15th Annual Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival (PIJF) during September 18-21

Check out the 15th Annual Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival (PIJF) taking place along Liberty Avenue near the August Wilson Center (980 Liberty Avenue) during the weekend as well as various venues throughout the city during September 18-21. The jazz festival includes free outdoor concerts on Liberty Avenue as well as several ticketed indoor events. Check out the promo video

It is recommended people bring portable chairs for the free outdoor jazz festival concerts on Saturday, September 20 (from 11 AM to 10 PM) and Sunday, September 21 from 11 AM to 10 PM.

This year's jazz festival includes an outdoor StrEAT Festival -- with a diverse selection of ethnic foods that showcase the unique flavors and cultural traditions of Pittsburgh -- during September 20-21 along Smithfield Street between 7th Avenue and Strawberry Way. With over 30,000 attendees, PIJF attracts music lovers from across the country and around the world. Together, the StrEAT Festival and PIJF offer an unforgettable celebration of food, music, and the vibrant spirit of downtown Pittsburgh.

Saturday's outdoor free jazz line-up along Liberty Avenue includes
August Wilson All-Star Jazz Band led by Howie Alexander -- 11 AM
Philly Student Group -- 11:30 AM
Theron Brown -- 12:30 PM
Michael Mayo -- 1:15 PM
Kandace Springs -- 2:30 PM
Keith David -- 3:30 PM
Be’la Dona -- 4:30 PM
Etienne Charles & Creole Soul -- 5:30 PM
Tarbaby -- 6:30 PM
Branford Marsalis Quartet -- 7:45 PM
Eric Benét -- 8:45 PM
Imani All Stars Jam Session -- 10 PM

Sunday's outdoor free jazz line-up along Liberty Avenue includes
Philly Student Group -- 11 AM
August Wilson All-Star Jazz Band led by Howie Alexander -- 11:30 AM
Nathan-Paul & The Admirables -- 12:30 PM
Ekep Nkwelle -- 1:15 PM
John Shannon -- 2:30 PM
Obed Calvaire-Haitian Project -- 3:30 PM
Jazzmeia Horn -- 4:30 PM
Ella Bric -- 5:30 PM
Christone “Kingfish” Ingram -- 6:30 PM
Dee Dee Bridgewater -- 7:45 PM
Bilal -- 8:45 PM

While at the PIJF, people can also check out various downtown galleries that will be open until 5 PM. In addition, there are other options such as taking in a movie at Harris Theater, theatre performances in the Cultural District, etc.

Other updates may be provided later on -- such as where the group may be meeting to check out jazz festival, downtown galleries, etc.

Other Thursday-Sunday Jazz Events There are ticketed performances on Friday night (9/19) at the August Wilson Center, including an all-star tribute honoring Pittsburgh’s own George Benson lead by jazz guitarist Dan Wilson and special guest Jonathan Butler at 8 PM (sold out) followed by Taste of Jazz Party at 9 PM ($78 all-inclusive ticket) where guests will enjoy different jazz styles (performed live by T. Marie & Friends, Kenny Blake and the New Hip, Theron Brown) paired with delicious tastings from Pittsburgh’s hottest restaurants.

The downtown Pittsburgh Playhouse will host a special Etta Cox concert on Friday 9/19 at 7 PM.

In addition, with so many visitors traveling to Pittsburgh for the jazz festival, there will be live jazz all over the city, including Con Alma, Eddie V's, Kingfly Spirits, and City Winery during the entire festival Thursday-Sunday.

Meetup Considerations
At any given time, there could be anywhere from 0-20+ people from Meetup although they'll be dispersed among thousands of jazz fans, general public, etc. Thus, you'll generally find more people from the Meetup if you walk around as compared to staying in just a few spots.

If the weather forecast looks good, we'll try to arrange Meetup groups for various times during the weekend.

One gathering location will be inside SPACE Gallery (812 Liberty Ave) at 2 PM sharp on Saturday 9/20 so people can set up portable chairs together. Please be mindful that whenever gathering times/locations are provided, there is always a tradeoff as to how long people that show up 'on time' should be expected to 'wait around' for others that may or may not show up at a given time.

As always, it is also fine if people prefer to check out the jazz festival on their own with family/friends or in smaller groups.

Please be mindful that most people are simply happy enough to say hi to whoever they already know -- and happen to run into -- as they walk around the festival.

It is not realistic to post comments asking where other people in the group are and expecting a timely response. Many people are there to enjoy the festival without feeling the need to constantly check their cell phones.

Parking Here is the ParkPGH website with real-time info on downtown parking garage availability where you can also download apps, get garage availability via text messaging, etc. You can also call 412-423-8980.