California Jazz Festivals

Best Annual Festivals for Jazz Music

1. SacJazz, Sacramento - May

Held over Memorial Day weekend. In 2009, the festival featured more than 60 bands at 23 venues, including over 20 nationally-known names.

2. Hollywood Bowl Summer Jazz Series

We can't think of a better place to enjoy a jazz concert than the Hollywood Bowl. The Philharmonic's Jazz at the Bowl Series includes blues, big bands, Latin jazz and other styles. The two-day Playboy Jazz Festival and Smooth Summer Jazz (formerly JVC Jazz) also bring jazz greats and exciting newcomers to the Hollywood Bowl's summer lineup.

3. AT&T San Jose Jazz Festival - August

San Jose's jazz festival is a twenty-year tradition.

4. Monterey Jazz Festival - September

Founded in 1958, the Monterey Jazz Festival is the world's longest-running jazz festival and it hasn't lost its appeal, selling out almost every year.

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5. JazzTrax, Catalina Island - October

It lasts three weekends and features more than 30 artists and the location couldn't be nicer.

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6. San Francisco Jazz Festival - October/November

More than a month of jazz performances spanning all kinds of jazz styles.

7. Dixieland Jazz Festival, San Diego - November

Held over Thanksgiving weekend, this festival focuses on Dixieland-style jazz music.