Charles River Jazz Festival [08/08/26]

The Charles River Jazz Festival (CRJF) presented by the Boston Jazz Foundation is back for its 6th Annual entertainment extravaganza for its Hatch Shell debut.

This family-friendly, FREE event features local art and food vendors, Boston-based and world-renowned music acts, and more.

2026 lineup: https://www.bostonjazzfoundation.org/2026-lineup

General Admission is FREE and first come, first served. We recommend getting there early to secure a good spot. For those who are able, we kindly suggest a $20 donation to support the sound! The Charles River Jazz Festival is a grassroots, volunteer-run community event. Your support helps us keep the festival free for everyone, ensures musicians are paid fairly, and helps cover production costs. We appreciate your help in making this celebration of music possible.

Time

Park Opens: 11:30 AM

Music Starts: 12:00 PM

Getting Here

The 2026 Charles River Jazz Festival is moving to the iconic Hatch Memorial Shell on the Esplanade in Boston — one of the city's most beloved outdoor venues. For your convenience we highly recommend alternative forms of travel such as MBTA, ride share, biking, or walking. However you decide to travel we've got you covered with everything you need to arrive stress-free and ready to swing.

What Is Allowed

Kindness!
Sunscreen
Soft-sided coolers
Bags 20”x20”x10” or under
Blankets 6’x8’ or smaller
Strollers that are reasonably sized and do not obstruct the view of others’
Chairs under 34” high
Chairs 30-34” high should be set up farthest from the stage. No recliners or footrests are allowed. If your chair has a shade cover, it must be left in the down position.
Small baby beach cabanas are permitted as space allows
Canes and similar mobility assistance devices like trekking sticks are permitted as long as there are no metal points protruding from bottom, or concealed.
Personal umbrellas in the event of rain. Umbrellas must be closed during performances.
Point-and-shoot cameras are permitted, but cannot be used to reproduce the event and must not interfere with other fans’ enjoyment of the event. Be present!
NO AUDIO CAPTURING ALLOWED & NO PROFESSIONAL DETACHABLE LENSES
Pets are allowed. All pets must be on leashes at all times. All owners are required to pick-up their pet’s waste with their own supplies.

What Is Prohibited

Discrimination or harassment of any kind
Bags larger than 20” x 20” x 10”
Glass containers
Hard coolers
Beach umbrellas or beach balls
Un-sealed beverages
Outside alcoholic beverages
Illegal substances
Firearms
Tools including knives, box cutters and Leathermen
Pepper spray, mace, or any item that could be used as a weapon
Flag poles
Professional audio, photography and video equipment (no detachable lenses)
Laser pointers
Chairs over 34″ high, recliners and chairs with foot rests
Chairs are prohibited in “no chair zones”
Chairs with roofs and shade covers outside of designated shade areas
Plastic bags
Plastic straws
Pop-up tents
Selfie sticks
Canes and Trekking Sticks with metal points protruding from bottom (or concealed)
Drones: use of drones/UAS in the vicinity of any public open air event violates Massachusetts Aeronautics Commission and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), constituting a misdemeanor. Please leave them at home for the safety of all our event-goers.

Safety Information

EMERGENCY INFORMATION

In the event of an emergency please follow the directions of the event staff and listen for stage announcements.

RAIN OR SHINE

The Charles River Jazz Festival happens rain or shine! Be prepared with sunscreen , sunglasses, one sealed water bottle, and rain gear.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

In the event of severe weather in the area, we will make the proper announcements from the stage including the severity of the storm, evacuation and/or event suspension procedures. Announcements will also be posted to all social media channels.

IF YOU SEE SOMETHING SAY SOMETHING

If you experience odd behavior or see something you know shouldn’t be somewhere, say something. Report suspicious behavior to any security, staff, or medical team member.

MEDICAL

There will be a First Aid station staffed by Basic Life Support certified staff, and located at the top of the oval field. Remember to stay hydrated and look for festival staff in the event of an emergency.

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