Jazz in the Park, presented by Johnson Financial Group, will take place every other Thursday from June 5 through September 25 in Cathedral Square Park. The free concert series begins with Salsa in the City on Thursday, June 5, featuring Orquesta Ayala Salsa Band with special guest Mezclando Dance Company. Happy hour drink specials will be available from 5 to 6 p.m., with live music from 6 to 9 p.m.
“Our Associates are proud to support Jazz in the Park for the fourth consecutive year and help bring Milwaukee’s favorite summer music series to life,” said Jim Popp, CEO of Johnson Financial Group. “We’re committed to enhancing the quality of life in our community and celebrating the diverse talents of local artists. We look forward to another incredible year of music and community engagement.”
This year, Jazz in the Park is evolving. The name remains, but the sound is expanding. From salsa and soul to indie rock and brass bands, this season’s genre-spanning lineup celebrates the diversity of Milwaukee’s music scene and the communities that shape it.
“Jazz in the Park has been a staple of downtown Milwaukee’s summer scene for more than three decades. This year, we’re introducing a fresh format that blends together a broader mix of music, local talent, and marketplace experiences,” said Eddie Sturkey, executive director of East Town Association. “We’re eager to grow alongside our city while keeping the spirit of community at the heart of everything we do.”
2025 Jazz in the Park lineup:
| June 5 | Salsa in the City: Orquesta Ayala Salsa Band with special guest Mezclando Dance Company |
| June 19 | Smooth Summer Grooves: Christopher’s Project |
| July 3 | Stars, Stripes & Strings: Chris Haise Band with special guest Brady Lee |
| July 31 | Avant Groove: The Claudettes |
| Aug 14 | Soulful Summer: Respect! A Tribute to The Queen of Soul |
| Aug 28 | Pride in the Park: Betsy Ade & The Well-Known Strangers with special guest Our Voice Milwaukee |
| Sept 11 | Halfway to Mardi Gras: The Hot and Dirty Brass Band |
| Sept 25 | Jazz Goes Dead… Again: Another One |
Jazz in the Park Side Stage Experiences
Everyone’s favorite seat in the house is back for the 2025 season, thanks to Johnson Financial Group and OnMilwaukee. Enjoy the show from a reserved picnic table in a private area next to the stage. Each reservation includes a bottle of wine, a charcuterie board from Lupi & Iris, a selection of desserts, and access to a private restroom. Tables seat up to six guests, and only five packages are available for each night of the series. Each package is $100. Buy tickets here.
Jazz in the Park Marketplace
For the first time, Jazz in the Park will feature a curated marketplace of local vendors each evening of the series. Attendees can browse local art, handcrafted goods, and small-batch bites while enjoying live music. The marketplace opens at 5 p.m. alongside happy hour and remains open throughout the evening. Interested in becoming a vendor? Apply here.
Sip to Support!
Jazz in the Park remains a free event thanks to the generous support of sponsors, donors, and on-site beverage sales. This year, we’re partnering with local law enforcement and implementing a stricter no carry-in policy to help boost beverage sales, which directly support the event. For perspective, your purchase of a single bottle of wine helps provide two minutes of free music for the community!
Thank you in advance for purchasing beverages from the East Town Association bar on Kilbourn Avenue. To plan ahead, visit our website for a full list of available beverage options.
To learn more about Jazz in the Park, visit easttown.com & our Jazz in the Park Facebook Event Page.