2026.09.25 — 2026.09.27 · Ended
Monterey Jazz Festival 2026
Three days of jazz fill the Monterey County Fairgrounds on 25–27 September. Explore the smaller stages by day and save Sunday evening for Hancock and Carter’s For Miles duo. Choose an Arena ticket to see them on the main stage.
At 19:45–21:00 Sunday, Herbie Hancock and Ron Carter perform For Miles on the Jimmy Lyons Stage, marking Miles Davis’s centenary. Both played in his quintet. In this duo setting, listen for the exchange between piano harmony and bass.
Music festivalsOn Sunday, 17:15–18:30, Amy Tan and pianist Joey Alexander present Backyard Bird Chronicles Live at Pacific Jazz Café. The programme combines spoken word and jazz, offering readers of The Joy Luck Club and nature writing a different way into the festival.
Music festivalsChecked · 2026-09-23
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2010 · Henryk Kotowski · Photo source · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Preview cropped; enlarge for full image. · Report image rights
2025 attendee review of the site. The author also found Sunday’s programme disappointing; this excerpt is not an endorsement of every set.
The site is wonderful and a perfect size with five exceptional arenas, especially the mainstage.
Larger bags must be clear or mesh, and personal chairs are not permitted. Bring a warm layer for evening and arrange accommodation and your return journey.
Official 2026 grounds map with stages, entrances, water and toilets. Consult ticketing for individual Arena seats.
25–27 September. Gates open at 15:00 Friday and 11:00 on the weekend. For Miles is Sunday 19:45–21:00, California local time.
America/Los_AngelesOn-site parking is sold out. Check paid parking at Monterey Peninsula College with shuttles roughly every 15 minutes, or use rideshare.
Grounds tickets cover four stages but exclude the Jimmy Lyons Stage. Arena tickets include both; reserved seating or lawn access depends on the ticket. For Miles will also be simulcast in the Monterey Room on the Grounds; this is separate from watching at the main stage.
Sunday adult Grounds USD98; Arena USD148–303, plus applicable order fees.
Contact ticketing about accessible seats and drop-off arrangements. Assistive listening devices are available through Patron Services.
Dates and entry details refer to this edition; individual sessions may differ.
Henryk Kotowski · CC BY-SA 3.0 Image source
Monterey Jazz Festival
Information checked on 2026-09-23
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