(May 25-28, 2012) Known as the Sacramento Jazz Festival and Jubilee before a 2011 name change, the Sacramento Music Festival is Sacramento’s annual jazz, blues and zydeco party, packing almost a years’ worth of music into a four day span in early summer. The festival features performers from up and down the West Coast, as well as acts from across the country, covering all styles of jazz and beyond.

The festival is held in 24 venues throughout Sacramento, with its main epicenters in “Old Sacramento” (Sacramento’s Historic District) and the Convention Center area. Venues range in size from intimate listening rooms to large outdoor stages with lots of dancing space. Also included are three venue sites dedicated solely to performances by young developing jazz musicians. The Jubilee has a shuttle bus system providing transport for all musicians and festival-goers, and package deals are available at local festival-affiliated hotels.

Sacramento Music Festival Information

• Public Transportation: Excellent (Sacramento Regional Transit District runs usual schedules during the festival, including shuttle service and light rail.) $5/weekend pass for between-venue shuttle bus service
• Handicapped Accessibility: Excellent; handicapped persons get second priority on shuttle buses
• Performances/Programs: Programming includes more than 400 sets of live music with over 70 bands during the 4-day festival
• Ticket Prices: Early Bird Discount – Access to all music venues on all 4 days (Adult $90; Youth ages 13-20 $45); Friday Pass – Access to all venues on Friday (Adult $35; Youth $15); Saturday Pass – Access to all venues on Saturday (Adult $45; Youth $20); Sunday Pass – Access to all venues on Sunday (Adult $45; Youth $20); Monday Pass – Access to all venues on Monday (Adult $20; Youth $15; Seniors 60 and older $10). Processing fees range from $1.49 – $5.49. Once purchased, print out your tickets and bring them to one of the festival admission booths.