Jersey City, NJ – Music lovers, mark your calendars! One of the Garden State’s most anticipated cultural events is back and swinging harder than ever. The Jersey City Jazz Festival makes its triumphant return this spring with two full days of FREE live music along the scenic Jersey City waterfront near Exchange Place PATH Plaza. The 2025 edition promises an unforgettable weekend of jazz, culture, food, and community—set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Manhattan skyline.
Whether you’re a lifelong jazz aficionado, a curious newcomer, or just looking for a perfect way to spend a spring day outdoors, this is an experience that brings the soul of New Jersey to life through rhythm and connection.
🎶 Festival Details
📍 Location: Exchange Place PATH Plaza, Jersey City, NJ
🗓️ Dates: Saturday, May 31 & Sunday, June 1, 2025
💵 Admission: FREE to the public – no tickets required
🚇 Accessibility: Steps from the Exchange Place PATH station – easily reachable from NYC and across Hudson County
Hosted by Riverview Jazz, a Jersey City-based nonprofit dedicated to promoting live jazz and supporting local musicians, this annual festival has become a centerpiece of New Jersey’s arts and music scene. Now in its 11th year, the event has grown from a grassroots neighborhood gathering into a large-scale, multi-day celebration of music and community.
🎺 What to Expect at the 2025 Jersey City Jazz Festival
🌊 A Waterfront Stage Like No Other
Imagine world-class musicians performing just steps from the Hudson River, with panoramic views of Lower Manhattan in the background. The main stage is set up near the Exchange Place PATH Plaza, offering an unmatched urban-meets-nature experience where the vibe is just as rich as the music.
🎵 A Diverse Lineup of Talent
The Jersey City Jazz Festival consistently delivers an eclectic mix of jazz, funk, Latin, soul, and fusion—from nationally touring artists to emerging local talents. While the full 2025 artist lineup is expected to be announced soon, past performers have included Christian McBride, Orrin Evans, Gretchen Parlato, and Keyon Harrold, alongside dozens of New Jersey-based musicians.
This year, attendees can expect:
- Multiple stages and performance areas
- Over 30 live acts
- Local student jazz ensembles
- Interactive performances and workshops
Whether you’re into traditional big band, avant-garde, or modern funk-infused jazz, there’s something for every taste and tempo.
🍴 Food Trucks, Craft Vendors & Local Flavor
No great festival is complete without great eats—and the Jersey City Jazz Festival doesn’t disappoint.
This year’s event will feature a curated lineup of food trucks, offering everything from gourmet burgers and tacos to vegan fare and globally inspired bites. A vendor village filled with local artisans, crafters, and community organizations will also be on-site, giving you a chance to shop, support, and explore.
Grab a cold drink, find a picnic spot by the river, and let the music carry you through the afternoon.
👪 A Community Celebration
The Jersey City Jazz Festival isn’t just about the music—it’s about bringing people together. This family-friendly event reflects the diversity and vibrancy of Jersey City itself. It’s a celebration of creativity, inclusivity, and neighborhood pride. All ages are welcome, and there will be plenty of open space to relax, dance, or simply soak in the sounds.
The event is also a showcase for local businesses, with many restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques in the surrounding area joining in the fun. So whether you’re grabbing a drink from a local brewery pop-up or browsing handmade goods from nearby artisans, the festival becomes a platform to support and uplift the community.
🎷 About Riverview Jazz
The heartbeat behind this annual celebration is Riverview Jazz, a nonprofit organization founded in 2013. Their mission is simple but powerful: to make jazz accessible to everyone in Jersey City and beyond. Through a year-round calendar of performances, educational outreach, and special events, Riverview Jazz continues to uplift the local music scene and build community through the universal language of music.
Their work has helped turn Jersey City into one of the East Coast’s most exciting new hubs for live jazz—one that honors tradition while embracing innovation.
🗺️ How to Get There
Public Transit:
The Exchange Place PATH Station is steps from the festival grounds. You can also take the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail or ferry service for easy access from Hoboken, Manhattan, or other points in NJ.
Driving & Parking:
Street parking is limited, but several nearby lots and garages are available. Public transportation is highly recommended.
✨ Why You Should Go
- It’s FREE: World-class music without the ticket price.
- Scenic Views: One of the most stunning festival backdrops in the tri-state area.
- Family-Friendly: A safe, welcoming event for all ages.
- Discover Local Talent: Support homegrown musicians and makers.
- Celebrate Jersey City: Experience the cultural richness that makes this city so special.
📣 Final Notes & Stay Updated
The full schedule of performers, vendors, and special events will be released soon. To stay in the loop, follow Riverview Jazz and the Jersey City Jazz Festival on social media or visit riverviewjazz.org.
🎤 Explore, Enjoy, and Let the Music Move You
The 2025 Jersey City Jazz Festival is more than a concert—it’s a statement. It’s proof that New Jersey is not just keeping jazz alive but pushing it forward. Whether you’re coming for the music, the food, the views, or the community spirit, this festival promises a weekend you won’t forget.
Bring your friends, bring your appetite, bring your curiosity—and experience the magic that happens when great music meets great people in one of New Jersey’s most exciting cities.
See you by the stage. 🎷