Jackson Street Jazz Festival Returns to Seattle’s Central District
The historic heartbeat of Seattle’s jazz scene is officially back this autumn as the 13th Annual Jackson Street Jazz Festival returns to the Central District.
Formerly known as the Jackson Street Jazz Walk, this year’s festival brings multi-genre music performances, rich cultural heritage, and vital community giving to S. Jackson Street from the 18th through 30th blocks on Saturday, September 12, 2026, starting at 4:30 PM.
Led by award-winning singer, songwriter, and cultural leader Eugenie Jones in her ninth year as Executive Producer, the festival centers on the theme of "Music, Community, and Legacy.”
Festival Highlights & Cultural Experiences
In collaboration with Pratt Fine Arts Center’s Open House, the Jackson Street corridor will transform into an expansive celebration showcasing 20 stellar acts across 12 stages alongside interactive community experiences:
Multi-Genre Music Stages: Live dynamic performances spanning Jazz, Afro-Latin, Funk, Blues, World Jazz, and Soul, including panoramic rooftop performances.
Live Art & Creative Demos: Thrilling glass-blowing exhibitions, live art demos, and hands-on children’s art activities hosted at Pratt Plaza.
Community Dining & Social Spaces: A diverse local food court alongside an outdoor 21+ beer garden.
Cultural History: Interactive historic displays celebrating the unique African American musical legacy of Seattle's Central District.
The 2026 Artist Lineup
The festival features a powerhouse lineup of Pacific Northwest musical talent:
Alex Dugdale FADE-Tet, Eugenie Jones, The D'Vonne Lewis Quartet, Jose Juicy Gonzales Trio, and the Joe Brazil Legacy Tribute Band.
David Holden’s Some Grownfoux, Francesco Crosara Quartet, Frank Kohl, Heather Ward Quartet, and John Pinetree and the Yellin’ Degenerates.
Manazma Sheen, Red Rose Girls, Sarah Shea and Chez Jazz, Serica, and Sheila Kay and Friends.
The Ari Joshua Quartet, The D'Aaron Trio, The E. Pruitt Band, The New Triumph, and Jazz Therapy.
Special Sunday Satellite Event: Celebrating the Overton Berry Legacy
On Sunday, September 13, 2026, at 4:00 PM, the festival will partner with Fountainhead Gallery (625 West McGraw Street) to host "Jackson Street Roots: Celebrating the Overton Berry Legacy".
This special tribute honors the profound seven-decade musical legacy built by legendary Seattle jazz pianist Overton Berry. The event features back-to-back repertoire sets by Seattle master pianist Randy Halberstadt and 17-year-old emerging artist Xavier Colón.
Both pianists will be anchored by Berry's classic studio rhythm section—featuring Jeff Davies on bass and Rick Spano on drums—alongside guest vocalist Eugenie Jones. Additionally, Sean Berry, son of Overton Berry, has donated a collection of his father’s CDs, with all sales proceeds directly supporting the festival’s community give-back donation.Music for a Cause: Supporting Wa Na Wari
Operating as a "Music for a Cause" event, the Jackson Street Jazz Festival utilizes festival proceeds and attendee donations to directly support neighborhood nonprofits. The 2026 give-back recipient is Wa Na Wari, a five-generation Black-owned home in the Central District that serves as an immersive center for Black art, historic preservation, and community connection.Event Details, Tickets, and Volunteering
Festival Date & Location: Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, starting at 4:30 PM along S. Jackson St. (18th through 30th blocks).
Festival Tickets: Early bird tickets are $30 on or before August 15, $35 after August 15, and $40 at the door. Tickets, schedules, and maps are available on the Jackson Street Jazz Festival Ticket Page.
Satellite Event Tickets: Tribute tickets are available on the Eventbrite Page.
Volunteer Opportunities: Day-of volunteers receive free performance access and a commemorative t-shirt. Sign-ups must be submitted via the Volunteer Sign-Up Form before 11:59 PM on August 14th.
Website: Visit the Jackson Street Jazz Festival Website for details.
Looking to book a space for your upcoming event? Check out Colman Commons for all your event space needs at colmancommons.com
