The Detroit International Jazz Festival (DJF) is a major cultural
institution, providing year-round concerts and educational programming
that culminates in one of the world’s premier jazz festivals on
Labor Day Weekend.
Now in its 31st year, the festival takes place over several city
blocks in downtown Detroit – from Hart Plaza to Campus Martius
– with five stages and 100 acts over four days. It also offers
educational activities for adults and children, giant puppets,
fireworks, late-night jam sessions, rare opportunities to meet
the artists and much more. And it’s all FREE.
Our mission is to:
Foster the history and nurture the development of jazz
Perpetuate Detroit’s significant jazz legacy through educational
and collaborative opportunities accessible to all
Present a world-class signature event that makes Detroit a
tourist destination
DJF is managed and produced by the Detroit International
Jazz Festival Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
formed in 2006. Through the generosity of Detroit philanthropist
and Mack Avenue Records Chairman Gretchen C. Valade, the Foundation
also established a $10 million endowment to support festival operations.
The festival staff and advisory committee work throughout the year
to raise the balance of operating costs through corporate partnerships,
contributions, and earned-income opportunities.
