Summer is officially less than a month away, 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 kick 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
- 7/16: Big Something
- 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. The full lineup of artists for the Downtown Jamboree has not been announced yet as of this writing, but the website states that locals can expect to see internationally acclaimed musicians, Jazz House Kids teaching artists, and Jazz House Kids alumni. Last year’s headliners included Kenny Garrett, Lisa Fischer + Grand Baton, Steve Turre Sextet, JAZZ HOUSE Legacy, and the festival’s music director and curator, 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.
About Jazz House Kids
Jazz House Kids is the only community arts organization in New Jersey exclusively dedicated to educating children through jazz. Located at 347 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair, the nonprofit aims to ensure that every student has access to music, education, mentoring, and apprenticeship. Jazz House Kids is the founder of the annual Montclair Jazz Festival, and participates in over 80 performances each year.
See More: A Comprehensive Guide to Hoboken + Jersey City Live Music Spots
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The YMCA of Montclair’s Annual Montclair Run Returns for Its 42nd Year
This article is sponsored by the YMCA of Montclair.
The countdown begins as the YMCA of Montclair prepares to host its 42nd annual Montclair Run race on Saturday, June 1st. This beloved community event features a 10K Grand Prix Run and a 2-Mile Fun Run/Walk for a day filled with joy and connection. Most importantly, all proceeds from the day will directly support the Y’s Community Health Program Fund. Keep reading to learn more about the YMCA of Montclair’s Montclair Run race and how to register while spots last.
About The YMCA of Montclair
The YMCA of Montclair has been a cornerstone of the community since 1891. With a commitment to promoting healthy living, the Y has created a safe space where locals of all ages are welcome to play, learn, and thrive at any stage of life. At the heart of it all, the Y empowers individuals to reach their full potential through its various support programs, whether it's providing childcare and young adult job training or giving seniors a place to connect.
To promote these efforts, the YMCA of Montclair established its annual Montclair Run back in 1983 to raise proceeds for the Y’s Community Health Program Fund. The tradition lives on 42 years later, continuing to help neighbors live their best lives. For the Y, it’s truly all about giving back.
About The Run
On Saturday, June 1st, 2025, the 42nd Annual Montclair Run will kick off through the streets of Montclair, starting and ending at the Montclair Y headquarters (25 Park Street). Interested participants can register online by May 31st for entry to a 10K Grand Prix Run or a 2-mile Walk/Fun Run.
The 10K is part of a USATF-certified course that spans 6.287 miles and begins at 8 AM. Runners over the age of 16 can register for a $45 fee, while those under 16 can register for a $25 fee. The 2-mile Walk/Fun Run is family-friendly and begins at 10AM. 2-mile participants can register for a $30 fee, and children under 16 can register for $20. 100% of the proceeds will go to the Montclair Y’s Community Health Program Fund. Runners and walkers can take a sneak peek at the route via a map here or take a video tour of what to expect here.
Awards will be given to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers overall for each race, given their age and gender categories. All runners and walkers will also receive race swag, including a race t-shirt and a finisher medal, while supplies last. The run is open to all: runners, walkers, and spectators are all encouraged to join in on the fun. Volunteers are always welcome and can register here.
The YMCA of Montclair is located at 25 Park Street in Montclair, New Jersey. For more information about the race, click here or contact the Y directly at 973-744-3400.
