Travel

Your Guide to the 20th Anniversary Edition  June 23–July 1, 2023

Welcome to one of the world's largest and leading jazz festivals!

download rijf 2023 map button

 

 

 

 

Tips to make the most of your festival experience:

  • Download our free app - listen to tracks, read about the artists, plan and create a custom schedule, get alerts on shows starting, other announcements, and more!
  • Download festival map
  • Plan ahead!
  • Get news & announcements: sign up for our free newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter.
  • Download our free app, usually available in April, to listen to tracks, read about the artists, plan and create a custom schedule, get alerts on shows starting, other announcements and more!
  • Buy a Club Pass, the festival’s unique 3-day or 9-day value pass to discovery that provides access to all Club Pass Series Shows and saves on the cost of individual shows. Come and go as you like, and discover new artists. As we say, "It’s not just who you know, it’s who you don’t know.” Passes go on sale in October of the year prior to the Festival. 
  • Browse our website to read artist bios and visit their websites.
  • See photos from previous festivals to get a feel for what to expect.  
  • When you arrive, pick up a free pocket schedule at any venue or at the Ticket Shop. 

ACCESSIBILITY

All venues are handicapped accessible.

Accessible portable bathrooms for those attending outdoor shows are located: 

    • Outside the RIJF Club Pass Big Tent on East Main for people attending shows in the tent. 
    • The Kilbourn Hall alley, between Gibbs St and Swan St, bathroom area 
    • For Friday free shows at East Ave and Chestnut
    • Near Wegmans Stage on Parcel 5, all nine nights

Individuals needing assistance may call the Festival office in advance at (585) 454-2060 or see a volunteer at venue entrances.

AIRPORT

The distance from the airport to the festival is about 15 minutes. 

Greater Rochester International Airport Information

 APP

Put the CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival in your pocket with the official RIJF Jazz Fest App - Free! Loaded with features to enhance your festival experience!

Download for iPhone

Download for Android Devices

    • Find the entire line-up and 2023 Festival schedule.
    • Browse the schedule by When, Where and Type of show (Free, Club Pass, Headliners, etc.)
    • Browse by artists, read about them, visit their websites and listen to tracks.
    • Create and plan your own personal schedule, set reminders, view venues on the map, and get travel times.
    • Buy tickets, and see FAQs. 
    • Stay in touch with the latest news and alerts and important info on getting around the festival.
    • Connect with the Festival's Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram accounts to keep up with the latest posts.
    • Sign up for official festival alerts and email news for important, timely messages.
    • Never miss a show. Set alerts to upcoming events, including how long it will take to get there.
    • See what's hot and what others are recommending. 
    • Love a show? Share your favorites with others.

ATMs

Courtesy of our presenting sponsor, M&T Bank, ATMs are located in several locations around the festival. See the map for exact locations.

BIKE RACKS 

You may park your bike in racks located in the parking lot of the RIJF Big Tent at the corner of Main and Chestnut St. 

BIKE & SCOOTER SHARE

HOPR bikes and scooters are a fun, healthy and affordable way to get around Rochester. You can also enjoy HOPR bikes & scooters for last-mile commuting together with RTS or for recreation. To get going, download the HOPR Transit App.

BUS ROUTES - REGIONAL TRANSIT SERVICE

  • Rochester’s East End can be directly accessed from several east-side transit routes, including 31 Park, 33 Goodman, 38 East Main, 48 University and 57 East.  
  • The East End is a short walk from the RTS Transit Center, where all bus routes stop. Many routes run until midnight or 1AM, making an evening out without the hassle of parking an easy option.
  • Visit myRTS.com for more information and to download the Where’s My Bus? app for real-time bus arrival info on your smartphone from Google Play and the App Store
  • There may be minor bus route detours due to festival-related street closures; check myRTS.com or call 585-288-1700 for details.

FIRST AID TENT

Provided and staffed by Rochester Regional Health. Located on Jazz Street 

FOOD & BEVERAGES

We will offer a wide variety of food and beverages at the festival on:

• E. Main St. between Chestnut St. and Gibbs St.

• In and outside the RIJF Big Tent

• On Jazz Street (Gibbs St.) 

• Near outdoor stages on Parcel 5, East and Chestnut, Wegmans Pavilion

Food and beverages are also served at the following Club Pass venues:
    • Max of Eastman Place
    • Hyatt Regency Rochester Ballroom
    • Wilder Room
    • Outside the RIJF Big Tent
    • Hyatt Regency Rochester Main Street Gallery for Jam Sessions
    • Theater at Innovation Square
    • The Little Theatre

There are also many restaurants in the festival area.

FREE SHOWS

  • No tickets are required for free shows.
  • Bring a chair for outdoor stages.
  • Limited seating is provided on Jazz Street (Gibbs Street) stage.
  • All shows go on rain or shine.
  • Food and beverages are available for purchase near all outdoor stages.
  • No outside food is allowed. 

HEALTH & SAFETY NOTICE - IMPORTANT!

The health and safety of our patrons, artists, team members, and vendors is our highest priority.

Any health guidelines in effect recommended by the Monroe County Department of Public Health and New York State will be communicated via signage at the festival, on our website, on our festival app, and in our email newsletters. 

COVID-19 and the flu are still highly contagious diseases that can be extremely dangerous to people of all ages, especially to those who are elderly and/or have compromised immune systems. If you are ill and have any symptoms, we ask that you please stay home to get well and follow your doctor’s recommendations. 

The Festival is held in multiple public places and indoor venues. It is your responsibility as an attendee to assess your risk and determine if it is safe for you to attend the festival. 

We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work together to create a safe and enjoyable festival experience for all. 

INFORMATION | BROCHURES | QUESTIONS

  • Sign up for our free email newsletter

  • Follow us on Facebook,  Twitter and Instagram

  • Call (585) 454-2060

  • Download the official App here!

  • Jazz Fest Ticket Shop opens June 12, 2023, at 100 East Avenue.

    Hours Pre Jazz Fest

    Monday, June 12 to Friday, June 16 12:00 Noon – 5:00 PM

    Closed Saturday, June 17 & Sunday, June 18 

    Monday, June 19 to Thursday, June 22 Noon – 5 PM

    Redeem Club Pass Tickets For Passes Starting Monday, June 19 (Not Before)

    Hours During Jazz Fest

    Friday, June 23 – Saturday, July 1

    10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Daily   

  • Pick up a free brochure at any venue during the festival or at the Ticket Shop during the festival starting June 12th.

LODGING

Official hotel, Hyatt Regency Rochester, 125 East Main Street, Rochester, (585) 546-1234

Other Hotels within walking distance of Festival venues 

LOST & FOUND

DURING THE FESTIVAL: Please go to the Ticket Office at the corner of 100 East Ave.

  • Friday, June 23 – Saturday, July 1 from 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Daily  

Write your name and cell number on your Club Pass so that you can be notified if it is found.

AFTER THE FESTIVAL: Call the festival office at (585) 454-2060. Or email info@rochesterjazz.com

MERCHANDISE

Get official posters, apparel, and great festival gear and gifts during the Festival in the Merchandise Tent located on Jazz Street (Gibbs Street)

Open 4-11 PM June 23 - July 1

PARKING

RIJF is held in downtown Rochester, NY in the East End Cultural and Entertainment District. All venues are within walking distance of each other so park once and walk to everything.

The Festival does NOT operate any parking but there are many surface lots and ramp parking garages conveniently located near festival venues. Fees vary. 

Please note many side streets will be closed. 

Important! Please read the signs and make sure that parking is allowed wherever you are parking. Many lots are private for the use of their patrons only, and cars will be towed. The Festival cannot take any responsibility for people who park illegally.

PHOTOGRAPHY NOTICE

The use of cameras (still, video, cell phones) and recording devices are strictly prohibited at all indoor concerts at RIJF. Photography is permitted only by credentialed photographers in designated areas. Concertgoers are asked to please abide by these guidelines out of respect for the artists and others in the audience.  Anyone not abiding by these rules will be asked to leave the venue. 

RESTROOMS

Restrooms are located inside every venue. There are also portable bathrooms outside of the RIJF Big Tent, the alley adjacent to Kilbourn Hall, along with the Wegmans Pavilion, and near outdoor stages.  

SECURITY CHECKS

All bags are subject to search at every entrance and every venue.

STAGES & VENUES

Christ Church (Global Jazz Now Series) - Club Pass venue
Central Library of Monroe County & City of Rochester (outdoors weather permitting)
Eastman School of Music Room 135 (Jazz Workshops)
Hatch Recital Hall - Club Pass venue
Hyatt Regency Rochester Ballroom - Club Pass venue
Hyatt Regency Rochester Aster on Main for Jam Sessions
Jazz Street Stage (outdoor stage, all shows free)
Kilbourn Hall - Club Pass venue
Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre - Ticketed Headliner Venue
Max of Eastman Place - Club Pass venue
Montage Music Hall- Club Pass venue
Rochester Regional Health Big Tent - Club Pass venue (6PM shows are free)
Temple Theater - Club Pass venue
The Little Theatre - Club Pass venue
The Wilder Room - Club Pass venue
Wegmans Stage @ Parcel 5 (free outdoor stage for headliners)
Wegmans Pavilion East Ave (all shows free, tented stage)

STREET CLOSINGS

  • Gibbs Street (from East Avenue to East Main Street)
  • Tuesday, June 13 (7 am) to Tuesday, July 4 (midnight) Gibbs Street (Grove Street to Main Street)
  • June 23 to July 1: Each night, 4 pm to Midnight
  • East Avenue (from Scio Street to Chestnut Street) June 23-July 1: Each night 4 pm-midnight
  • Chestnut Street (from East Main Street to East Avenue) June 28: 6 am to midnight
  • Chestnut Street (from Main Street to Broad Street) Wednesday, June 28 to Saturday, July 1: Each night, 4 pm to midnight
  • Main Street (from Chestnut Street to Scio Street, not to include Chestnut/Scio) June 23-July 1: Each night, 4 pm to midnight

PARCEL 5 SHOWS 

  • Elm Street (from Clinton to Chestnut Street) June 28-July 1: Each day 1 am to midnight
  • Cortland Steet (from Elm Street to E. Main Street) June 28-July 1: Each day, 2 pm to midnight
  • Andrew Langston Way (from Elm Street to E. Main Street) June 28-July 1: Each day, 2 pm  to midnight
  • Euclid Street (Chestnut Street to Andrew Langston Way) June 28-July 1: Each day, 2 pm to midnight
  • Atlas Street (Euclid Street to Elm Street June 28-July 1: Each day, 2 pm to midnight

SURVEY

We appreciate your feedback during and after the festival. Please share your thoughts and comments via our annual online survey. The survey link will be provided in June. 

TICKET SHOP

The RIJF Ticket Shop is the place to buy Club Passes and headliner tickets. Pick up a free festival brochure, and get info. 

Located at 100 East Ave  (at the corner of Gibbs Street)

Hours Pre Jazz Fest

Monday, June 12 to Friday, June 16 12:00 Noon – 5:00 PM

Closed Saturday, June 17 & Sunday, June 18 

Monday, June 19 to Thursday, June 22 Noon – 5 PM

Redeem Club Pass Tickets For Passes Starting Monday June 19, Not Before)

Hours During Jazz Fest

Friday, June 23 – Saturday, July 1

10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Daily   

TICKETS

  • Club Pass tickets may be purchased online at rochesterjazz.com, or at the Jazz Fest Ticket Shop at 100 East Ave. (During the Festival Only)

  • Redeem your Club Pass ticket at the Ticket Shop starting June 19 - no sooner as passes will not be available!  You must redeem your Ticket for a Pass before you attend any shows. Tickets cannot be redeemed at venues. More info

  • Club Shows – enter with a Club Pass or $30/$35 (Kilbourn Hall) cash only at the door. You don't need a Club Pass to attend Club Pass shows. First-come, first-served for everyone, no reserved seating, and no advance sales. Arrive early!

  • Save Time in Line at Kilbourn and Max - for the first shows only we offer a wristband system to save you time spent in line, time to get food and drinks before the show, or to enjoy other shows and activities around the festival. Just line up at 4 p.m. outside Kilbourn or Max and receive a color-coded wristband that will specify a return time to see the show. You must be present and in line to get a wristband. Come back at your assigned time and enjoy the show!

  • Free Shows – no tickets required, all shows rain or shine.

VISITOR INFORMATION

While at the fest, stop by the Visit Rochester Booth on Jazz Street.

For information on things to do during the day while you are in Rochester see 

WHAT TO BRING

  • For free shows, you can bring lawn/stadium chairs
  • Your Club Pass! (Please write your cell number on your pass.) Club Passes cannot be replaced if lost. 

WHAT NOT TO BRING

  • Pets, Coolers, and Food

Last updated: 05/11/2023