will be held rain or shine.
Access to shows at Arena Stage, Union Stage and Pearl Street Warehouse on Sept. 5 and 6 is included with Preferred Seating, VIP and Ultimate VIP tickets. General-admission ticket holders can buy access to those shows separately.
Even premium ticket holders are not guaranteed entry into a particular venue or a seat once a space reaches capacity. Organizers recommend arriving early for a specific performance.
Tickets should be purchased only through the official DC JazzFest website.
The Source: This article was written using information from DC JazzFest.