Each year we assemble some of the finest musicians in the world who reflect Charlie Parker’s musical individuality and genius, to promote appreciation for this highly influential and world-renowned artist. This vibrant – and free – celebration of jazz in New York brings together stories, veteran players and the next generation of jazz artists.
We were thrilled to have the festival safely return this year to Marcus Garvey Park from August 27 – August 29!
Join us from August 27-29 for the 28th annual Charlie Parker Jazz Festival, a vibrant – and free – celebration of jazz.
This year we once again celebrate the artistic and creative energy that has made Harlem a world renowned artistic community, but after a trying year in which the horns went silent, also honoring the neighborhood—and our city’s—resilience in the face of adversity. Parker’s music has long represented Harlem’s legacy as a hub of Black culture and innovation, and the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival has always strives to reflect the community’s contributions to music.
This year’s festival returns to Marcus Garvey Park, and brings together multiple generations of musicians. The lineup includes artists whose spirit and talent pay tribute to Charlie Parker and jazz. Donald Harrison brings his quartet for a collaboration with some of Harlem’s finest string musicians in celebration of Parker’s most commercially successful works, while Willie Jones III has assembled a diverse ensemble of nascent stars and jazz veterans.
We’re excited to bring jazz back to Marcus Garvey, and look forward to celebrating Charlie Parker’s music and legacy with you!
In response to the increasing spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant, all guests of the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival SummerStage events at Marcus Garvey Park on August 27, 28 and 29, will be required to show either proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative PCR test within the last 72 hours in order to enter. Learn more about acceptable documentation, mask guidelines, and other safety protocols here.
For Charlie Parker partner events outside of Marcus Garvey Park, please refer to the specific event page for COVID protocols.
To celebrate Charlie Parker’s 100th birthday in 2020, we presented an all-day digital Charlie Parker Jazz Festival as a part of our SummerStage Anywhere digital series during the annual Charlie Parker Jazz Festival weekend.
This special program featured a celebration of Charlie Parker’s life and the festival with a visit to Tompkins Square Park; a conversation with Charlie Parker Jazz Festival founder Sam Turvey, jazz performers Jason Moran and Jaleel Shaw and many more; plus archived Charlie Parker Jazz Festival performances.
Visit our YouTube to watch on demand highlights from our digital celebration.
Programming includes:
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Generous support for the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival is provided, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council; the National Endowment for the Arts; the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, and the NYC Council under the leadership of Speaker Corey Johnson. Generous public support for the August 25 Jazz in the Garden event is provided by the NYC Council under the leadership of Speaker Corey Johnson including Council Member Carlina Rivera.
Additional support is generously provided by our dedicated festival audience and SummerStage Members.
Enjoy express entry and VIP seating at the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival as a SummerStage member. At SummerStage, we believe the arts are for everyone and your membership helps make this possible.
