The Ultimate Guide To Jazz'SAlive 2025: 7 Reasons San Antonio's Free Festival Is A Must-See
San Antonio’s vibrant jazz scene is set to explode once again as the city prepares for its premier musical event, the 42nd Annual Jazz'SAlive festival. This beloved, free two-day extravaganza, often simply referred to as "Jazz Alive San Antonio," is the official jazz music festival of the Alamo City, and the 2025 event promises a powerful lineup of national stars and local legends.
Scheduled for September 26–27, 2025, at the stunning Civic Park at Hemisfair, this festival is a cornerstone of the city's cultural calendar, drawing tens of thousands of music lovers. The San Antonio Parks Foundation meticulously curates an experience that celebrates the full spectrum of jazz, from classic swing to contemporary Latin Jazz, ensuring the spirit of jazz is truly alive in the heart of Texas. The following guide details everything you need to know about the upcoming festival, including the confirmed artists and the deeper culture it represents.
The 42nd Annual Jazz'SAlive 2025: Dates, Location, and Headliners
The annual Jazz'SAlive festival, which first began in 1984 after the San Antonio Parks Foundation was established in 1981, has grown into one of the most respected free jazz events in the country. The 42nd iteration in 2025 continues this rich tradition at a spectacular new venue that has revitalized Downtown San Antonio.
- Event Name: 42nd Annual Jazz'SAlive Festival
- Dates: Friday, September 26, 2025, and Saturday, September 27, 2025
- Location: Civic Park at Hemisfair, San Antonio, Texas
- Admission: General Admission is completely FREE and open to all ages.
- Organizer: San Antonio Parks Foundation
- Stages: Performances are typically split across two dynamic stages: the main Majestic Stage and the local favorite KRTU Stage.
Confirmed Artists and Rising Stars for 2025
The 2025 lineup is stacked with Grammy-nominated artists and some of the finest talent in the Texas jazz community. The festival is renowned for showcasing a mix of established national acts and emerging local performers, creating a diverse musical tapestry.
Key artists confirmed to perform at the 42nd Annual Jazz'SAlive include:
- Endea Owens and the Cookout: A major headliner, Endea Owens is a celebrated bassist known for her work on the "Late Show with Stephen Colbert" band, bringing a fresh, dynamic energy to the stage.
- Stella Cole: A rising star who has gained significant attention for her smooth vocal style, blending classic jazz with a modern sensibility.
- Mark Little and Melodious Phunk: Known for their energetic and genre-bending performances that incorporate elements of funk and soul into their jazz foundation.
- MiChelle Garibay-Carey: A highly respected local San Antonio singer-songwriter and artist, representing the strong local jazz community.
- Brenná Parker: Another exciting performer contributing to the festival's diverse sound.
- St. Mary's University PM Jazz Combo: Showcasing the future of jazz, the inclusion of student groups highlights the festival's commitment to education and local talent development.
The Hemisfair Experience: More Than Just Music
Hosting the event at Civic Park at Hemisfair transforms Jazz'SAlive into a complete cultural destination. Hemisfair, a historic park that was the site of the 1968 World's Fair, offers a beautiful, modern backdrop for the two-day event. The park’s central location in Downtown San Antonio makes it easily accessible and surrounded by other major attractions, including the famous River Walk.
The festival atmosphere extends far beyond the music stages. Attendees can explore a vibrant marketplace featuring local arts and crafts vendors, a wide array of food options, and a dedicated area for adult beverages. The event is family-friendly, creating a communal, celebratory mood that brings together the diverse communities of the Alamo City.
The Two Stages: Majestic and KRTU
To accommodate the packed schedule and diverse genres—ranging from traditional Classic Jazz and Latin Jazz to Blues, R&B, and Big Band—Jazz'SAlive utilizes two main performance areas. The Majestic Stage typically hosts the national headlining acts, offering a large-scale concert experience. The KRTU Stage, named after the festival's long-time partner, provides a more intimate setting, often highlighting local and regional talent.
The partnership with KRTU 91.7 FM, the Trinity University-affiliated jazz radio station, is crucial. KRTU is one of the last remaining professional jazz stations in Texas and serves as a vital artery for the San Antonio jazz community, broadcasting the music and promoting the culture year-round. Their involvement solidifies the festival's commitment to authentic, high-quality jazz programming.
The San Antonio Jazz Ecosystem: Beyond the Festival
While Jazz'SAlive is the annual peak of the San Antonio jazz calendar, the city offers a thriving scene throughout the year. For those visiting or living in the area, exploring the local jazz clubs and venues is essential to fully appreciate the city's musical heritage.
The San Antonio jazz ecosystem is supported by dedicated venues that keep the music flowing every week. These clubs often feature local legends and provide a crucial space for emerging artists to hone their craft. Key venues include:
- Jazz, TX: Located in the historic Pearl Brewery district, this venue is a premier underground jazz club known for its sophisticated atmosphere and focus on high-caliber jazz, blues, and big band music. It successfully blends the grit of a traditional Texas dancehall with the elegance of a modern jazz bar.
- LUNA Music Bar & Lounge: A popular spot for live entertainment, LUNA features a mix of Soul, Blues, R&B, and Jazz, offering a slightly broader genre focus but with a strong commitment to live music.
- Fitzgerald's Bar & Live Music Venue: While hosting various genres, Fitzgerald's is another venue that actively searches for top-notch bands from San Antonio and beyond, often featuring jazz and blues acts.
These entities, along with the educational programs supported by the San Antonio Parks Foundation and KRTU 91.7 FM, ensure that the "Jazz Alive" spirit is a constant, not just a once-a-year event. The city's commitment to this art form is part of what makes it a unique cultural destination in Texas.
7 Reasons Jazz'SAlive 2025 is Your Must-Attend Festival
For jazz aficionados, culture seekers, or anyone looking for a memorable weekend in the Alamo City, the 42nd Annual Jazz'SAlive offers an unparalleled experience. Here are the top seven compelling reasons to mark your calendar for September 26-27, 2025:
- World-Class Talent for Free: The festival provides two full days of performances by Grammy-level artists like Endea Owens and celebrated musicians like Stella Cole, all without a ticket price.
- A Cultural Landmark: As the City of San Antonio’s official jazz festival, it has a history dating back to 1984, making it a deeply rooted and respected cultural institution.
- Stunning New Venue: Civic Park at Hemisfair offers a beautiful, modern, and central location, providing an ideal, spacious setting for a large-scale public event.
- Diverse Genre Exploration: The programming is intentionally broad, covering Classic Jazz, Latin Jazz, Blues, and contemporary fusion, ensuring there is something for every musical taste.
- Support Local Talent: The festival is a powerful platform for local San Antonio artists, including MiChelle Garibay-Carey and student groups, giving them the spotlight alongside national stars.
- Community and Culinary Experience: It’s a true community event, featuring local food vendors, artisan crafts, and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for families and friends.
- KRTU Partnership: The involvement of KRTU 91.7 FM guarantees a high standard of musical curation and a deep connection to the national jazz radio landscape.
Whether you are a devoted follower of the genre or simply looking for the best free entertainment in Texas, Jazz'SAlive in San Antonio is an essential destination. The combination of historical significance, fresh talent, and a welcoming atmosphere ensures that the legacy of jazz remains strong and vibrant in the heart of the Lone Star State.
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