The Chicago Jazz Festival is a true meeting of the fans. It began when three separate concerts – the John Coltrane and Duke Ellington Memorial Concerts and the one put on by the Jazz Institute of Chicago – decided to combine their efforts. The result is this amazing event, held in beautiful Grant Park, and drawing more 100,000 fans.
The Festival is held at the Petrillo Music Shell. Jazz fans come to listen to amazing live performances while dancing and sharing picnics on the grass. It’s an amazing event, coordinated by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. It takes place every year on the week before Labor Day and has become the most extensive free jazz festival in the world. If your group plans to attend the fun, consider adding other Chicago highlights to your itinerary for a trip that’s truly once-in-a-lifetime, filled with the sights and sounds of Chicago and a celebration of jazz.
