The DC Jazz Festival brings together the jazz genre’s most acclaimed artists alongside emerging talent for a weekend of incredible music, culture, and community along DC’s Potomac River waterfront. The 2026 festival takes place Labor Day weekend, September 5–6, at The Wharf  one of DC’s most vibrant neighborhoods  with shows also hosted at Arena Stage and Union Stage. The festival also features the annual DCJazzPrix Finals, a prestigious competition showcasing the next generation of jazz talent, with the 2026 finalists performing live on Saturday, September 5 at Union Stage. Access to shows at Arena Stage on Saturday and Sunday is only available with Preferred Seating, VIP, and Ultimate VIP tickets, with every seat first-come, first-served  early arrival is recommended for high-demand shows.