Toronto Jazz Fest

Date(s): June 21 to 30, 2024
Location: Downtown Toronto

Music fans, assemble—the TD Toronto Jazz Festival is your chance to see some world-class musicians strutting their stuff, from Lake Street Drive to Hiatus Haiyoteto to Colin Stetson, in the summer season.

Jazz giants, including Miles Davis, Roberta Flack and Tony Bennett, have played in years past. The Toronto Jazz Festival continues cultivating emerging talent with its Immersive Artist in Residence Program, allowing selected participants to develop new skills and work, often to debut at the festival.

Whether you’re looking forward to hearing beloved jazz standards improvised in new ways or the latest sounds coming out of the genre’s newest generation, Toronto Jazz Fest is a week not to be missed.

When & where

A beloved summer event, the Jazz Fest Toronto takes place from June 21 until June 30. The 10-day festival draws in jazz lovers and some of the world's biggest jazz celebrities. It has three set stages–TD Village, The Avenue, and OLG Grove–all in and around the downtown core, and offers ticketed shows at live venues, including The Concert Hall, History, The Axis Club and more.

Ticketing & experiences

Tickets sell out fast; be sure to go to the Toronto Jazz website via Ticketed Shows to purchase your tickets through Ticketmaster. Want to experience the event without buying a ticket? There will be lots of free outdoor programming in the Bloor-Yorkville area.

This all-ages event is free to attend, but capacity limits are enforced. Feel free to bring lawn chairs or blankets as seating is limited to first-come, first-served.When you get hungry, food trucks will be on-site, including Poutine Supreme, Heavenly Dreams Ice Cream, and Ali’s Wraps. Adults of drinking age will be able to enjoy a drink at the Bombay Sapphire Stir Your Senses Bar or Steam Whistle Beer Garden with free samples or full-size available for purchase.

Where to stay

If you're planning on staying a few days, be sure to book your hotel in advance. The W Hotel is the official festival partner, but it's just one of the many options in the Bloor-Yorkville area, including The Hazleton, The Anndore House, Four Seasons, Park Hyatt and Windsor Arms Hotel.

Getting there & parking

While you can drive, keep in mind that there will be street closures around the festival. You may choose, however, to park at one of the Green P parking lots, such as 74 Yorkville Ave., 20 Charles St. East or 13 Isabella St.Taking the TTC to Museum Station or Bay Station are two great options for those who prefer to avoid driving, and both are a short walk to the festival. The Toronto Jazz Festival is a wheelchair-accessible event; arrive early so a volunteer can help you.

What else

While there are a few shady spots, this is a summer event, so bring sunscreen and protective clothing. Shaded spots include the SiriusXM Oasis at the OLG Grove or in one of the TD Zones, which also double as a place to charge your phone or hop on the free Wi-Fi. In between performances, take advantage of DJs' spinning sets at the OLG Grove or lawn games like Corn Hole, Connect 4 and Ladder Toss.

If you’re a music lover, this is truly an event not to be missed. In case you can’t make this year’s Jazz Festival, there are many annual events where Toronto plays host.