Beaches Jazz Festival: 35 Years Of Fun & Counting
The Beaches Jazz Festival has been a beloved summer tradition in Toronto for over 35 years and continues to bring massive joy and entertainment to the city.
This vibrant music festival celebrates the rich heritage of jazz and offers a diverse lineup of talented performers from around the world. With live music filling the streets and parks of Toronto’s Beaches neighbourhood, festival-goers can immerse themselves in the energetic atmosphere. Further, everyone can enjoy a wide range of jazz genres, along with delicious food, arts and crafts, and a sense of community.
The Beaches Jazz Festival is a testament to the enduring spirit of music and the power of celebration.
Where Is The Beaches Jazz Festival Being Held?
The Beaches Jazz Festival is held in the lakeside Beaches community of Toronto. The festival takes place across multiple venues, with stage concerts held in various parks within the area and along a two-kilometre stretch of Queen Street East during StreetFest.
The main locations include the Woodbine Park Main Stage, Jimmie Simpson Park Main Stage, and Big Band Stage. The festival features internationally acclaimed jazz performers as well as local talent, attracting around one million attendees and benefiting the local economy with an injection of over $30 million into the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
When Does The Jazz Festival Start?
The Beaches International Jazz Festival is scheduled to start on July 6 and run until July 30, 2023. During this period, attendees can enjoy a month-long celebration of jazz music in the lakeside Beaches community of Toronto.
The festival will feature a variety of performances, concerts, and events across different venues, offering an immersive experience for jazz enthusiasts and music lovers alike. It’s a fantastic opportunity to indulge in the vibrant sounds and rhythms of jazz while enjoying the lively atmosphere of the Beaches neighbourhood.
Is The Beaches Jazz Festival Free?
Yes, the Beaches Jazz Festival is primarily a free event. The festival offers a wide range of performances and concerts that are accessible to the public without the need for tickets or admission fees.
Attendees can enjoy the music and festivities at various outdoor stages and venues throughout the Beaches neighbourhood of Toronto without incurring any charges. This makes the Beaches Jazz Festival a wonderful opportunity for music enthusiasts to experience live jazz performances at no cost and be part of the vibrant community celebration.
Where Do You Park At The Beaches Jazz Festival?
When attending the Beaches Jazz Festival, parking options are available in the area. Metered parking can be found along the main arteries of the Beaches neighborhood. Additionally, the Toronto Parking Authority operates several lots throughout the area, providing additional parking spaces for festival-goers.
We advise you to arrive early or consider carpooling or utilizing public transportation. Because of high demand, parking availability may vary depending on time of day.
Planned Events And Highlights
Jazz Concerts
The Beaches Jazz Festival offers a diverse lineup of jazz performances at Jimmie Simpson Park during the event. Here is the schedule of jazz performances for July 6, 7, 8, and 9:
Thursday, July 6:
- 7:00 PM: STEINWALL
- 9:00 PM: Five Alarm Funk
Friday, July 7:
- 3:30 PM: The Brigham Phillips “Little” Big Band
- 7:15 PM: Stacey Renee
- 9:00 PM: Neon Nostalgic
Saturday, July 8:
- 11:00 AM: Swing Toronto Band (Free Swing Dance Lesson)
- 11:30 AM: Martin Loomer & the Orange Devils
- 2:00 PM: The Jazz Mechanics
- 4:30 PM: Alex Porat
- 6:00 PM: Accolades
- 7:30 PM: The Quincy Bullen Family Band
- 9:00 PM: LAZO and The Exodus
Sunday, July 9:
- 11:00 AM: Christian Overton & the Composer’s Collective
- 1:15 PM: Swing Shift Big Band
- 3:30 PM: MOKA
- 5:00 PM: GRACE
- 6:30 PM: Jerome Tucker Band
These performances will take place at the Main Stage located at Jimmie Simpson Park, 870 Queen St E.
Drag Shows
Drag shows in all their glory often involve lip-syncing to popular songs, choreographed dance routines, glamorous costumes, and theatrical performances.
The atmosphere will be vibrant and filled with energy. Further, the performers will be engaging the audience and creating an inclusive and celebratory experience.
Expect the drag shows to be an exciting blend of music, comedy, and visual spectacle, providing a unique form of entertainment for attendees.
Fundraisers
The Beaches Jazz Festival usually features fundraisers as a key part of its programming.
These fundraisers are organized to raise funds for specific causes, organizations, or initiatives around Toronto. They provide an opportunity for festival-goers to contribute and support important charitable endeavours while enjoying the music and festivities.
The details and specifics of these fundraisers vary from year to year, so look out for how you can help and contribute this year to your local and surrounding communities!
Salsa On The Beach
Salsa on the Beach is a lively event taking place at Woodbine Park in Toronto. It celebrates the diversity of nations and features energetic Latin melodies of Salsa, Merengue, and Cumbia.
The event offers free admission and includes food trucks, vendors, and a beer garden. The line-up includes various performances by DJs and live bands, showcasing different styles of Latin music throughout the weekend. Salsa classes are also available for those interested in learning the dance.
Attendees can expect a vibrant atmosphere filled with music, dancing, and the joyful spirit of Latin rhythms.
StreetFest
StreetFest is an exciting part of the Beaches Jazz Festival held on Queen Street East between Woodbine and Beech Avenues in Toronto. It takes place over three evenings from 6 pm to 11 pm, featuring a vibrant street party atmosphere.
StreetFest offers a diverse lineup of live music performances by various artists and bands across multiple stages and venues along the street. Attendees can enjoy the music while exploring food trucks, vendors, and entertainment options throughout the area.
The street is closed off to vehicle traffic, creating a pedestrian-friendly space for festival-goers to immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere of the event.
Related: The Toronto Music Garden is full of surprises this year!
