JazzFest White Plains Returns Next Week for Five Days of Incredible Live Music

Jazz lovers, get ready—JazzFest White Plains returns next week, September 23–27, 2026, for five exciting days of live music throughout downtown White Plains.

Now celebrating its 15th anniversary, JazzFest White Plains will feature 19 performances showcasing legendary musicians, contemporary innovators and emerging artists. This year’s impressive lineup includes five GRAMMY Award winners and nominees, along with many free performances at popular venues throughout the city.

Presented by ArtsWestchester, the City of White Plains and the White Plains BID, the festival is a wonderful opportunity to experience world-class jazz right here in Westchester.

The Festival Begins Wednesday

JazzFest opens on Wednesday, September 23, with several free performances.

Internationally touring pianist, composer and bandleader Micah Thomas will perform from noon to 1:15 p.m. at Downtown Music at Grace. The Matthias Schmidt Quartet will also perform at noon at the White Plains Farmers Market.

That evening, the Sound Shore Jazz Orchestra will bring the unmistakable energy of big-band music to the Turnure Park Stage from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The Rye-based orchestra performs music spanning the eras of Count Basie and Duke Ellington through today’s contemporary big-band composers.

Take a Jazz Stroll Through White Plains

On Thursday, September 24, the Jazz Stroll brings live music into some of downtown White Plains’ favorite restaurants and cultural destinations.

Butter and Company will perform at Chazz Palminteri Italian Restaurant beginning at 5:30 p.m., followed by vocalist Kat Gang at Shiraz Kitchen and Wine Bar at 7 p.m. Both performances are free.

ArtsWestchester will also present “Improvise: A Night of Jazz, Poetry & Art” from 7 to 9 p.m. This immersive evening invites guests to experience improvised jazz and poetry while creating their own art or written work. Guests are encouraged to bring sketchbooks, art supplies, journals or original poetry and respond creatively as the performance unfolds.

Friday Night at ArtsWestchester

The music continues on Friday, September 25, beginning with a free lunchtime performance by the Vanisha Gould Duo at the White Plains Public Library. Registration is required.

Later that evening, GRAMMY Award-nominated saxophonist Ben Wendel brings his group to ArtsWestchester for two performances at 7 and 9 p.m. Known for his innovative contemporary sound, Wendel has collaborated with artists including Bill Frisell, Terence Blanchard and Snoop Dogg.

General-admission tickets are available, along with premium tables for four that include preferred seating, a bottle of prosecco and an artisanal charcuterie and cheese board.

A Full Saturday of Jazz

Saturday’s schedule begins at the Music Conservatory of Westchester with a free performance by the MCW Jazz Faculty Ensemble, followed by an open jam session for musicians of all ages and experience levels.

At 3 p.m., ArtsWestchester will welcome celebrated pianist-composer Sylvie Courvoisier and guitarist-composer Mary Halvorson. These two influential contemporary jazz artists earned widespread acclaim for their collaborative album, Bone Bells.

The Brian Carter Quartet will perform a free show at Freebird Kitchen & Bar from 5 to 6:15 p.m.

Saturday evening’s major event features four-time GRAMMY Award-winning bassist and composer John Patitucci, joined by visionary pianist Danilo Pérez and acclaimed drummer Adam Cruz. Performances will take place at ArtsWestchester at 7 and 9 p.m.

A Free Outdoor Jazz Celebration on Sunday

JazzFest concludes on Sunday, September 27, with Sunday Jazz Alfresco, an afternoon of free outdoor performances on Mamaroneck Avenue between East Post Road and Maple Avenue.

The lineup includes:

• Luke Hart Collective at 12:15 p.m.
• Bertha Hope, with special guest Joe Boykin, at 1:30 p.m.
• Papo Vázquez Mighty Pirates Troubadours at 3 p.m.
• Sarah Hanahan Quartet at 4:30 p.m.
• Nat Adderley Jr. Quartet at 6 p.m.

It is the perfect way to spend a fall Sunday—enjoying live music, visiting downtown restaurants and experiencing the vibrant cultural community of White Plains.

With free performances, intimate ticketed concerts and some of the most celebrated names in contemporary jazz, this year’s festival truly offers something for everyone.

JazzFest White Plains takes place September 23–27, 2026, at ArtsWestchester and various locations throughout downtown White Plains.

View the complete schedule, reserve free spots and purchase tickets on the official JazzFest White Plains website.

We cannot wait to see you there!