Chicago Jazz Festival -- Thursday
Thu, Aug 28
|Millennium Park | Jay Pritzker Pavilion
The Chicago Jazz Festival is a Labor Day weekend tradition that promotes all forms of jazz through free, high-quality music programming. The festival showcases Chicago's local talent alongside national and international artists to raise awareness and appreciation of America's music.
Time & Location
Aug 28, 2025, 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Millennium Park | Jay Pritzker Pavilion, 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602, USA
About The Event
The Chicago Jazz Festival is a Labor Day weekend tradition that promotes all forms of jazz through free, high-quality music programming. The festival showcases Chicago's local talent alongside national and international artists to raise awareness and appreciation for one of the city’s most beloved art forms.
PROGRAM
6:30pm - 7:30 pm - Henry Johnson
7:45pm - 9:00pm - Esperanza Spalding
Celebrate one of Chicago’s most beloved music traditions at the Chicago Jazz Festival, a free Labor Day weekend event that honors the past, present, and future of jazz. Known for its diverse programming and world-class performances, the festival brings together local legends, rising stars, and internationally acclaimed artists for an unforgettable celebration of sound.
On this special evening, the music begins at 6:30pm with acclaimed guitarist Henry Johnson, whose smooth style and soulful playing have made him a staple of the Chicago jazz scene. His set blends classic jazz with modern flair, setting the stage for a powerful night.
At 7:45pm, the spotlight turns to Esperanza Spalding, the boundary-pushing bassist, vocalist, and composer whose genre-defying work has earned multiple Grammy Awards. With her signature blend of jazz, soul, and experimental sounds, she promises a performance that’s both bold and deeply moving.
Free, open-air, and full of heart—jazz lives here.
Organizer: Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
Programmer: Jazz Institute of Chicago