NJ & NYC's favorite jazz festival is back!
A two-day celebration of music will take on the Hudson River waterfront Friday, May 30 and Saturday, May 31. The event will feature three stages, a community zone, food trucks, bars, a VIP experience, and even a parade.
Events will take place throughout Jersey City leading up to the event (Tuesday, May 27 - Thursday, May 29). Come see why thousands of attendees (and many musicians) call this their favorite event of the year!
VIP Experience
Experience the festival in style and support
Riverview Jazz!
$125.00
All Access VIP Party Pass
This pass allows the holder access to ALL events in Jersey City Jazz Week and Festival, from May 27-31. Also included on May 30-31 is access to a special VIP viewing area with private bar and executive bathrooms, access to the Ford's Gin Tent, 2 drink tickets, and free swag bag with a festival poster. Children under 12 are free but must be accompanied by an adult.
$95.00
Weekend VIP Party Pass
This pass allows the holder access to the Jersey City Jazz Festival on May 30-31, including access to a special VIP viewing area with private bar and executive bathrooms, access to the Ford's Gin Tent, 2 drink tickets, and free commemorative t-shirt and tote bag. Children under 12 are free but must be accompanied by an adult.
JERSEY CITY JAZZ WEEK
Tuesday, May 27th
Wednesday, May 28th
Groove on Grove (TBA)
Wednesday, May 28th
6:00 - 9:00pm
@jcdowntown.org/event/groove-on-grove/
FREE admission!
Thursday, May 29th
James Austin Jr.
Songs in the Key of Wonder
Opening Act: Danny Raycraft
Thursday, May 29th
7:00 - 9:30pm
@Brennan Court House
Ticket Purchase Link Coming Soon…
RSVP Link Coming Soon…
JERSEY CITY JAZZ FESTIVAL
Friday, May 30th
RWJBarnabas Health Plaza Stage
Winard Harper and Jeli Posse
Friday, May 30th
6:00 - 7:00pm
@RWJBarnabas Health Plaza Stage
winardharperjazz.com
FREE admission!
DJ Set by Niko & Bad Habits
Friday, May 30th
7:00 - 8:00pm
@RWJBarnabas Health Plaza Stage
FREE admission!
The Rumble featuring Big Chief Joseph Boudreaux Jr.
Friday, May 30th
8:00 - 9:30pm
@RWJBarnabas Health Plaza Stage
linktr.ee/therumble.official
FREE admission!
Official JCJF Jam Session featuring Charlie Sigler
on the Terrace at Hyatt House
Friday, May 30th
9:00pm - 1:00am
@Hyatt House
FREE admission!
Saturday, May 31st
The Clubhouse by Ford's Gin ($)
WBGO Next Gen Collective
Featuring: Kevin Oliver Jr., Rodrigo Romero, Caili O’Doherty, Solomon Gottfried, Gary Jones III, and special guest vocalist: Larissa Jones
Saturday, May 31st
1:00 - 2:00pm
@The Clubhouse by Ford's Gin
Artemis
featuring Renee Rosnes, Ingrid Jensen,
Nicole Glover, Noriko Ueda & Allison Miller
Saturday, May 31st
3:00 - 4:00pm
@The Clubhouse by Ford's Gin
Hébert-Hersch-Wallace-Drummond
Bridge & Tunnel
Saturday, May 31st
5:00 - 6:00pm
@The Clubhouse by Ford's Gin
fredhersch.com
pirecordings.com/artists/john-hebert/
bluenote.com/artist/bennie-wallace/
billydrummonddrums.com
Saturday, May 31st
RWJBarnabas Health Plaza Stage
Riverview Jazz All-Stars
Saturday, May 31st
Noon - 1:00pm
@RWJBarnabas Health Plaza Stage
FREE admission!
Sam Barsh
featuring Harry Mack
Saturday, May 31st
2:00 - 3:00pm
@RWJBarnabas Health Plaza Stage
FREE admission!
Honk Family Band
from Plaza to the Pier
Saturday, May 31st
3:00 - 3:45pm
@RWJBarnabas Health Plaza Stage
FREE admission!
Sounds of April & Randall
Saturday, May 31st
4:00 - 5:00pm
@RWJBarnabas Health Plaza Stage
FREE admission!
Steven Bernstein's Millennial Territory Orchestra featuring Catherine Russell
Saturday, May 31st
6:00 - 7:00pm
@RWJBarnabas Health Plaza Stage
FREE admission!
Astoria Salsa Company
Saturday, May 31st
8:00 - 9:00pm
@RWJBarnabas Health Plaza Stage
FREE admission!
Saturday, May 31st
Exchange Place Alliance Pier Stage
United Children's Music Project (UCMP) Latin Ensemble
Saturday, May 31st
1:30 - 2:30pm
@Exchange Place Alliance Pier Stage
FREE admission!
New Jersey City University (NJCU)
Jazz Ensemble
Saturday, May 31st
3:45 - 4:30pm
@Exchange Place Alliance Pier Stage
FREE admission!
Swing Dance Lesson
Saturday, May 31st
5:00 - 5:30pm
@Exchange Place Alliance Pier Stage
FREE admission!
Robert Edwards Big Band
Saturday, May 31st
5:30 - 6:30pm
@Exchange Place Alliance Pier Stage
FREE admission!
Salsa/Mambo Dance Lesson
w/ Salsa Fever On2
Saturday, May 31st
7:00pm
@Exchange Place Alliance Pier Stage
FREE admission!
Saturday, May 31st
Jersey City Free Public Library Community Zone
Presented by the Jersey City Free Public Library, the activation will include musical arts & crafts, bucket drum lessons, storytime, and more!
Stay tuned for an updated schedule of events.
POST-FESTIVAL
Sunday, June 1st
FAQ
How much does it cost?
Most of our events are free! For those with a ticket price, please see our ticketing website by clicking here. Also, check out the VIP Passes for additional ways to enjoy the Festival!
How do I volunteer or get involved?
Join the team and help bring live music to our community!
Please fill out this form: https://riverviewjazz.org/become-a-volunteer
How do I add myself to the mailing list?
Click here to add your information to our mailing list.
What happens if it rains?
The Festival is rain or shine, and all stages are covered. However, it there is extreme weather and safety is a concern, performances will be moved to Sunday, June 1st.
Can I bring children?
For the Festival, of course! There will be plenty of family fun activities in the Jersey City Free Library Community Zone. Please note at The Clubhouse by Ford's Gin, children under the age of 12 are free but must be accompanied by an adult. Also, there is a Student Pass available for those ages 12-21. Click here for more details. Please note for the Jazz Week events, most venues are 21+
Do you need cash?
We take credit card for tickets and merchandise on site, but some food vendors may only take cash.
Can I bring my pet?
The plaza and pier are public spaces where pets are allowed. Pets will not be permitted in the tented The Clubhouse by Ford's Gin Stage. Events from Tuesday - Thursday are at the discretion of the venue.
Please note - although we love animals, this will be a crowded and loud event with lots of people. Use discretion when considering bringing your pet. If there are any issues or complaints, you will be asked to leave.
Can I bring food and drink?
Food trucks and vendors will be available to purchase food and drinks on-site.
Can I bring my own chair?
Sure thing! Just take it with you when you leave.
HISTORY
The Jersey City Jazz Festival started with a community concert in 2013 at the Riverview Farmers Market in Jersey City Heights. The non-profit organization Riverview Jazz was formed, and in a few short years, the organization was producing up to 100 jazz events a year and all free to the public. In 2019, the yearly Riverview Festival was renamed the Jersey City Jazz Festival and drew a crowd of 30,000 attendees, making it one of the largest jazz festivals in the NYC tri-state area. Thanks to our generous donors and sponsors, we have now secured our current home, the Exchange Place waterfront, and are excited to present the most extensive Festival line-up for 2025.
WHERE
Tuesday through Thursday events are held in various venues throughout Jersey City. Friday and Saturday performances are centered on four stages at 1 Exchange Place. See our list of performances for exact locations of each.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
The Festival on May 30 - 31 is very easy to access via PATH and Hudson-Bergen Light Rail (both Exchange Place stops). NJ Transit bus and NY Waterway Ferry also drop off close to 1 Exchange Place.
PARKING
LAZ Parking supports the Jersey City Jazz Festival and has provided discounted parking at the Harborside 6 Garage located at 135 Greene Street (only 3 blocks from Exchange Place).
Please note that street parking is usually available but limited.
LODGING
Hyatt House, Hyatt Regency and the Canopy in downtown Jersey City are all hotel partners with the Jersey City Jazz Festival.
ADA Accessibility
For May 30 - 31, the pedestrian plaza and pier at 1 Exchange Place are completely accessible and one-level. Accessible bathrooms will be available on-site. In addition, there will be festival staff available to help with any additional needs you may have. For advance questions/concerns, please contact dave@riverviewjazz.org.
Festival Map
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