Quick answers to the questions we hear most. Use the search or tabs below to filter, or jump straight to the callouts for the essentials.
The Selby Ave JazzFest is a free event and open to the public.
The center of the festival takes place at the intersection of Selby Avenue and Milton Street in St. Paul's historic Rondo neighborhood.
Yes! The festival goes on rain or shine.
The 2026 JazzFest is a two-day weekend:
We encourage guests to bring a lawn chair or blanket to enjoy the music comfortably (seating is not provided), along with cash, as some vendors don't take credit cards. The festival is rain or shine, so bring clothing for the weather.
Absolutely — food is a big part of the experience! Our curated food marketplace blends iconic State Fair classics with an authentic soul food twist, plus a vibrant variety of fresh, healthy, and plant-based options.
The Village Marketplace is a curated showcase of local ingenuity — an array of homegrown merchants and area nonprofits celebrating the culture, history, and enterprise of the Selby Corridor.
Yes! The Family Fun Zone is a dedicated playground for toddlers to pre-teens — featuring interactive arts & crafts, an old-school fishpond game, vibrant face painting, and custom balloons.
We open with a lively New Orleans–style brass parade marching down Selby Avenue, complete with authentic second line dancers — followed by the surprise Flash Mob Band performance at 11:30 AM.
Yes — this year's free Stokley Masterclass takes place Sunday, September 13, 3:00–4:30 PM at Harmony Hall, Walker|West. Stokley grew up in St. Paul and was once a student at Walker|West.
The masterclass is free, but space is strictly limited and registration is required. Reserve your spot via Eventbrite.
It's a surprise pop-up performance that kicks off the Selby Ave JazzFest with high energy! Musicians from all over the community gather to launch the festival with a bang.
If you play an instrument, you're invited! Whether you're a student, a pro, or a hobbyist, we want you there. All instruments are welcome.
Meet at the corner of Selby & Milton at 11:30 AM sharp.
You can download the sheet music from the Flash Mob Band page. Find your specific instrument part, print it out, and practice ahead of time.
Nope! Just download the music, practice your part, and show up at 11:30 AM ready to play.
The Jam Session is the official after-hours continuation of the festival at Walker West — a night of live, world-class improvisation.
The evening is hosted by Marvelous Leo — the pianist, vocalist, and guitarist whose improvisational spirit flows through the festival.
Both! Come to jam or come to listen — the boundaries between stage and crowd come down.
If you plan on playing, bring your instrument! The event is absolutely free.
Free street parking is available throughout the neighborhood. Parking is first-come, first-served.
Yes. The festival footprint is wheelchair-friendly, with a dedicated space near the stage for guests with mobility needs and accessible mobile restrooms available.
Yes! We provide one free high-flow water refill station on the festival grounds near the Family Fun Zone.
Absolutely — bring a reusable bottle to reduce plastic waste. For safety, we allow plastic or aluminum bottles (no glass).
Yes! They must be completely empty upon entry and will be inspected by security at the gates.
Refills at our hydration stations are 100% free. Bottled water is available for purchase at food vendor locations.
Yes, as long as they're in factory-sealed, individual-use packets.
Yes! The Official JazzFest Merchandise Booth (corner of Selby & Milton) and the Village Marketplace both offer gear and local treasures.
Located at the Selby Ave JazzFest booth on the intersection of Selby Ave and Milton Street N.
A fully stocked First Aid kit and at least two registered nurses on-site for basic assessments and care.
Yes — visit the First Aid station at Selby & Milton for a safe, shaded place to rest and hydrate.
In 2024, founders Mychael and Stephanie Wright passed management to Walker|West Music Academy to advance music education and performance in the community.
Sign up as an "Ambassador" via the Volunteer page, or email info@selbyavejazzfest.org for inquiries.
Apply to be a Village Marketplace vendor — applications open in May via the Vendor page.
Contact our Director of Marketing & Partnerships for the sponsorship deck. See options on the Sponsorship page.
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Our friendly Walker|West team is a quick message away and typically replies within one business day.
