This Labor Day weekend, the world’s largest free jazz festival returns: the 2025 Detroit Jazz Festival. From August 29 to September 1, local communities and visitors from across the country gather to enjoy live performances, exhibitions, contests, and more activities for music lovers at Hart Plaza.
This year’s 46th edition offers four full days of electrifying performances by legendary artists and emerging local talent. Jazz music continues to be part of Detroit’s identity thanks to the strong commitment of the community, which invites everyone to enjoy jazz in its most joyful form.
Fort Pontchartrain, a Wyndham hotel, is a luxurious hotel located at 2 Washington Blvd, in the heart of downtown and across from Hart Plaza, the main stage of the 2025 Detroit Jazz Festival. In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about this incredible musical event.
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History of the Detroit Jazz Festival
The Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation celebrates jazz music as an important part of Detroit’s history. Founded in 1980 by Robert McCabe and Detroit Renaissance, the festival has become one of the most popular annual events in the Motor City thanks to the baking of major figures in music such as philanthropist Gretchen C. Valade.
In recent years, the Detroit Jazz Festival included more than 60 activities despite the famous music performance by jazz legends. The actual line up & schedule highlights in four days incorporates educational programming, jam sessions, and immersive experiences for all ages.
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Why Jazz Festival is so important to Detroit Culture?
Detroit’s Jazz Festival is an emblematic event that praises the cultural diversity and creative spirit of Motor City. Jazz music is essential to Detroit’s communities, past to its present, that provides a powerful platform for expression, resilience and innovation. The rich jazz heritage of our city spans legends like Regina Carter, Chick Corea, Wayne Shorter, Wynton Marsalis, to name just a few.
The Jazz Festival’s deep involvement with education supports a multigenerational legacy for young music enthusiasts through collegiate showcases, young competitions and JazzWeek workshops.
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Lineup & Highlights of the 2025 Festival
This year’s program is remarkable in its breadth and ambition featuring world-renowned jazz figures, local rising stars and late-night jam. The festival has multiple activities all over Detroit from Hart Plaza to Cadillac Square and Wayne State University.
Friday, Aug 29 Highlights
- 6:00 pm - Dr. Valade’s Brass Band Featuring Shannon Powell at Hart Plaza.
- 7:00 pm - Keyon Harrold “Foreverland” at Hart Plaza.
- 9:00 pm - 2025 Artist-In-Residence Jason Moran and Jeff Mills with special guest Jessica Care Moore at Hart Plaza.
Saturday, Aug 30 Highlight
- 2:45 pm - Zen Zadravec at Cadillac Square.
- 4:00 pm - Gayelynn Sequoia Laura (GSL) at Hart Plaza.
- 9:15 pm - Endea Owens & The Cookout at Hart Plaza.
- 10:30 pm - James Carter Organ Trio (Midtown After Hours Special) at Gretchen C. Valade Center at Wayne State University.
Sunday, Aug 31 Highlights
- 2:45 pm - Randy Napoleon and Waking Dream at Cadillac Square.
- 3:20 pm - Michigan State University Jazz Orchestra. Bebop Spartans under the direction of Professor Rodney Whitaker at Hart Plaza.
- 4:15 pm - Detroit Jazz Queens Paying Homage to Those Upon Whose Shoulders We Stand “Ella, Nancy, Dinah, Etta” at Hart Plaza.
- 9:45 pm - Walter Smith III Quartet.
Monday, September 1 Highlights
- 1:00 pm - Tiffany Gridiron & Friends at Hart Plaza.
- 3:00 pm - Louis Jones III & The Flood at Hart Plaza.
- 4:15 pm - James Francies Trio at Cadillac Square.
- 5:00 pm - Marion Hayden and Legacy with special guest Kamau Kenyatta at Hart Plaza.
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Fort Pontchartrain Hotel, in front of the Hart Plaza
As we say before, Fort Pontchartrain, a Wyndham Hotel is located at 2 Washington Blvd, in the heart of Detroit’s Financial District. Our Hotel is the perfect combination of historic architecture and leisure amenities. Recently we renovated our rooms, restaurants, indoor pool and fitness center, setting a brand new standard for upscale stays in Motor City.
Fort Pontchartrain is located just across Hart Plaza. If you decide to stay with us, we guarantee that you will be able to enjoy this international event from your window and just a few steps away. We are the best option to make your stay even more memorable, thanks to our luxurious rooms and excellent services.
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FAQ
When and where is the 2025 Detroit Jazz Festival? It runs on Labor Day Weekend from 29 August to September 1 2025, across Downtown and Midtown Detroit including Hart Plaza, Cadillac Square and the Gretchen C. Valade Jazz.
Is the festival free? Yes, the Detroit Jazz Festival is completely free!
How do I get there from the Fort Pontchartrain Hotel? Our hotel is across the street from Hart Plaza, the main stages of the Festival and five minutes from Cadillac Square.
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Don’t miss the Detroit Jazz Festival this year! Book your stay at Fort Pontchartrain Hotel today and be part of the rhythm!
