Looking for a day of great music, tasty eats, and neighborhood pride? Head to Selby Avenue JazzFest on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Selby & Milton in St. Paul. It is free, family-friendly, and packed with performances, food vendors, artisan booths, and kids activities from 11:00 AM to 7:30 PM.
Check out the event website here: https://selbyavejazzfest.com/
Friday, Sept 12, 5:00–8:00 PM: “Jazz, Tech, and The Future: Shaping the Sound of Now” masterclass at Walker West Music Academy.
Saturday, Sept 13, 11:00 AM–7:30 PM: Main festival at Selby & Milton, hosted by T Mychael Rambo. FREE admission.
Sunday, Sept 14, 3:00 PM: Free special masterclass with Cory Henry at Walker West Music Academy.
Stage times for Sept 13 (subject to change):
11:00–11:40 AM — Selby Avenue Brass Band, traditional New Orleans-style procession
12:15–1:00 PM — Walker West Instructors & Student Jazz Ensemble
1:30–2:30 PM — Capri Big Band
3:00–3:15 PM — Sponsor announcements
3:30–4:30 PM — Ashley DeBose
5:00–6:00 PM — LA Buckner & Big Homie
6:30–7:30 PM — Jamecia Bennett
Tip: A community “Flash Mob Band” kicks things off at 11:30 AM. Horn and string players can download the sheet music and just show up to play.
This year features a free masterclass with Grammy winner Cory Henry on Sunday at 3 PM. Seating is limited and interest is high, so plan ahead.
Intersection: Selby Avenue & Milton Street, in St. Paul’s historic Summit-University (Rondo) neighborhood.
Parking: Free street parking throughout the neighborhood, plus the JJ Hill Montessori Magnet School lot at Selby & Oxford.
Accessibility: Handicap parking east of Chatsworth near the back of the stage, a drop-off zone at Milton & Hague, and dedicated space to the left of the stage for wheelchair users.
It is free and truly community-driven
All-ages fun with kids activities and a welcoming vibe
Local food and artisan vendors alongside a full day of live jazz
A meaningful celebration rooted in the Rondo/Summit-U neighborhood
How much are tickets?
Admission is free.
What time should I arrive?
Music starts at 11:00 AM on Saturday. Arrive early for easier parking and to catch the opening procession.
Where is the masterclass?
Walker West Music Academy, 650 Marshall Ave, St. Paul, MN 55104.
Bring a lawn chair or blanket
Come hungry and try a few vendors
Explore nearby businesses along Selby
Stay for the evening headliners
Check out the event website here: https://selbyavejazzfest.com/
