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JazzFest

About

General Info

Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland is an educational festival with year-round programming that culminates in a three-day summer music festival that takes place at Playhouse Square, located at 1501 Euclid Ave. in Cleveland, Ohio. Nearly 500 artists perform indoors and outdoors playing jazz and other genres. Indoor concerts are ticketed and feature world-class musicians in Playhouse Square's historic theaters. All outdoor entertainment is free.

Founded in 1980 by Dr. Thom Horning and Reginald Buckner, Tri-C JazzFest stays true to its mission to:

  • Foster the history and nurture the future of jazz
  • Provide educational opportunities for students of all ages and in all walks of life
  • Bring world-class jazz to Cleveland

DownBeat Magazine describes the festival as offering "the type of diverse, top-tier talent typically found at a much larger festival, along with some adventurous programming that was spiced with compelling international flavors."

The Tri-C JazzFest educational component connects students of all ages with local and international jazz artists. The inclusion of students and teachers ensures the future of the art form in Northeast Ohio. Outreach programming provides free cultural access to Cleveland’s underserved population.

In addition to the indoor and outdoor music during the festival weekend, Tri-C JazzFest also offers a talk tent to get to know artists, shopping, beer garden, street performers and games, Kids Club and much more, as part of the free outdoor component. Learn more about our history here.

The 45th annual festival, presented by KeyBank, will return June 20-22 at Playhouse Square in Cleveland. Click here for more festival news.

Tri-C JazzFest partners with various Cleveland venues, including Playhouse Square, the Tri-C Metropolitan Campus, the Cleveland Museum of Art, BOP STOP at The Music Settlement and BLU Jazz+.

FAQs

What is the festival pass and how does it work?

The festival pass is $300 per person and provides preferred seating to all ticketed concerts and saves you over $100. Buy a pass here.

Can I buy tickets for an individual performance?

In April, you may purchase single tickets to any concert of your choice by calling Playhouse Square: 216-241-6000 or buying online at playhousesquare.org. 

What are the box office hours?

To find the Playhouse Square box office hours of operation, call 216-241-6000, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For same day sales, the box office opens one hour before the listed curtain time and closes 30 minutes after curtain.

Where is the box office to purchase tickets?

 The Playhouse Square box office is located inside the KeyBank State Theatre lobby, 1501 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44115. Tickets for shows in the Allen Theatre are available in the Allen Theatre lobby.

Are there ticket discounts for employees and students?  

Yes, Tri-C employees and students receive a 15% discount on single tickets with valid proof of I.D. 

What happens in the case of bad weather?

Outdoor activities will go on rain or shine unless there is lightning or heavy, dangerous wind. In that case, acts on the outdoor SiebertKeck Insurance Stage and Next Gen Stage will operate on a rain delay, resuming activities according to the schedule. For example, if lightning stops at 6 p.m., the outdoor music will resume with the 6 p.m. act. Indoor acts will go on rain or shine.  

Where do I park?

Festivalgoers have several options for parking on-site with the attached Playhouse Square garage and numerous parking garages and locations within walking distance of the festival location. Parking fees vary for garages and metered parking. Click here to learn more about where to park at Playhouse Square.  

Are there places to eat at the festival? 

Yes, JazzFest offers food trucks and vendors with various assortments of food and beverages for everyone. You can also check out the restaurants on the plaza and around the Playhouse Square District for numerous dining options. 

What can I bring? 

No coolers are permitted at the outdoor portion of the festival. There will be some outdoor seating, but you can bring lawn chairs if you'd like. Cameras are not permitted inside the theaters (phones are OK). Only certified media personnel are permitted to shoot photography in the the theaters.

How can I become a JazzFest vendor? 

Applications to become a vendor at the 2024 festival: click here.

Where are the restrooms? 

Restrooms are located in the lobbies of Playhouse Square as well as portable restrooms outdoors. 

Are there ATMs nearby? 

Yes, festivalgoers will find ATM machines in Playhouse Square lobbies and at various locations outdoors on the U.S. Bank Plaza.

What hotels are near the festival?

JazzFest has partnerships with the Westin Hotel in downtown Cleveland (216-771-7700) and Crowne Plaza at Playhouse Square (216-615-7500). Other hotels within walking distance include the Hilton Garden Inn, Hyatt, The Drury, Holiday Inn Express and many others. 

What activities are at the festival for kids? 

JazzFest features a Kids Club for youngsters that includes arts and crafts, face painting, jazz performances with world-class artists and much more. There are also games and activities for older kids and adults on the plaza. 

How can I receive updates about the festival? 

You can join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. To sign up for year-round JazzFest emails, click here.

How can I volunteer at the festival?

Complete the application to sign up and become a volunteer for the festival through April 26.

Can I take pictures at the concerts? 

Yes, pictures are permitted for indoor and outdoor shows (artist-pending). We ask that you do not use flash photography or get out of your seat to take a photo. Only certified media personnel are permitted to take photos from the aisles. 

Is there first aid or medical on site?

Yes, there is a first aid tent outdoors indicated on the festival map as well as police and security throughout the festival. For major emergencies, you should call 911.

Contact Information

Director
Terri Pontremoli
216-987-0241
terri.pontremoli@tri-c.edu

Associate Director
Michael Shirtz
216-987-4193
michael.shirtz@tri-c.edu

Volunteer Coordinator
Kendra Willis 
216-987-4214
kendra.willis@tri-c.edu