DC Jazz Festival

The DC Jazz Festival® (DCJF) organization provides enriching and entertaining jazz performances and programs that introduce students and adults from all walks of life to jazz, our nation’s singular original art form. DCJF presents a selection of the jazz genre’s most acclaimed artists as well as emerging artists, and provides enhanced exposure for the rich treasure trove of musicians from the Washington, DC area.

Throughout the year, DCJF nourishes the community with music education programs that extend our reach into underserved communities and enhance the quality of life for DC public and charter school students. Our signature programs are the annual DC JazzFest, presented since 2005; the free-round, year-round, DCJF Education Program, which gets kids “jazzed” about learning; the Charles Fishman Embassy Series, which showcases emerging and established artists; and DCJazzPrix, our international jazz band competition. DCJazzFest has grown in size and stature each year. The virtual 2020 DC JazzFest attracted a record-breaking 200,000+ attendees of all ages, ethnicities and income levels.