Home FESTIVALS Beyond the Stage: 10 Jazz Festivals That Double as Dream Vacations (or Staycations)

Beyond the Stage: 10 Jazz Festivals That Double as Dream Vacations (or Staycations)

by BELINDA

1.Immerse yourself in the vibrant soul of jazz and be a part of history at the legendary Newport Jazz Festival  this August!  Celebrating a monumental 70th anniversary, this iconic event held at the historic Fort Adams State Park with breathtaking ocean views promises to be an unforgettable summer escape. Groove to iconic sounds across four stages of Legendary artists and  discover up-and-coming artists. Fuel your day with delicious food and local crafts. Make it a vacation and explore charming Newport with its cobblestone streets, boutique shops, and fresh seafood. Or, transform it into a staycation – pack a picnic basket, gather your friends, and let the music whisk you away for a weekend of pure jazz bliss!  Don’t miss your chance to be part of this historic celebration – it’s the perfect blend of musical magic and unforgettable summer memories. 

2. Let the music take you higher at the John Coltrane International Jazz Festival, in Highpoint North Carolina this August! This electrifying two-day event honors the legacy of saxophone giant John Coltrane, who honed his skills in High Point. Immerse yourself in the soulful sounds of world-class musicians – both seasoned icons and rising stars – igniting the stage with their passion for jazz and blues. Fuel your festival groove with mouthwatering food vendors and unique local crafts.  Turn it into a vacation and explore the vibrant High Point scene – delve into fascinating museums, relax at a welcoming café, or unearth hidden treasures at local antique stores. Feeling like a staycation? Pack a picnic basket, gather your crew, and let the music transport you for a weekend of pure sonic bliss. Don’t miss your chance to celebrate jazz royalty and create unforgettable summer memories in High Point! 

3. Channel your inner flower child and let the sunshine be your guide at the Monterey Jazz Festival this September! Nestled on the California coast with the Pacific Ocean breeze whispering secrets in your ear, this legendary festival is more than just music – it’s a full-blown groovy getaway. Dig the soulful sounds on multiple stages, from legendary headliners to fresh-faced talents just blooming. Refuel your funky soul with delectable treats from local vendors and soak up the California cool under the warm sun. Make it a full-on vacation and explore Monterey Bay – kayak through kelp forests, marvel at playful otters, or wander through charming canneries turned art galleries. Feeling like a staycation? Pack a beach blanket, grab your favorite tie-dye shirt, and let the music whisk you away for a weekend of pure Californian vibes. Don’t miss your chance to groove to the rhythm of the sea and create unforgettable memories at the Monterey Jazz Festival! 

4. Ditch the ordinary and dive into a vibrant musical gumbo at Music at the Intersection this September in St. Louis, Missouri! This ain’t your typical festival – it’s a cultural kaleidoscope bursting with sounds from blues to hip-hop, all nestled in the heart of the Grand Center Arts District. Get down with legendary headliners and discover hidden gems on multiple stages, each pulsating with the unique rhythm of St. Louis. Fuel your artistic spirit with delicious local eats and explore the surrounding galleries, museums, and hidden gems. Turn it into a full-fledged vacation and delve into St. Louis’ vibrant soul – visit the iconic Gateway Arch, savor some mouthwatering barbecue, or catch a Cardinals game for a taste of local pride. Feeling like a staycation? Pack your dancing shoes, grab some friends, and let the music be your guide for a weekend where cultures collide and artistic sparks fly. Don’t miss your chance to experience the intersection of music, art, and St. Louis magic!  5. Sun-kissed skin, toes in the sand, and the sweet sounds of jazz serenading your soul – that’s the Long Beach Jazz Festival calling your name this September! Escape the ordinary and groove to the rhythm of the Pacific at this iconic California festival. Set against the stunning backdrop of Marina Green Park, this three-day celebration is a jazz lover’s paradise. Unwind with legendary artists and discover the next generation of jazz stars, all gracing multiple stages. Fuel your musical odyssey with delicious food trucks and sip on refreshing cocktails under the warm California sun. Craft your own California dream vacation – explore the vibrant Long Beach scene, cruise along the scenic coastline, or delve into the rich maritime history at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Feeling like a staycation? Pack a beach blanket, gather your favorite music buddies, and let the festival transport you for a weekend of pure jazz bliss. Don’t miss your chance to soak up the California sunshine and create unforgettable memories at the Long Beach Jazz Festival!  6. Dust off your dancing shoes and swing on down to Rochester this June for the Rochester Jazz Festival – a summertime jubilee where the whole city grooves to the beat! Immerse yourself in the heart of Rochester, where historic streets transform into vibrant stages overflowing with infectious melodies. Sway to the smooth sounds of iconic headliners and tap your toes to the fresh beats of up-and-coming artists. Fuel your inner jazz cat with delectable treats from local vendors and sip on refreshing beverages under the warm summer sky.Turn it into a full-fledged Finger Lakes vacation! Kayak across crystal-clear waters, explore charming wineries nestled amongst rolling hills, or hike through lush gorges for breathtaking natural beauty. Feeling like a staycation? Pack a picnic basket, gather your favorite jazz aficionados, and let the music whisk you away for a weekend where Rochester’s streets become your personal dance floor. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this rhythmic Rochester tradition and create unforgettable summer memories at the Jazz Festival! 

7. Mark your calendars, jazz lovers! This June, Columbia, Maryland explodes with the Capital Jazz Festival, a three-day celebration where smooth sounds and good times are the forecast. Immerse yourself in the heart of Merriweather Post Pavilion, where the stage becomes your portal to a world of captivating melodies. Sway to the timeless tunes of legendary headliners, then bop your head to the innovative beats of rising stars. Fuel your musical spirit with delicious eats from on-site vendors and cool off with refreshing drinks under the warm summer sun. Want to extend the jazz vibes into a full-fledged Maryland adventure? Explore the charming town of Columbia with its vibrant shops and friendly cafes. Delve into the rich history of the state at local museums, or take a scenic hike through the stunning Patapsco Valley State Park. Feeling like a staycation? Pack a picnic basket, gather your fellow jazz enthusiasts, and let the music whisk you away for a weekend where Columbia’s soul comes alive with rhythm. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this iconic Maryland tradition and create unforgettable summer memories at the Capital Jazz Festival! 

8. Strap on your dancing shoes and prepare to be swept away by the Montreal Jazz Festival starting June 27- July 6, 2024! For eleven glorious days, this French-Canadian metropolis transforms into a pulsating hub of musical magic. Immerse yourself in the heart of the Quartier des Spectacles, where outdoor stages become your personal concert halls overflowing with electrifying jazz in all its forms. Groove to iconic legends, discover the next generation of jazz stars, and lose yourself in the infectious rhythms that spill out onto the cobblestone streets. Fuel your festival frenzy with delectable offerings from local vendors and sip on refreshing drinks under the warm summer sky. Turn it into a full-blown Canadian adventure! Explore the charming streets of Montreal, a vibrant tapestry of French and English cultures. Visit the iconic Notre-Dame Basilica, devour maple syrup-drenched treats at a local patisserie, or climb Mount Royal for breathtaking city views. Feeling like a staycation? Pack a picnic basket, gather your fellow jazz aficionados, and let the music whisk you away for a weekend where Montreal becomes your personal jazz playground. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this legendary festival and create unforgettable summer memories in the heart of  Canada! 

9. Set sail for a weekend of smooth sounds and coastal charm at the Hampton Jazz Festival this June! Anchored in the historic Hampton Coliseum, this three-day event promises an unforgettable voyage for jazz enthusiasts. Immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere as legendary headliners take the stage, and discover up-and-coming artists who will set your musical compass spinning.  Fuel your festival spirit with delectable offerings from local vendors, and sip on refreshing drinks under the warm Virginia sun.Looking to extend your landlubber leave? Explore the vibrant Hampton Roads region! Cruise through the scenic Chesapeake Bay, delve into rich maritime history at the Hampton History Museum, or stroll along the charming waterfront lined with fresh seafood shacks. Feeling like a staycation? Pack a picnic basket, gather your fellow jazz lovers, and let the music whisk you away for a weekend where the Hampton Coliseum becomes your personal jazz club. Don’t miss your chance to set sail on a wave of musical magic and create unforgettable summer memories at the Hampton Jazz Festival!

10. Let the salty breeze carry the sweet sounds of jazz to your soul at the Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival this October! This four-day beachfront bash in coastal Delaware transforms into a haven for smooth grooves and good vibes. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of lower Sussex County, where multiple venues become your personal jazz clubs. Sway to the timeless tunes of legendary headliners, then tap your toes to the fresh beats of rising stars.  Fuel your inner beach bum with delectable eats from local vendors and sip on refreshing cocktails under the crisp autumn sky.Turn it into an unforgettable fall getaway! Explore the charming streets of Rehoboth Beach with its colorful shops and delicious restaurants. Take a stroll along the scenic boardwalk, feeling the sand between your toes and the ocean breeze in your hair.  Feeling like a staycation? Pack a cozy blanket, gather your favorite jazz aficionados, and let the music whisk you away for a weekend where Rehoboth Beach becomes your own personal jazz oasis. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this annual tradition and create unforgettable autumn memories at the Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival! 

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