New York Downtown Jazz Festival Live Music / Music Festival Every year in September

Some of the biggest names in American jazz have come together to throw the free New York Downtown Jazz Festival behind the World Financial Center in lower Manhattan’s North Cove. For four days in September, some of the most popular jazz artists and groups will play free concerts for the public across multiple stages. With genres ranging from future jazz to afrobeat, the New York Downtown Jazz Festival features some of the best contemporary jazz talent in the world.

Performers at the New York Downtown Jazz Festival in Manhattan’s North Cove include the Ravi Coltrane Quartet, Moon Hooch, Nomo, and Chelsea Baratz. Over 10,000 people attend the New York Downtown Jazz festival, making it one of the most popular free jazz festivals in the country.

There are no tickets to the free New York Downtown Jazz Festival. But to avoid getting crowded out of seeing your favorite jazz artist, come as early as you can for great views of the stage overlooking the Hudson River. After the New York Downtown Jazz Festival, check out the local jazz artists at the clubs in lower Manhattan, or grab a drink with fellow jazz aficionados at a nearby bar.