Music FestivalSince 1962

Reno Jazz Festival 2027: Save the Date at UNR (Plus 2026 Recap)

One of America's Premier Educational Jazz Events

Three days of world-class jazz education and performance at UNR. Student ensembles from across the West compete, learn from legendary clinicians, and share the stage at evening concerts featuring nationally touring artists.

The 2026 festival just wrapped (April 23–25)

Save the date: the Reno Jazz Festival 2027 returns to UNR in late April. Dates and 2027 headliners drop on the official site in early fall — check back, or join the weekly newsletter and we’ll send them as soon as they’re announced.

WhenApril 23-25, 2026
WhereUniversity of Nevada, Reno
Daytime EventsFREE
Evening Concerts$15-35
Official Website →View Schedule

What to Expect

🎷

Student Performances

Middle school, high school, and college jazz bands compete in multiple categories. Free to watch.

🎓

Master Classes & Clinics

Learn from world-class jazz educators. Open to musicians and music lovers alike.

🎵

Evening Concerts

Headlining performances by nationally touring jazz artists. Tickets required.

🏆

Competition & Awards

Outstanding student ensembles and soloists recognized at Saturday's awards ceremony.

2026 Schedule (Recap) — 2027 TBA

Below is the 2026 schedule for reference. The 2027 festival follows the same Thu–Sat format in late April; specific dates and performers will be announced on the official site.

Thursday, Apr 23

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Student Ensemble Performances

Middle & high school bands from across the region

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Jazz ClinicsHighlight

Workshops with guest artists

7:30 PM
Evening ConcertHighlight

Featured guest artist performance

Friday, Apr 24

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Student Ensemble Performances

Continued competition rounds

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Master ClassesHighlight

Intensive sessions with clinicians

7:30 PM
Evening ConcertHighlight

Headliner performance

Saturday, Apr 25

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Finals & Awards

Top ensembles perform

3:00 PM
Awards Ceremony

Recognition of outstanding performers

7:30 PM
Closing Night ConcertHighlight

Festival finale with all-star jam

Local Tips

→
Evening concerts sell out

Buy tickets early for the Thursday-Saturday night shows. These feature nationally touring jazz artists.

→
The daytime performances are the hidden gem

Watching talented student bands is free and genuinely impressive. Great for families.

→
Parking is tricky

UNR campus parking fills up. Consider the RTC bus or rideshare.

→
Midtown is a 5-minute drive

Before or after the evening concerts, hit Midtown for dinner and drinks.

Location & Parking

University of Nevada, Reno

1664 N Virginia St, Reno, NV 89557

Events are held across multiple UNR venues. Evening concerts at Nightingale Concert Hall. Paid parking in campus structures.

Open in Google Maps →

FAQ

What is the Reno Jazz Festival?▼
Founded in 1962, it's one of America's oldest and most prestigious educational jazz festivals. Middle school, high school, and college ensembles from across the Western US compete and learn from world-class clinicians.
Do I need tickets?▼
Daytime student performances and most clinics are free and open to the public. Evening concerts with headlining artists require tickets, typically $15-35.
Where does it take place?▼
Multiple venues across the UNR campus, including Nightingale Concert Hall, the Joe Crowley Student Union, and various recital halls. The evening concerts are at Nightingale Hall.
Can anyone attend the clinics?▼
Yes! The educational clinics are open to anyone interested in jazz — you don't need to be a student or musician to observe and learn.
Is parking available?▼
UNR has paid parking structures. The Brian Whalen Parking Complex on Virginia St is closest to Nightingale Hall. Street parking is limited.
Who are past headliners?▼
The festival has hosted jazz legends including Wynton Marsalis, Terence Blanchard, Kurt Elling, and the Count Basie Orchestra. 2026 headliners TBA.

Plan Your Visit

Where to Stay

Hotels near UNR campus

Midtown Bars

Post-concert drinks nearby

April Events

More happening that week

Get Reno's best picks weekly