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News Release

June 6, 2025

Media Contacts:

Amanda Antinore

(585) 729-7533

Jean Dalmath

(585) 755-6911

22nd Edition | June 20–28, 2025 

rochesterjazz.com

The Guide to RIJF 2025

ROCHESTER, N.Y., May 22, 2025 — The countdown is on. The 22nd Edition Rochester International Jazz Festival—in partnership with Rochester Regional Health—starts in downtown Rochester in just 14 days, on Friday, June 20th. The air will soon be filled with unforgettable sounds, energy, and experiences.

To help attendees get the most out of their festival experience, we’ve put together our annual Guide to RIJF 2025, a go-to guide from A to (almost) Z with everything you need to know to make the most of the festival experience.

All of this information can also be found by visiting RochesterJazz.com and on the RIJF official app.

The world-class festival takes place from June 20 to 28, at 18 unique venues—from iconic concert halls to vibrant outdoor stages, showcasing an extraordinary lineup of talent and transforming the city into a vibrant hub of jazz, culture, and community. 

As one of the largest jazz festivals in the world, the nine-day event features more than 285 concerts, including over 110 free shows and events. More than 1,750 leading jazz artists from around the globe will play. The annual festival draws more than 200,000 music fans.

Accessibility

All venues are handicapped accessible.

• Eastman Theatre: The handicapped entrance is located at 26 Gibbs Street to the left of the Eastman School of Music letters on the building. Capacity is 2100.
• Eastman School of Music, Ray Wright Room 120: Enter via the door on Gibbs Street. Capacity is 30.
• Hatch Hall: Accessible to wheelchairs from the main entrance at 433 East Main Street and directly via a ramp into the hall. Capacity is 222.
• Inn on Broadway: Enter through the door off the parking lot. A lift is available inside the door to take you to the elevator to the second floor, where shows are held. Capacity is 400.
• Kilbourn Hall: The handicapped entrance is located at 26 Gibbs Street to the left of the Eastman School of Music letters on the building. Capacity is 444.
• Max of Eastman Place: Wheelchair accessible via the main entrance at 25 Gibbs St. Capacity is 230.
• Merchandise Tent: Wheelchair accessible from the ramp on Gibbs St.
• Montage Music Hall: Doors open 30 minutes prior to shows for easy wheelchair access. Capacity is 250.
• Rochester Regional Health Big Tent: Wheelchair access is via the main entrance to the tent. Capacity is 1000.
• The Duke: Located on the Sibley Building’s first floor via the Mercantile entrance. Wheelchair accessible. Capacity is 275.
• The Little Theatre: Enter via the main entrance on East Ave. The theatre, box office, concessions, and bathrooms are all at street level, without any stairs. See more info on The Little’s website. Capacity is 450.
• Theater at Innovation Square: The main entrance to The Theater is located on street level. The sidewalk adjacent to the Theater on Broad Street is ramped for easy access. Elevators inside the main floor entrance will take patrons to the 2nd floor, where the main Theater lobby and auditorium are located. See more info on the Theater’s website. Capacity is 700.

Drop-off at the Eastman Theatre

• Individuals in wheelchairs or with mobility issues may be dropped off on Main Street between Swan Street and Gibbs Street in front of Hatch Hall/ Eastman Theatre. Please take note of street closings (see below). When a portion of Main Street is closed to traffic, please see an officer who will direct you to the appropriate location to stop.
• Individuals may also be dropped off on East Avenue before the streets are closed to traffic. Again, please see street closings below, as access changes based on when streets are closed.

Accessible portable bathrooms for those attending outdoor shows are:

• Outside the Rochester Regional Health Big Tent on East Main, for people attending shows in the tent.
• At the end of the Kilbourn Hall alley, on Swan St, bathroom area
• Near Wegmans Stage on Parcel 5, nights of shows only
• Near the East & Alexander St Stage

Individuals needing assistance: since needs vary by individual, we suggest that anyone needing assistance please get in touch with us at the Festival office in advance at (585) 454-2060 at least two weeks before the jazz festival or a specific concert so we can best meet their particular needs. Anyone with mobility issues needing assistance should see a volunteer at any venue entrance.

Airport

The distance from the airport to the festival is about 15 minutes.

Animals

Dogs/animals other than guide and service dogs are not permitted.

App

Download the FREE RIJF App and put the 22nd Edition Festival in your pocket. It’s your digital guide to the full nine-day lineup of 285+ shows, jam sessions, and workshops at 18 venues. For iPhones and Android smartphones. Sponsored by Harris Beach Murtha. Get the App

ATMs

ATMs are located in several locations around the festival. See the map.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms are located inside Kodak Hall and Eastman Theatre for headliner shows, in every Club Pass Venue, and outside the Rochester Regional Health Big Tent on East Main, for people attending shows in the tent.

For outdoor shows, bathrooms are located:

• Outside the Rochester Regional Health Big Tent on East Main, for people attending shows in the tent, June 20-28
• Adjacent to the Wegmans Pavilion on Chestnut Street - June 20-28
• At the end of the Kilbourn Hall alley, on Swan St - June 20-28
• Near Wegmans Stage on Parcel 5, nights of shows only - June 25, 26, 27, 28
• Near East & Alexander Stage, night of shows only, June 21, Bathrooms will be on Alexander opposite both sides of the stage.

Bicycles & Scooter Share

Please walk, don't ride your bike in any pedestrian area. Park your bike in the racks located at the corner of Chestnut and Main in the RRH Big Tent parking lot. Please lock your bike. The Festival is not responsible for stolen items. Veo is the City of Rochester’s Shared Micromobility Program provider. Learn more

Bus Routes

• Access Rochester’s East End from several east-side transit routes; see MAP here
• Visit myRTS.com for more information and to download the Where’s My Bus? app.
• Due to festival-related street closures, minor bus route detours may occur; check myRTS.com or call 585-288-1700 for details.

Children

Children are welcome at outdoor free shows and our jazz workshops.

Individuals 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian or an adult 25 years or older. An adult will only be allowed to accompany up to two youths who are not related. A valid photo ID is required. Parents, guardians, or adults must accompany minors at all times. 

• Shows on Jazz Street start at 3:45-4:00 daily with music that is appropriate for families, including the best high school and college jazz bands from the region. Many families bring their children here for food and free music. Headphones are highly recommended for loud outdoor shows.
• We also offer free noon shows at the Central Library from June 23 to 27.
• Club Pass shows are probably not appropriate for very young children if they are not able to sit quietly through a concert. Young people with an interest in music who are experienced concert-goers are welcome.
• Tickets are required for children for all ticketed headliner shows at Eastman Theatre.
• Discounted Student 3-Day Club Passes for students 25 and under are available for $160 ($154 + $6 service fee), a $60 savings. Purchase in person only, at the Festival Ticket Shop from June 16-19, daily noon- 5 p.m. and noon to 9 p.m. during the festival, June 20-28. Valid student ID required.

First Aid

Provided by Rochester Regional Health (RRH) and located in the All-Aid Tent on Jazz Street (Gibbs St.).

Food & Beverages

See Food & Drinks Guide

We offer a wide variety of food and beverages at the festival on:

• E. Main St. between Chestnut and Gibbs St.
• Outside the Rochester Regional Health Big Tent
• On Jazz Street (Gibbs St.)
• Near outdoor stages on Parcel 5 on days of shows
• Inside Wegmans Pavilion on days of shows
• Hyatt Regency Rochester for Jam Sessions

And at these Headliner and Club Pass Venues:

• Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre on headliner concert nights, Max of Eastman Place, Inn on Broadway, The Duke in Sibley Square, Rochester Regional Big Tent, The Little Theatre

There are also many restaurants in the festival area.

Free Shows

• No tickets are required for free shows.
• Please see Patron Policies below for what you may and may not bring
• Bring a chair for outdoor stages.
• Limited seating is provided on Jazz Street (Gibbs Street) stage.
• All shows go on rain or shine.
• Food and beverages are available for purchase near all outdoor stages.
• No outside food or beverages are allowed.
• All bags will be searched.
• Individuals 17 and under MUST be accompanied by a parent or guardian 21 years of age or older. A valid photo ID is required.

Health Guidelines

The health and safety of our patrons, artists, team members, and vendors is our highest priority. Any health guidelines in effect will be communicated via signage at the festival, on our website, on our festival app, and in our email newsletters. COVID-19, RSV, and the flu are highly contagious diseases that can be extremely dangerous to people of all ages, especially those who are elderly and/or have compromised immune systems. If you are ill and have any symptoms, please stay home to get well and follow your doctor’s recommendations.

Hotels

Official hotel, Hyatt Regency Rochester, 125 East Main Street, Rochester, (585) 546-1234

• Inn on Broadway, 26 Broadway, Rochester, NY 14607 - (also a Club Pass Venue)

Other Hotels within walking distance of Festival venues

• Wyndham Rochester Downtown 70 State St, Rochester, NY 14614, (585) 371-5456
• Hilton Garden Inn Rochester Downtown 155 E Main St, Rochester, NY 14604
• Hampton Inn & Suites Rochester Downtown, 101 South Union St., Rochester, NY 14607
• Courtyard Rochester Downtown, 390 East Avenue, Rochester, New York, USA, 14607 (closest to East & Alexander Stage June 21 show)
• Strathallan Rochester Hotel & Spa - A DoubleTree by Hilton 550 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607

Lost & Found

During the Festival: Go to the Ticket Shop at 100 East Avenue at the corner of East Avenue and Gibbs Street. Open June 20 through June 28 from Noon to 9 p.m. Write your name and cell number on your Club Pass so that you can be notified if it is found.

After the Festival: Call the festival office at (585) 454-2060. Or email info@rochesterjazz.com.

Merchandise

Get official festival apparel, posters, drinkware, and gifts during the Festival in the Merchandise Tent located on Jazz Street (Gibbs Street). Many artists also sell CDs and their official merchandise after concerts at the venues.

Parking

RIJF is held in downtown Rochester, NY, in the Midtown and East End Cultural and Entertainment Districts. All venues are within walking distance of each other, so park once and walk to everything. The Festival does not operate parking, but there are many surface lots and parking garages conveniently located near festival venues. Fees vary. Please note that many side streets will be closed.

Important! Please read the signs before you park to be sure that parking is allowed. Many lots are private for their patrons only, and cars will be towed. The Festival cannot take any responsibility for people who park illegally.

• East End Garage, 475 Main St. East, Rochester, NY. Special event parking rates apply. $7 pay upon entry to the garage Saturdays & Sundays. Weekdays, $7 pay upon entry starting at 3 p.m. (585) 275-4524 parking@rochester.edu. Use the Scio St. entrance.
• Midtown Garage Entrances are located on South Clinton Ave, Court St, and East Broad St. Event parking rate is $7. Operated by Buckingham Properties. (585) 295-9500
• Court Street Garage, 194 Court St. Saturdays $2/hour to a daily max of $10 unless special event, then $7 cash. Court St. Garage closed on Sunday.
• Washington Square Garage, 111 Woodbury Blvd., Rochester, NY 14607. Free on Saturdays unless special event, then $7 cash. Closed Sunday. (585) 428-3630
• South Avenue Garage, 39 Stone St., Rochester, NY 14604. Special Events: $7.00 Daily Maximum: $10. Free for Jam Sessions attendees from 10:30 p.m. to 2 a.m., courtesy of the City of Rochester.
• Sister Cities Garage, 28 N. Fitzhugh St., Rochester, NY 14614. Free on Saturday unless special event, then $7 cash. Closed Sunday. (585) 428-6026
• City of Rochester On-Street Metered Parking - Parking meters are in service from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays. Free after 6 p.m. and on weekends.

Photography & Filming

• The use of cameras (still, video, cell phones) and recording devices is strictly prohibited at all indoor concerts at RIJF.
• Photography is permitted only by credentialed photographers in designated areas.
• Cameras with removable lenses are not permitted at outdoor shows.
• Concertgoers are asked to please abide by these guidelines out of respect for the artists and others in the audience. Anyone not abiding by these rules will be asked to leave the venue.
• Please note that photography and filming will be taking place throughout the festival grounds and indoor venues for promotional, marketing, and archival purposes. By entering the festival, you consent to being photographed, filmed, and/or recorded as part of the audience or general crowd. Your entry constitutes your agreement to the use of your image, likeness, and voice in any festival-related media, including but not limited to social media, advertising, livestreams, and future promotional materials, without compensation or further notification.

Policies / Safety & Security

Please note the following policies. We appreciate your cooperation.

• Our highest priority is the health and safety of our patrons, artists, team members, and vendors.
• For the safety and security of all, all bags, purses, backpacks, lawn chairs, etc., will be searched upon entry. Also see: What You May Bring and What is Not Permitted. and may not bring.
• Individuals 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian or an adult 25 years or older. An adult will only be allowed to accompany up to two unrelated youths. Valid photo ID is required. Adults must accompany minors at all times.
• Download Patron Policies PDF

Stages & Venues

Read more about the venues

See Festival Map for locations

• Central Library of Monroe County & City of Rochester, June 23-27 (outdoors, weather permitting)
• Eastman School of Music Ray Wright Room 135 (Jazz Workshops) June 23-27
• East & Alexander Street Stage - Free shows (June 21 only)
• Hatch Recital Hall – Club Pass venue
• Hyatt Regency Rochester Aster on Main for Jam Sessions
• Inn on Broadway – Club Pass venue
• Innovation Theater – Club Pass venue
• Jazz Street Stage (outdoor stage, all shows free)
• Kilbourn Hall – Club Pass venue
• Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre – Ticketed Headliner Venue
• Max of Eastman Place – Club Pass venue
• Montage Music Hall- Club Pass venue
• Rochester Regional Health Big Tent – Club Pass venue (6 PM shows are free)
• Temple Theater – Club Pass venue
• The Little Theatre – Club Pass venue
• The Duke (Sibley Square) – Club Pass venue
• Wegmans Stage @ Parcel 5 (free outdoor stage Jun 25-28)
• Wegmans Pavilion East Ave at Chestnut St. (all shows free, tented stage)

Street Closings

Please take note of the following street closures before you head to the festival. You may need to allow extra time.

East End

• Gibbs Street (from East Avenue to East Main Street) Monday, June 9 (7 a.m.) to Wednesday, July 2, midnight
• Gibbs Street (Grove Street to Main Street) June 20-28, Each night 4 p.m. to midnight
• East Avenue (from Scio Street to Chestnut Street) June 20-28, Each night, 4 p.m. to midnight
• Chestnut Street (from Main Street to Broad Street) Wednesday, June 25 to Saturday, June 28. Each night at 4 p.m.
• Elm Street (from Clinton to Chestnut Street) June 25-28, Each day 8 a.m. to midnight
• Cortland Street (from Elm Street to E. Main Street) June 25-28, Each day, 2 p.m. to midnight
• Andrew Langston Way (from Elm Street to E. Main Street) June 25- 28, Each day 2 p.m. to midnight
• Euclid Street (Chestnut Street to Andrew Langston Way) June 25-28, Each day 2 p.m. to midnight
• Atlas Street (Euclid Street to Elm Street) June 25-28, Each day 2 p.m. to midnight

East & Alexander

• East Avenue (from Prince Street to Alexander Street) June 21 (6 am) to June 22 (2 a.m.)
• East Avenue (from Alexander to Union) June 21: 5 p.m. to midnight
• Alexander Street (from University Ave to Park Avenue) June 21, 5 p.m. to midnight
• Lawrence Street (from East Avenue to Charlotte Street) June 21, 5 p.m. to midnight

Survey

We appreciate getting your feedback during and after the festival. Please share your thoughts and comments via our annual online survey. The survey link will be active as of 4 p.m. on June 20th.

Ticket Shop

The RIJF Ticket Shop opens June 16 at noon, returning to 100 East Avenue at the corner of East Avenue and Gibbs Street.

• June 16 through 19 from noon to 5 p.m.
• June 20 through June 28 from Noon to 9 p.m.

Visit the Ticket Shop to buy Club Passes and headliner tickets, redeem Club Pass tickets for Club Passes and lanyards, pick up a free Festival brochure, and get info.

Ticket Info

• Headliner Show Tickets for shows at Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre are on sale now at RochesterJazz.com, on the RIJF App, call (585) 454-2060, visit the RIJF Ticket Shop, or purchase on the day of the show if available at the Box office in Kodak Hall's oval lobby, which opens at 7:00 PM on days of shows only. Doors open at 7:15 PM on days of shows only.
• Club Pass Shows — enter with a Club Pass or $30/$35 (Kilbourn Hall), cash only at the door. You don't need a Club Pass to attend Club Pass shows. First-come, first-served for everyone, no reserved seating, and no advance sales. Arrive early!
• Save Time in Line Wristbands at Kilbourn and Max—for the first shows only, we offer a wristband system to save you time spent in line, time to get food and drinks before the show, or time to enjoy other shows and activities around the festival. Just line up at 4 p.m. outside Kilbourn or Max and receive a color-coded wristband that will specify a return time to see the show. You must be present and in line to get a wristband. Come back at your assigned time and enjoy the show!
• Club Passes are $214+ $6 service charge for 3-Day Passes and $324 + $6 service fee for 9-Day Passes. Buy online at rochesterjazz.com/tickets, on the App, or call (585) 454-2060. Also available at the Festival Ticket Shop at 100 East Avenue from June 16-19, daily noon- 5 p.m. and noon to 9 p.m. during the festival, June 20-28.
• Discounted Student 3-Day Club Passes for students 25 and under are $160 ($154 + $6 service fee), a $60 savings off the regular price. Purchase in person only at the Festival Ticket Shop from June 16-19, daily noon- 5 p.m. and noon to 9 p.m. during the festival, June 20-28. Valid student ID required.
• Redeem your Club Pass tickets before you attend any shows at the Ticket Shop starting June 16. Tickets cannot be redeemed at venues. You must redeem your Club Pass Ticket for a Pass and lanyard at the RIJF Ticket Shop before you attend any shows. The Ticket Shop opens June 16 at noon and is located at 100 East Avenue at the corner of East Avenue and Gibbs Street. Ticket Shop Hours: June 16 through 19 from noon to 5 p.m. and June 20 through June 28 from Noon to 9 p.m. Don’t wait til the last minute and risk being late for shows. Tickets cannot be redeemed at venues! Just bring your order number or the email confirmation you received, either on your phone, in your Apple iPhone Wallet, or printed out, plus a photo ID. If you can’t find your receipt, we will look up your order. All passes are shareable and can be transferred.
• Free Shows — no tickets are required; all shows go on rain or shine. Download our App and check our website for any weather advisories.

Travel & Tourism Resources

See Hotels (above) for places to stay

• Visit Rochester
• I Love New York
• Upstate Summer Magazine
• Rochester Explore Guide

Trash & Recycling

Please clean up responsibly before leaving the festival grounds. Look for recycling and trash bins and use the proper bins for waste. No littering.

Venues

(See Stages & Venues above)

Volunteer

If you love the festival and have some time to spare, we can use your help! You can sign up to volunteer for one or more shifts. We have lots of fun opportunities. As a thank you for your work, after your shift, enjoy access to any or all club pass shows that day. Apply online here. Have a question? Please email rocjazzvolunteer@gmail.com.

What You May Bring

• Your Club Pass! (Please write your cell number on your pass.) Club Passes cannot be replaced if lost.
• Your tickets, paper or digital ticket receipts on your phone
• Low-profile lawn chairs and blankets for outdoor shows on Parcel 5, which is on a lawn, and low-profile chairs for the East & Alexander and Jazz Street (Gibbs St.) Stages, which are on the street
• Strollers
• Kindness

What is Not Permitted

• Weapons of any kind
• Illegal substances
• Dogs/animals except for Guide and Service Dogs
• Any large bags, duffels, or luggage
• Outside beverages
• Outside food
• Glass bottles
• Coolers
• Wagons
• Tents, large umbrellas, or shade structures of any kind
• Drones
• Laser pointers
• Fireworks
• Grills
• Professional camera with a removable lens or recording devices
• Unauthorized promotional signs, banners, and advertising
• Any item considered not to be safe by Festival management
• Any items confiscated will not be held or returned

Downloads

About the Rochester International Jazz Festival

The Rochester International Jazz Festival, in partnership with Rochester Regional Health, is one of the world’s leading jazz festivals. Since 2002, the nine-day, multi-dimensional festival has been held annually in downtown Rochester, NY, drawing over 200,000 people to 285+ shows and 18 venues. The festival navigates all genres of creative improvised music from around the world, presenting more than 1,750 legendary performers, familiar favorites, and new discoveries. RIJF is produced by RIJF, LLC, a privately held company owned by Marc Iacona and John Nugent. Nugent, Producer/Artistic Director, is a noted tenor sax player who has traveled the world with many jazz artists, including Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald, Rosemary Clooney, the Woody Herman Orchestra, and the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. Marc Iacona, Producer/Executive Director, is a Rochester native and President of Simcona Electronics. A business and community leader, he is an avid trumpeter and supporter of the arts.

Sponsors

Partners in Kind