If you’ve walked through Montclair in September, you know the sound. Horns, drums, and voices pouring out onto Bloomfield Avenue, crowds shoulder to shoulder, food vendors tucked between stages, the Montclair Jazz Festival Downtown Jamboree is back.
Now in its 16th year, the event has grown into something huge: the biggest free jazz festival in the NYC area. What started as a local block party now draws thousands of people, all packing into Montclair for a full day of music, food, and community. This year, the party lands on Saturday, September 13, with music running from noon until 10 p.m. and Bloomfield Avenue once again shutting down for the takeover.
2025 Montclair Jazz Festival Lineup
This year’s program opens with the Gotham Kings, led by two-time Grammy-winning trumpeter Alphonso Horne. Their New Orleans-inspired sound, complete with second-line flair, is the perfect kickoff for a full day of music.
Headliners include some of the most exciting names in contemporary jazz:
- Lakecia Benjamin and Phoenix blending jazz, R&B, and funk.
- Jazzmeia Horn, a vocalist with multiple awards and international acclaim.
- Christian McBride’s Ursa Major, a bold quintet led by the nine-time GRAMMY winner himself.
- The JAZZ HOUSE Collective, celebrating the legacy of New Jersey’s own James Moody.
The night wraps up with a lively block party, featuring DJ Brother Mister (Christian McBride’s alter ego) spinning grooves to keep the crowd moving until the very end.
For Christian McBride, Artistic Director and Curator of the festival, the Downtown Jamboree is about bridging generations: “One of the hallmarks of the Montclair Jazz Festival is to bring the very best of new and upcoming talent to the stage, coupled with an all-star cast of legendary artists we are excited to bring to town. We can’t wait to feature some of the hottest artists today on September 13th, including my own Ursa Major, Jazzmeia Horn, and Lakecia Benjamin. I’ll also see you at the Block Party for DJ Brother Mister, the final act at 8:00 pm. Get ready to get down!”
That balance of honoring legends while spotlighting fresh voices has become the signature of this event, and it’s why the festival continues to grow year after year.
Beyond the Main Stage
The festival isn’t confined to a single day. Melissa Walker, President and Founder of JAZZ HOUSE KiDS — the nonprofit behind the festival — highlights how the celebration extends throughout the summer with the Soundcheck Series at Wellmont Arts Plaza:
“This summer, our collaboration at Wellmont Arts Plaza embarks on an exhilarating journey of musical discovery, celebrating a diverse array of genres alongside our MONTCLAIR JAZZ FEST Soundcheck Series. Featuring powerhouse headliners like New Jazz Underground and Pedrito Martinez, the series highlights some of the most dynamic voices shaping today’s jazz scene. In a time of uncertainty for arts support, we remain steadfast in our mission — championing the next generation of young musicians. Throughout the festival season, our exceptionally talented JAZZ HOUSE students will take the stage, ensuring that the future of jazz remains vibrant and strong. And as always, we know our cherished, arts-loving community will be there to uplift and celebrate with us.”
A Can’t-Miss Day in Montclair
From the block-long stages to the artisan market and food vendors, the Montclair Jazz Festival Downtown Jamboree has evolved into more than just a music event — it’s become one of New Jersey’s signature cultural gatherings. Whether you’re there for the big-name acts, to discover a rising star, or simply to soak up the energy of Montclair in full celebration mode, September 13 promises a day you won’t soon forget.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.