September 17-19, 2026
Hamilton Park, Chicago
Presented by Live the Spirit Residency, the Englewood Jazz Festival returns to Chicago’s historic Hamilton Park. This year’s festival celebrates the next generation of creative musicians while honoring the centennial legacies of Oscar Brown Jr., John Coltrane, and Miles Davis. All music performed will be original compositions by the featured artists.
Festival showcases performances by Julius Tucker, Live the Spirit Residency Expanded Ensemble, with Dee Alexander, Jeremiah Hunt, Kevin King, the Young Masters, Ernest Dawkins New Horizons Ensemble Redux, Maggie Brown, Bobby Broom, Dakarai Barclay, Marquis Hill and more
Founded in 1999 by acclaimed saxophonist and composer Ernest Dawkins, the Englewood Jazz Festival has become one of Chicago’s premier cultural events, serving as a vital platform for creative expression, artistic excellence, community engagement, and cultural unity. Through free performances, educational activities, and intergenerational collaborations, the festival continues to showcase the rich tradition of (Jazz), Great Black Music while inspiring new generations of artists and audiences across Chicago.
“The Englewood Jazz Festival has always been about bringing people together through original music, honoring the masters who came before us while creating space for the next generation to find its own voice. As we celebrate 27 years, we’re excited to welcome our community for a weekend that reflects the creativity, resilience, and collective spirit that make Chicago one of the great jazz cities in the world.” – Ernest Dawkins, Festival Founder
The weekend will feature performances by both jazz legends and next-generation artists. Events take place indoors on Sep 17 and 18 and outdoors on September 19 rain or shine, moving indoors in case of inclement weather. Some seating is provided, but attendees are advised to bring their own chairs, blankets, picnics, and an appetite for the kind of music that uplifts and transforms the human spirit! Further information and full schedule is available at www.englewoodjazzfestival.org
Additionally, as part of this event, to honor those whose work has helped shape and strengthen the foundation of jazz in Chicago, the annual Spirit of Jazz Awards will be presented to recipients to be announced.
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