For nearly 7 decades, Northern Californians have flocked to Monterey to enjoy jazz music by the coast. The 66th annual Monterey Jazz Festival takes place on Sept. 22-24, 2023. This festival is the longest running jazz festival in the world, and one of the longest running festivals in Northern California.

Located at the Monterey County Fairgrounds on the California coast, this iconic festival has been going strong since 1958.
Monterey Jazz Festival Facebook Page
And this year's lineup promises to be nothing short of spectacular.
One of the highlights of the Monterey Jazz Festival is its stellar line-up of well-known jazz musicians and composers, as well as rising stars.
Monterey Jazz Festival Facebook Page
This year is no exception, with a lineup that includes jazz legend Herbie Hancock, Thundercat, Dianne Reeves, Jamie Cullum, Terence Blanchard, North Carolina Central University Jazz Comb, and many, many more.
What better place to host an outdoor festival than on the beautiful California coast?
Monterey Jazz Festival Facebook Page
Monterey rarely gets too hot or too cold, providing the perfect setting for an outdoor festival. While you enjoy the jazz performances, make sure to bring enough layers to stay comfortable throughout the day and into the evening.

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Tickets are still available for both single-day and multiple-day passes.
Monterey Jazz Festival Facebook Page
Get your tickets while they last and be part of this iconic event that has been bringing jazz enthusiasts together for decades.
Some things to note about this year’s festival: The festival will be cashless, so remember to bring your credit/debit cards or use device-based digital wallets for all your transactions.
Monterey Jazz Festival Facebook Page
If you prefer not to stand throughout the performances, you have the option to rent chairs on-site. To make things more convenient, consider pre-paying for rental chairs in advance. You'll also need to bring your things in a clear plastic bag. Small clutches and hip bags are acceptable if you prefer not to carry a clear bag.
Make the most of your time in Monterey by exploring all the city has to offer.
Monterey Jazz Festival Facebook Page
Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, then explore historic Cannery Row. Enjoy a local craft brew at Peter B’s Brewpub. And if you’re feeling adventurous, take a kayak tour of the bay. Book a VRBO for a few nights, either in Monterey or Pacific Grove, to give yourself enough time to enjoy the festival and Monterey.
If you have an RV and want to stay for three or four nights, there will also be RV parking.
Monterey Jazz Festival Facebook Page
A Full Weekend Package ticket is required for each RVer. Spaces have electricity, water, and sewer available.

The 66th annual Monterey Jazz Festival will be a lively weekend filled with incredible music, beautiful coastal weather, and so much fun. You don’t want to miss one of the longest running festivals in Northern California.

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Featured Addresses
Monterey County Fairgrounds, 2004 Fairground Rd, Monterey, CA 93940, USA