The Berklee Beantown Jazz Festival began in 2001 under the direction of Daryl Settles (of the Beehive) and has become one of the biggest yearly attractions in Boston. Held in late September, this not- for-profit festival takes over most of Columbus Avenue for an entire day of great jazz on several different stages, with everything from international stars to up-and-coming local student ensembles.

Ticketed portions of the festival take place at the Berklee Performance Center, which hosts special programs apart from the main festival (2008 included an all-star drum summit with some of the most prominent drummers in the nation). Tickets for performances that require them can be purchased through Ticketmaster.com.