31 Days of Jazz is a kickoff event to the Atlanta Jazz Festival, which happens each Memorial Day Weekend in Piedmont Park.
All month long in May, there will be jazz performances in restaurants, bars, parks, concert venues, arts centers, and MARTA stations throughout Atlanta.
We’re highlighting the jazz concerts that are either FREE or cheap ($10 or less), but the 31 Days of Jazz also includes ticketed events that range from $25 to $80 per person.
You may also be interested in:
- The Atlanta Jazz Festival returns to Piedmont Park this Memorial Day weekend
- Check out our huge list of FREE outdoor concerts in 2024
- FREE Sunset Sessions concerts at Park Tavern on Sundays
- Celebrate “Hump Day” at the Wednesday WindDown concerts in downtown Atlanta
- Wednesday Wind Down returns to East Point this summer
31 Days of Jazz — the 2024 schedule
We’re including the jazz concerts here that are either FREE or under $15.
Some of the ticketed events go up to $80 per ticket.
To see all the 31 Days of Jazz events in a calendar format, or to get more info on one of these events, go to the Jazz Festival Calendar and click on individual dates.
Wednesday Jazz Jam
Every Wednesday night in May, The Gordon Vernick Quartet will perform a few numbers, and then invite other performers to join them for a Jazz Jam.
The events happen from 9 to 11:30 p.m. at the Red Light Cafe, located at 552 Amsterdam Avenue in midtown Atlanta.
Tickets are $10 per person.
Schedule of events:
* May 1
* May 8
* May 15
* May 22
* May 29
Live After 5
This series of FREE jazz concerts takes place at Arts District Plaza, located at the corner of Peachtree and 15th Streets. Each concert is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Schedule:
* Wed, May 1 — Tony Hightower
* Wed, May 8 — Karla Harris
* Wed, May 15 — Will Scruggs
* Thurs, May 16 — Dash Smith
* Wed, May 22 — Brenda Nicole Moore
Neighborhood Jazz Series
These FREE outdoor jazz concerts take place on select weekend dates in May from 4 to 7 p.m. at various parks.
Schedule of events:
* Sun, May 5 — Julie Dexter at West Manor Park (3179 Benjamin Mays Drive, Atlanta 30311)
* Sat, May 11 — John Khaleefa & The Jazz Messengers at Washington Park (1125 Lena St, Atlanta 30314)
* Sun, May 12 — Myrna Clayton at Perkerson Park (77 Deckner Ave. SW)
* Sat, May 18 — Kevin Oliver Jr & Curtis Olawumi at Grant Park (840 Cherokee St. SE)
* Sun, May 19 — I AM KHEMESTRY at East Lake Park (2617 Memorial Drive, Atlanta 30317)
MARTA Mondays
These FREE performances happen on the first three Mondays in May from 4 to 6 p.m., at various MARTA train stations.
Schedule of events:
* Monday, May 6 — Decatur Station
* Monday, May 13 — Lindbergh Station
* Monday, May 20 — Midtown Station
Jonesboro Mother’s Day Jazz Concert
This annual event is FREE for everyone! It takes place on Saturday, May 11th from 6 to 9 p.m. at Lee Street Park & Amphitheater, located at 155 Lee Street in Jonesboro.
The Mt. Zion High School Jazz band opens the show at 6 p.m., and headliner Tony Hightower takes the stage at 7 p.m.
VIP tables are available for a fee.
More info
Jazz Night at The Betty
This FREE series takes place at The Betty restaurant, every Thursday in May from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
It’s located at 374 East Paces Ferry Rd. in Atlanta.
Note that you’ll probably need to spend money on food or drink while you’re there!
The dates are May 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th.
To see who’s performing, go to the Jazz Fest Calendar.
More info
Jazz Night at The Third Door
Another Thursday night series — and tickets are just $5 per person!
Performances are from 8 to 10:30 p.m.
The Third Door is a bar and music venue located at 131 Church Street, Marietta, GA 30060.
The dates are May 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th.
To see who’s performing, go to the Jazz Fest Calendar.
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- Enjoy a night under the stars: free outdoor movies in 2024
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- 4th of July fireworks and celebrations
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