(August) Houston International Jazz Festival brings a wide array of talent from all over the country to “Space City” for a three-day, multi-venue, indoor/outdoor event. Most of the performances take place outdoors at the Anheuser-Busch stage in the beautiful Discovery Green Park. Performances begin in the early evening (around 5 p.m., gate opening around 4 p.m.) and end well after dark on both main event days. There is generally a kick-off party which also features live music at major venues in Houston.

Houston Internation Jazz Festival is put on by Jazz Education Inc., which began as a jazz workshop for young people and has grown into a nationally recognized organization dedicated to educating the next generation of jazz lovers and practitioners, as well as bringing world-class music to Houston and its surrounding environs. The festival has reduced prices for advance ticket sales and two-day passes. An actual seat at the front of the stage is included in the price of admission for reserved seating, and we recommend arriving early if purchasing general admission. You’ll want to park your blanket or lawn chair as close as possible to get the best view of one of Houston’s great cultural treasures.

Houston International Jazz Festival Information

• Venues: Discovery Green Park (1500 McKinney Street); House of Blues (1204 Caroline Street); Wortham Theater (501 Texas Street)
• Public Transportation: All locations are easily accessible by bus and/or the Light Rail
• Handicapped Accessibility: Good
• Performances: 10-12 performances over three days
• Ticket Prices: $25–$40.