The Clearwater Jazz Holiday has been a Tampa Bay music tradition since 1980. Held in downtown Clearwater's Coachman Park on the waterfront, the four-day festival blends jazz, soul, R&B, funk, and Americana across multiple stages — with the iconic main stage directly facing the harbor.
When & Where
- Typical dates: third or fourth week of October, Thursday–Sunday
- Venue: Coachman Park, 301 Drew St, Clearwater FL (on the water, across the causeway from Clearwater Beach)
- Access from the beach: 10-minute drive via Memorial Causeway
Lineup & Music
Past headliners have included: Chaka Khan, George Benson, Trombone Shorty, Pink Martini, Ziggy Marley, The Roots, and dozens more. Between headliners, local Tampa Bay jazz musicians play secondary stages. The sound is jazz-adjacent rather than strictly straight-ahead jazz — think modern, festival-friendly, crowd-pleasing sets.
Tickets
- General admission on Thursday is often free or low-cost
- Fri–Sun tickets: $35–$85 per day depending on the headliner
- 4-day passes: ~$200
- VIP packages include covered seating, beverages, and premium sightlines
- Check ClearwaterJazz.com for current year pricing
Parking
Downtown Clearwater parking garages fill quickly. Best options:
- Municipal Garage (behind Capitol Theatre)
- Park Street Garage
- City Hall lot (free after hours)
- Jolley Trolley from Clearwater Beach — easier than driving
What to Bring
- A low-back lawn chair (festival allows standard beach-style chairs)
- Small blanket
- Light jacket for evening (mid-October gets cool at sunset)
- Credit card — cashless vendors most years
- Stay hydrated — October is still warm in Florida
Combine With
Jazz Holiday weekend is one of the best times to visit Clearwater Beach. Stay at a beachfront hotel, spend days on the beach, drive into Clearwater for evening concerts. October weather is nearly perfect. See our fall visit guide.
The Friday night headliner set is usually the crown jewel — the crowd is warmed up, the sunset over Coachman Park harbor is spectacular, and the venue feels electric. Get there by 6 PM to stake out a spot.Back to Events