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68th Monterey Jazz Festival Preview

The 67th Monterey Jazz Festival presented a dynamic musical celebration of jazz which respected traditional music while embracing modern creative approaches. The 2024 festival at the Monterey County Fairgrounds presented Herbie Hancock and Dianne Reeves alongside Samara Joy and Immanuel Wilkins and DOMi & JD Beck in outstanding performances. The festival maintained its inclusive programming and intimate setting which allowed jazz fans from different generations to unite through music.

The festival paid tribute to Wayne Shorter through a tribute performance while Terri Lyne Carrington led a jam session between different generations of musicians and the Garden Stage hosted late-night performances that kept audiences dancing until the sun went down.


Image Gallery from the 67TH Monterey Jazz Festival

The 68th Monterey Jazz Festival scheduled for September 26–28, 2025 will uphold its tradition by presenting a combination of exceptional artistic performances and innovative musical approaches. Headliners for this year’s festival include Christian McBride, Gregory Porter, Dianne Reeves, Christian Sands, Ledisi, Pete Escovedo and Trombone Shorty. 


This 68th edition of the festival will also feature international performers alongside multiple all-star groups premiering new musical creations. The Monterey Jazz Festival maintains its position as a must-visit event as it combines exceptional jazz performances with the unique atmosphere of the coastal location.

Longtime MJF patrons will welcome the return of Dizzy's Den, one of the indoor performance spaces on the grounds of the festival. Dizzy's Den and the other indoor venue, The Nightclub, were shut down after the pandemic as the festival transitioned to all outdoor stages. After a three year hiatus, Dizzy's Den returns. The schedule of appearance in the Den will be published a bit closer to the start of the festival.



Both Arena and Grounds Tickets are still available now!



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