Does the Fest allow in-and-out privileges?
Yes. Just show valid wristbands for the day to enter or re-enter any stage. Those exiting the Main Stage area will be re-searched upon re-entry.
Which stages are outdoor and which are indoor?
Outdoor Stages
Jay Paul Company Main Stage
McDonald’s Blues/Big Easy Stage
PG&E Latin Tropical Stage
Applied Materials Community Swing Stage*
Indoor Stages
Signia Club Regent Stage*
Montgomery Theater Stage*
SJZ Break Room Stage*
ASML Next Gen Stage at SJMA**
* Available with All Stages wristband and above
** Free community stage
What is Priority Access?
Priority Access is a ticketing level allowing access to the Priority Access seating area in front of the Main Stage (accessed from the sidewalk on the left when looking at the stage), first-in access at indoor stages (Montgomery Theater Stage, Signia Club Regent Stage and the SJZ Break Room Stage). These stages are cleared after every performance. Learn more about access levels here.
What is Premium Seating?
Premium Seating are separate, reserved seating sections for VIP and Priority Access ticket holders directly in front of the Main Stage, allowing attendees to view their favorite artists up close. VIP and Priority access ticket holders have automatic and unlimited access to their own section of this seating area. Individual seats are not reserved, and cannot be saved for longer than 15 minutes. Arrive early to make sure you get a seat for your favorite artists. Priority Access ticket holders have a dedicated bar adjacent to their area and VIP ticket holders have the VIP Pavilion to the right of the stage exclusive to them. For more information on VIP and Priority Access ticket benefits, visit our page on the 4 Levels of Access.
May I bring blankets and chairs and leave them overnight?
Blankets and chairs meeting the specifications below may be used in the Jay Paul Company Main Stage lawn area behind and around the Premium Seating and VIP Pavilion at the Main Stage. Seat backs must be a maximum of 28” in height, and umbrellas or parasols cannot be attached to chairs. Blankets are allowed, with a maximum size of 6 feet x 8 feet reserved for any one party. One person must be in the area at all times, or the blanket will be removed. Blankets or chairs cannot be left overnight.
It’s an outdoor event. May I smoke?
No. The festival is a non-smoking event. Smoking or vaping of any kind is not permitted inside Fest grounds or near Fest venues. Smoking of any kind may result in ejection from the Fest grounds.
May I take photographs of the artists?
Point and shoot photo equipment may be used at any time in the public areas of the festival. If you are a professional photographer who would like pit privileges to photograph at close range, please apply for a photo credential here.
Do you offer special accommodations for ADA attendees?
ADA-Accessible parking is available at several parking garages near the Fest grounds. Note that you must have the required credentials, including a DMV-issued placard, license plate, or permit, and documentation for it.
When you approach the Admission Booth, the sidewalk can accommodate wheelchairs and you can exchange your QR code for a wristband with the assistance of our admission staff.
There will be four lines at the gate— go to the rightmost lane (VIP/Priority Access/ADA Access) and security will let you into the festival. In most cases, this is the quickest line and the fastest way to get in. Keep in mind that as a summertime event, the weather will be quite hot and there will be long lines at rush hours. We would recommend that you arrive outside of these rush hours in order to avoid the crowds.
The beverage booth at Summer Fest is accessible using the curved paths located before the fountains, and the Jazz Store is accessible via the center path in the park. In general, the park is ADA-compliant.
Every stage at Summer Fest is ADA-Accessible. The Jay Paul Company Main Stage has a designated GA wheelchair area at the Main Stage, just in the back of the Priority Access Seating area. Enter from the main entrance at San Carlos and Market and proceed up the sidewalk on the left side when facing the Main Stage. The PG&E Latin Tropical Stage does not have any infrastructure that would interfere with ADA access. The McDonald’s Blues/Big Easy Stage is ADA-accessible from the right-hand corridor of the south end of the park. The Signia Club Regent Stage <<to come.>> The Montgomery Theater Stage also has reserved seating for wheelchair access, and staff can assist you in finding a comfortable space at the SJZ Break Room. There are fully accessible bathrooms throughout the Fest grounds.
Please register for our mailing list at summerfest.sanjosejazz.org to get the latest updates on maps, the weather, the lineup, and more! You may also call the San Jose Jazz office 408 288-7557 for additional information. Note that call volume will be higher than normal during Fest hours and we may not be able to answer.
Are there security and medical personnel onsite?
Absolutely. If you need emergency medical or police attention, please contact any staff member/volunteer, see an attendant at the VIP Pavilion or visit the First Aid Booth in the Plaza Park.
For additional questions, call 408 288-7557 or email info@sanjosejazz.org. During the festival, our entire staff will be on the festival grounds and may not be able to answer emails in a timely manner.