There’s something about jazz that hits different in the mountains. The air is lighter, the notes travel farther, and the energy? It stays with you long after the last encore.
This July 19 and 20, 2025, the Winter Park Jazz Festival returns for its 42nd year, bringing two full days of powerhouse performances, dancing crowds, and summer celebration to the heart of downtown Winter Park.
This isn’t just a concert. This is one of the most iconic weekends of the Colorado summer—and the kind of event that makes a weekend trip feel like a full-blown escape.
An All-Star Lineup, Two Days Strong
At the Rendezvous Event Center, the crowd gathers early. Lawn chairs open. Coolers settle. Then, the music starts—and everything changes.
Saturday, July 19 sets the tone with one of the most stacked lineups the festival has seen in years:
- Boyz II Men — The kings of harmony, still unstoppable after decades of hits.
- Sheila E — Pure rhythm and pure presence.
- Gerald Albright — Smooth sax and soulful performance.
- Ryan La Valette ft. Selina Albright — A perfect balance of fresh jazz and emotional depth.
- B Thompson — A rising name with undeniable talent.
Then comes Sunday, July 20, keeping the groove alive with:
- Musiq Soulchild — The voice of a generation. Smooth, powerful, unforgettable.
- Kirk Whalum & Mindi Abair — Two sax legends, one unforgettable set.
- The Dazz Band — Vintage funk with a shot of high-energy showmanship.
- Four80East — Cool, refined, and always on time.
- Hazel Miller & The Collective — A Colorado staple that delivers every single time.
Each day, music starts at 11:00 AM, but the vibe kicks in earlier. Gates open at 9:00 AM for early entry, 9:30 AM for ADA access, and 10:00 AM for general admission. Every detail is organized, but the mood? Completely free.
This Is How You Summer
With live music all day, the rest of the experience takes shape around it. You’re in the mountains, surrounded by hundreds of fans who came for the same reason—to let go, to vibe, and to enjoy something real.
This festival is rain or shine, and no one seems to mind either way. Some years bring sun and cold drinks under umbrellas. Others bring light rain and crowds still swaying to sax solos under ponchos. Either way, the sound cuts through it all, and the energy never dips.
Between sets, guests mingle, dance, and explore the downtown area. Local vendors, food trucks, and small businesses keep the atmosphere lively. You might stop for a bite, discover a new artist, or run into old friends.
No matter who you came with—or if you came solo—you’ll find your people here.
Stay Nearby. Stay Right.
A weekend like this deserves more than a drive back down the mountain. When the last song ends and the sun begins to set, there’s something comforting about heading to a space that’s yours.
That’s why so many festival-goers stay at The Jabberwocky.
Just minutes from the venue, The Jabberwocky is a quiet, beautifully kept mountain home where you can unwind, recharge, and keep the weekend energy going your way. You’ll avoid traffic, skip crowded hotel check-ins, and enjoy a real home—with a full kitchen, private bedrooms, and a peaceful deck to decompress after a long, perfect day.
Bring wine. Bring leftovers. Bring nothing. Either way, it’s yours for the weekend.
Book Now, Before the Music Starts
The Winter Park Jazz Festival is a major event. Accommodations near the venue go quickly. Don’t risk staying too far or booking too late.
If you’re attending the festival, stay where the experience continues.
👉 Check availability and book The Jabberwocky today
Unplug. Press play. Let the weekend do the rest.
