Summer is right around the corner, and for us Montclair residents, that means it's time for outdoor activities galore. One thing that locals look forward to each year is the annual Montclair Jazz Festival, which will be returning once again for 2025. This year's festival will kicked off on Sunday, June 1st, and continue through the summer leading up to the Downtown Jamboree in September. With a history that dates back to 2010, Jazz House Kids has been hosting these events each year. Read on for all of the details about the 2025 Montclair Jazz Festival in New Jersey.

The Details

Jazz House kids is back with its annual Montclair Jazz Festival, which features several jazz-themed events and live music performances taking place around Montclair. The events throughout the summer lead up to the main event in September — the Downtown Jamboree. This year's events are a part of the Wellmont Arts Plaza Outdoor Concert Series in collaboration with The Wellmont Theater and the New Jersey Hall of Fame.

Read More: A Guide to Live Music Spots in Montclair + Essex County

This year's event lineup is as follows:

• 6/1: Swingin' on the Plaza: Montclair Jazz Festival Kick-Off Concert
• 6/7: Montclair Jam Fest with Waterbury Road
• 6/12: Montclair Jazz Festival Soundcheck Series
• 6/25: DJ Logic + Friends Featuring Cyro Baptista, Billy Martin, Brian Marsella, + Jason Fraticelli
• 7/9: Grateful for Biggie: A Fusion of the Notorious B.I.G. + Grateful Dead
• 7/30: Montclair Jazz Festival Soundcheck Series
• 8/7: Glass Houses: The Billy Joel Concert Experience with All Fired Up: The Pat Benetar Experience
• 8/16: Jazz House Summer Workshop Showcase
• 8/20: Montclair Jazz Festival Soundcheck Series
• 9/13: Montclair Jazz Festival Downtown Jamboree + Block Party

The Downtown Jamboree is the main event of the festival, which will take place on Saturday, September 13th, 2025 from 12PM-8PM on Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. The family-friendly celebration of jazz will feature eight hours of live music, as well as a selection of food and merchandise. Headliners for the event that have been announced so far include saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin, vocalist Jazzmeia Horn, Ursa Major, and the festival’s music director and curator, Christian McBride. Last year's headliners included Kenny Garrett, Lisa Fischer + Grand Baton, Steve Turre Sextet, JAZZ HOUSE Legacy, and Christian McBride.

The event will be followed by a Block Party from 8PM-10PM, featuring DJ Brother Mister (aka Christian McBride). This post will be updated with more information as it is announced.