(July) Every July 4th weekend, Fillmore Street in San Francisco is home to the largest free jazz festival on the West Coast. The Filmore Jazz Festival showcases the Bay Area’s best talent, from up-and-coming jazz fusion and Latin jazz, to seasoned crooners belting out the greatest jazz standards. On three stages over two days, over 30 acts entertain tens of thousands of jazz lovers who flock to the historic area for the music and the incredible array of food and other entertainment.

The echoes of the street’s former frequenters (Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, and Billie Holiday, among many others) rings out through the instruments and voices of the festival’s participants. Past performers include many local legends such as Dr. Lonnie Smith, Denise Perrier, Lady Memphis, Kim Nailey, Pete Escovedo, and Jules Broussard.

Off-site parking is available, but we recommend taking San Fransisco’s mass transit when possible: the festival regularly attracts over 90,000 attendees, which can make for an exciting traffic conundrum.

Fillmore Jazz Festival Information

• Public Transportation: Good (easily accessible by buses 1, 2, 3, 10, 22, 24, 31, 38, and 38L that run along or close to Fillmore Street). Free bicycle parking also available
• Handicapped Accessibility: Yes
• Performances: 35-40 performances over two days
• Ticket Prices: Free.