(June) Jefferson Street Jazz & Blues Fest is an annual event held on Nashville’s historic Bicentennial Mall. Every summer, hundreds gather in this historic park to celebrate Nashville’s roots in jazz and blues and the impact the still-thriving Nashville African American community had on Music City and the contemporary musical landscape as a whole.

In the 1940s through the 1960s, Jefferson Street was one of America’s best-known areas for jazz, blues and R&B. Musicians who frequented the area include Jimi Hendrix, Ray Charles and Fats Domino. Today, the festival features local jazz and blues musicians and includes scores of vendors and a wide variety of food, all in celebration of the great history of the area.

Seating at the event costs $5 before 5 p.m. and $10 after 5 p.m. The party continues well into the night and it is one of the highlights of the neighborhood’s entire summer.

Jefferson Street Jazz & Blues Fest Information

• Public Transportation: Excellent (a 3-minute walk from buses 19, 22, 42, and the Blue Circuit at James Robertson Pkwy/7th Avenue North; a 4-minute walk from buses 29 and 41 at James Robertson Pkwy/5th Avenue North; and a 5-minute walk from buses 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, and 89 at Gay Street/5th Avenue North)
• Handicapped Accessibility: Good
• Performances: 10-12 performances during the day-long event (2 p.m.–midnight)
• Ticket Prices: $5–$10, VIP ticketing available for $20.