38th Elkhart Jazz Festival

Since 1988, jazz legends and fans have gathered each summer in downtown Elkhart for an unforgettable weekend at the Elkhart Jazz Festival. Blending warm small-town hospitality with world-class talent, the festival has grown into an internationally recognized celebration of America’s classic art form. Each year, more than 100 performers take the stage while thousands of visitors fill the city for four days of live music, community spirit, and nonstop jazz.

Thursday, June 18
The festival kicks off at The Lerner Theatre with chart-topping, GRAMMY® Award-winning duo Larkin Poe, presented by the Elkhart County Convention and Visitors Bureau as part of the 38th annual Elkhart Jazz Festival.

Sisters Rebecca and Megan Lovell are known for their powerful blend of contemporary blues, roots rock, and Americana, paired with deeply personal storytelling and electrifying musicianship. Their latest album Bloom earned a 2026 GRAMMY® nomination for Best Americana Album and continues their evolution as one of the most compelling acts in modern roots music.

Friday, June 19
Friday night at The Lerner Theatre features the Jeff Hamilton Trio, led by one of the most respected drummers in jazz. Hamilton is joined by pianist Tadataka Unno and bassist Jon Hamar, bringing world-class musicianship and timeless swing to the festival stage.

In The Crystal Ballroom, the Mayor’s Reception, celebrating Juneteenth, will feature Tim Cunningham with special guest Ivan Moreland in an elegant evening of music and community.

Your Day Pass or Weekend Pass also includes performances throughout the evening, including the Metz, Sportiello, Keller Trio, along with outdoor stage performances by Powerhouse, VibeNation, and Whistle Pigs, with live music happening across multiple festival venues throughout downtown Elkhart.

Saturday, June 20
Saturday night’s headliner at The Lerner Theatre is St. Paul & The Broken Bones, the powerhouse soul ensemble from Birmingham, Alabama, known for their electrifying live performances and the commanding vocals of frontman Paul Janeway. Their newest album marks a creative renewal, blending soulful roots with bold modern energy.

With a Day Pass or Weekend Pass, festivalgoers can enjoy a full day of performances across stages, including the Dave Bennett Quartet, Connie Han Trio, Eric Rasmussen Quartet, and the Jessica Fichot Quartet.

Additional performances throughout the day include Moga Family Band, The Free Label, Idun Carling Quintet, Abbie Thomas & The Crazy Hearts, The Frownin’ Mawgs, and 3 Martini Jeannie, along with student groups, regional favorites, and surprise festival guests appearing throughout Downtown Elkhart.

Sunday, June 21
Sunday morning will feature the return of the popular Jazz Brunch in the Crystal Ballroom (sold separately), featuring live jazz in an elegant setting.

The festival concludes with a special headliner performance at The Lerner Theatre featuring GRAMMY®-winning guitarist and vocalist John Pizzarelli with Truth in Jazz, performing timeless standards along with selections from his latest tribute to Tony Bennett.

Join the “Top Brass”, all access for the weekend and recognition as EJF supporter.
For Top Brass contact: elkfestinc@gmail.com

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• Gatherings