Plan a Memorable Experience During 2026 Jazz Weekend
- 5 hours ago
- 5 min read
2026 Jazz Weekend is right around the corner - a 4-day celebration of St. Charles, community, and of course, terrific jazz music. This year, we are thrilled to share that we have over 50 performances across 29 amazing venues around town, including theatres, restaurants, coffee shops, and more. With so much to see and do throughout the weekend, we wanted to highlight a few ways you can plan a memorable time during this year's event.
Schedule of Performances
Photos Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography
With over 120 hours of jazz being played throughout St. Charles over a 4 day-span. There is no question that there is a lot to take in. We recommend making a game plan ahead of time on which performances you want to attend, and to use it an excuse to plan a day or night out for friends and family.
Jazz on Tap
Brand new this year! Jazz on Tap allows for a relaxing afternoon right on the 1st Street Plaza with live jazz, great drinks, and even better company. On Saturday, September 11th from 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM, attendees can visit one of the local surrounding businesses (Alter Brewing + Kitchen, Gia Mia, La Mesa Modern Mexican, La Za'Za' Trattoria, and McNally's Irish Pub & Kitchen), show your ID to receive a wristband, and purchase a drink (alcoholic or not - your choice) to enjoy outside! There will be some unbelievable performances from:
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM - STC North High School Jazz Workshop with Jimmy Farace
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM - STC East High School Jazz Workshop with Miles Smith
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM - Abram Collier Nonet
Interested in learning more about Jazz on Tap? Click the button below.
Photo 2 Courtesy of Brigette Burgman Photography
Then, that Sunday, you can come back to the 1st Street Plaza to enjoy another free live music performance from the Blueshift Big Band with Abram Collier to help celebrate the final day of Jazz Weekend.
Looking to start your day off on the right foot during Jazz Weekend? You'll need the pick-me-up if you want to see as many performances as possible, so be sure to swing by one of the cafe's and coffee shops hosting performances, including Coroco Coffee and first-time participant, Brown Butter Baked Goods. Plus, Maple Leaf Coffee House is your cafe headquarters for this year's Jazz Weekend, hosting three performances over the span of the event.
Not only are there some amazing cafe's hosting performances, but there are also some first-rate venues with performances this year, too. Including (all under one roof) the historic Arcada Theatre, Club Arcada Speakeasy, and Rock 'N Ravioli with a total of five performances. And then on Sunday, Hunt House Creative Arts Center - a music and arts school in downtown St. Charles - will be hosting the Jonny Gifford Trio starting at 2:00 PM ($10 cover - BYOB)!
Then, we even have some terrific St. Charles organizations hosting some performances during the weekend, starting with Ryan Carney at the St. Charles Arts Resource Center (ARC) on Thursday starting at 5:00 PM. Then, on Saturday, you can join the St. Charles Park District at Mt. St. Mary Park for their Sip & Stroll (tickets required), joined by New Vintage Srings. On Sunday, you can wrap up the weekend at the St. Charles Public Library to hear The Chris White Jazz Trio at 2:00 PM and at the St. Charles History Museum to hear the Jack Macklin Trio playing at 5:00 PM.
Where's Your Favorite Place to Listen to Live Music?
Community Space
Restaurant
Cafe
Theatre
Photo 1 Courtesy of Brigette Burgman Photography
Craft beer and jazz music go hand-and-hand, and these St. Charles Breweries are making sure you get plenty of both! Right along the Fox River, Alter Brewing + Kitchen is hosting six amazing performances for you to enjoy throughout the weekend. Just across the water, Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling has a couple more performances lined up, too. And that's not all - Riverlands Brewing is joining in with a performance on Saturday, while Brother Chimp Brewing has two more, including the WDCB kickoff night on Thursday.
And then, also during Jazz Weekend, there are some great activities to check out, too! At trend + relic, their annual Tent Sale will take place Saturday and Sunday, with Samuel Wyatt joining them each day. Baker Memorial United Methodist Church will also be hosting jazz workshop performances on both Saturday and Sunday. And if you're looking to practive your moves, head over to The Dance Lab for a Group Swing Class featuring live music from Ten Cat Swing on Friday.
Photo 2 Courtesy of Brigette Burgman Photography
Excellent beer and wine plus great music? It's the exact recipe for a great night out, and this Jazz Weekend is offering plenty of places for both. Starting with The Wine Exchange, who will have two performances that weekend, including the fan-favorite John Wesley Experience on Saturday. Then, The House Pub is back again this year with more late night performances from both the Joel Ream Trio and award-winning saxophonist, Frank Catalano. Then, for an unbeatable atmosphere, join the St. Charles Motorcycle Museum on Sunday to enjoy music from Inversion Jazz Trio while you admire all the amazing vintage bikes.
Photo 1 Courtesy of Brigtette Burgman Photography
Looking for a great spot to enjoy delicious food on an outdoor patio while taking in the lively sounds of jazz? The Filling Station Pub & Grill, Whiskey Bend, and McNally's Irish Pub & Kitchen each feature a live performance during the weekend, creating the perfect atomsphere to enjoy the weather outside. Settle in with a tasty meal, grab a drink, and listen to plenty of fantastic jazz while taking in the fresh air.
Photos Courtesy of Drew Pertl Fine Art Photography
Jazz is the perfect accompaniment to an elegant evening out, and this year, St. Charles has several fine-dining options pairing great cuisine with live music. Rox City Grill, located inside the historic Hotel Baker, will feature three performances from Thursday through Saturday. VATAN Progressive Indian Kitchen will offer excellent authentic Indian cuisine alongside perforances on Thursday and Sunday. On Friday, fire + wine will welcome Larry Brown Jr. Trio while The Graceful Ordinary hosts its annual Jazz High Tea (tickets required) on Saturday at 12:00 PM.
Check-In Challenge
Photos Courtesy of Brigette Burgman Photography
Win dinner and a show just for enjoying St. Charles Jazz Weekend? That's right! Take part in the Jazz Weekend Check-In Challenge for your chance to win dinner and a show on us. Getting started is simple: download the FREE Travel St. Charles App and find the Jazz Weekend Check-In Challenge in the Challenges Tab. Then, check into 3 performances during Jazz Weekend while you're there, and you'll be entered for your chance to win a gift card to the Arcada Theatre and a local St. Charles Restaurant - with a total value at $200! Three winners will be notified via email on September 16th.
Want to learn more about the Jazz Weekend Check-In Challenge? Click the button below.
Looking for more live music throughout St. Charles? Our Weekly Live Music webpage highlights tons of live music taking place in this city every week. Click above to learn more today.
