Join us for the first annual Charlottesville Jazz Festival!
The Charlottesville Jazz Society is launching a new tradition for our region’s dynamic and vibrant music scene — one designed to grow and flourish for many years to come.
Learn more! Click on these topics for details…
The new Charlottesville Jazz Festival delivers exceptional performances and events that:
- enhance local jazz education.
- create a vibrant space where music strengthens community connections.
- employ dozens of local and regional jazz artists.
- offer rare community opportunities to experience world-class jazz from local, regional, and international artists.
- boost downtown Charlottesville businesses and tourism.
- attract local urban and rural audiences as well as jazz enthusiasts throughout the mid-Atlantic region to downtown Charlottesville.
- raise funds for select community organizations.
Projected Total Attendance: 3,000+ across all events
(as of November 2025)
- Four days of outstanding performances from June 4-7,2026 – Festival offers a world of opportunity to experience the exceptional talent driving today’s local and global jazz scene.
- An unforgettable inaugural Festival centerpiece – Audiences from Charlottesville and throughout the mid-Atlantic region enjoy an evening of regional, national, and global headliners June 6 at the 1,040-seat Paramount Theater. Young Lions of our area are featured that day at a matinee performance.
- Free performances offered in the Downtown Mall area, throughout CJF2026. Ting Pavilion plans “Fridays After Five” free big band concert June 5. Two-day Club Circuit showcases up to 10 groups of local and regional musicians organized by leading area jazz artists, June 4 and 5.
- Festival enhances youth jazz education with Spring 2026 activities in area schools – from selection and development of Festival’s multi-high school Young Lions orchestra to elementary and middle school education programs, including improvisation and collaboration across multiple grades.
- At the heart of the Festival – CJF2026 offers opportunities for local businesses and communities to collaborate on activities that boost the value of the Festival for all. Family-friendly features, such as interactive instrument discovery stations, are part of the fun. Gallery, film, and literary events planned, along with special events with extraordinary area artists, and a celebratory closing jam session.
| Day | Performances |
|---|---|
Thursday | June 4, 2026 Downtown Free performances in the Downtown Mall area, plus a “Club Circuit” held in small local clubs and restaurants |
Friday | June 5, 2026 Ting Pavilion Fridays After Five features a free big band concert, plus free Mall area performances and “Club Circuit” acts continue |
Saturday | June 6, 2026 Paramount Theater Matinee performances features local high school and university student ensembles. Evening concert features internationally and regionally acclaimed headline performers. |
Sunday | June 7, 2026 Millers Downtown Festival Closing Jam session |
- bring people together through the spirit of jazz — celebrating its culture and qualities of innovation, improvisation, and collaboration.
- foster those qualities for the benefits they offer both the art form and the community.
- support the lifelong value of the skills jazz offers everyone, from performers to students, to listeners who appreciate its unique gifts.
Philanthropic and sponsorship levels range from Founding/Sustaining Underwriter, to tiers of Festival naming rights, to sponsorship of specific events, and in-kind contributions.
| Education | |
| Youth Education/Name Sponsor | $5,000 |
| Youth Education “Gold” Sponsors | $2,500 |
| Youth Education “Silver” Sponsors | $500 |
| Youth Education “Bronze” Sponsors | $250 |
| Mainstage Performance/Evening | |
| Paramount Mainstage Performance/Name Sponsor | $10,000 |
| Paramount VIP Reception with Headliner Event Sponsor | $1,500 |
| Special Performances Near Downtown Mall | |
| Special Performance Name Sponsor | $2,500 |
| Single Special Performance Name Sponsor | $500 |
| Festival Artist & Volunteer Support | |
| Artist Hospitality Sponsor/Full Festival | $1,000 |
| Volunteer Program Sponsor/Full Festival | $1,000 |
| Marketing, Media & In-Kind Partners | |
| Digital Media Sponsor | $1,500 |
| Print Sponsor | In Kind |
| Event Onsite Information Signage Sponsor | In Kind |
We will be delighted to work with you on these opportunities – or to create a package of customized benefits that best serve your needs. Please contact Gary Funston, Charlottesville Jazz Society and WTJU: M: 434-249-6191; jazzfest@cvillejazz.org.
Love jazz? Be part of the magic! Festival volunteers welcome!
Please visit our volunteer sign-up sheet.
Love Jazz? Help fuel the fire with a donation!