Montclair Jazz Festival Heats Up Summer With Free Concerts, Rock Tributes, And Jazz Jams

Montclair’s summer soundtrack isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

The Montclair Jazz Festival is back with another round of free, live music, and this week’s show shifts the spotlight to rock classics. On August 7, Glass Houses: The Billy Joel Concert Experience and All Fired Up: The Pat Benatar Experience will take over the Wellmont Arts Plaza for an evening of live music, food, and community. The event kicks off at 7 p.m. and is part of the festival’s popular Soundcheck Series.

The series, hosted outdoors at the Wellmont Arts Plaza, has been drawing music lovers from across the state all summer. Organized by JAZZ HOUSE KiDS, the Montclair Jazz Festival is known for mixing top-tier talent with a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere – and it’s all free to attend. 

The August 7 concert isn’t the only event on the calendar. Here’s a look at the festival’s line-up:

• August 16 – Emerging Artists! JAZZ HOUSE Summer Showcase:
  Over 150 young musicians from across the globe perform final ensemble concerts after completing the JAZZ HOUSE Summer Workshop. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and highlights the next generation of jazz talent.

• August 20 – Afro-Cuban Night featuring Pedrito Martinez:
  A lively night of Afro-Cuban jazz led by world-renowned percussionist Pedrito Martinez. This free outdoor concert runs from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Wellmont Arts Plaza.

• September 13 – Montclair Jazz Festival Jamboree:
  An all-day celebration from 12 to 8 p.m. with eight hours of live jazz, food vendors, and family activities across downtown Montclair. The lineup includes professional artists, JAZZ HOUSE faculty, and standout alumni.

• September 13 – Montclair Jazz Festival Block Party:
  From 8 to 10 p.m., the energy continues with DJ sets from Brother Mister, AKA Christian McBride, and a special guest at the Downtown Stage. Expect a lively outdoor dance party to wrap up the night.

To learn more or catch the latest updates, visit montclairjazzfestival.org or follow @jazzhousekids on Instagram.