The entrance to the Jay Paul Company Main Stage area is located adjacent to the Ticket Booth on the south end of the Plaza Park, at San Carlos and Market Streets. There is a VIP entrance directly into the VIP Pavilion across from the Circle of Palms for VIP wristband holders only. Please enter the admission queue with your wristbands on and fastened and all bags and purses open for inspection. Be prepared to have your bag or purse searched. Vending is prohibited on festival grounds, and you must leave your pets at home, except service animals, which must be kept on leash at all times. Smoking of any kind is not allowed on Fest grounds or near Fest venues. Our gate and bags policies can be found below.
GETTING HERE
Where is Summer Fest, and how do I get there?
Summer Fest is held in San Jose’s downtown core, near Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport and San Jose Diridon Station, serving Caltrain, Altamont Corridor Express (ACE), Amtrak, and the local VTA Light Rail. There is also ample parking nearby.
Can I take public transportation?
The area is serviced by plentiful public transportation options by VTA (Valley Transportation Authority). VTA’s Green and Blue Light Rail lines skirt the Fest site, with their Convention Center stop right across from the Fest’s main entrance. For trip planning assistance, call 408-321-2300 or visit vta.org.
Where do I park?
If you choose to drive, there are plentiful parking options for the Fest site. Visit parksj.org for real-time information on open parking lots and garages in the immediate area. Note the Fest’s Main Stage area is the oval park visible on their map, and the lots in orange are City-owned, and usually a better value than the privately owned lots listed.
For more information on the nearest parking lots, biking and more, visit our “Getting Here” page.
I’m coming by rideshare. Where should they drop me off?
There is a dedicated drop off/pick up location in front of the Civic Auditorium on San Carlos Street, adjacent to the Fest entrance. Please do not pick up or drop off at any other location on San Carlos Street.
TICKETS & PAYMENTS
How do I buy tickets?
Purchase tickets online on our Tickets page. Passes and tickets are available at the “Advance Purchase” price through midnight July 31. Tickets will be available online at full price after that date through the close of the event. You may also purchase admission on site at the cashless Ticket Booth with all major credit cards, subject to availability. Purchase online to avoid disappointment and potential lines at the Fest.
Who needs a ticket to the Fest?
Children 4 and under are free. Children aged 5-12 can enter with a Child’s daily general admission ticket, available online and at the gate for $10 per day. A child’s wristband grants admission according to the access level of an accompanying adult. Anyone 13 or older needs an adult ticket.
I purchased online. Can I use my Confirmation to get in?
No. Online ticket purchases are confirmed at time of purchase. The QR codes that you need to exchange for wristbands will be emailed to you on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, before the festival begins.
Where do I get my wristbands?
When you arrive at the Fest, head to the Prepaid line at the Ticket Booth, located on the south end of the Plaza Park (San Carlos and Market Streets) to redeem your tickets for your wristband(s). Have a photo ID ready to look up your tickets.
Can I pick up my wristband early?
No, wristbands will not be distributed prior to Summer Fest. You will need to pick up your wristband onsite at the Fest ticket booth on Friday August 7 at 4pm when the booth opens.
What are the hours of the Ticket Booth?
Fri, Aug 7, 4–9:30pm
Sat Aug 8, 10am–8:30pm
Sun, Aug 9, 10am–7pm
The Ticket Booth is located on the south end of the Plaza Park (San Carlos and Market Streets).
Will Call & Ticket Issues
The Will Call booth is adjacent to the Ticket Booth, located on the south end of the Plaza Park (San Carlos and Market Streets). If you have a ticket problem, a staff member at the Will Call Booth can help you solve it.
Will the festival sell out?
There are limited capacities of VIP areas and indoor venues, and some Fest access levels may sell out, especially for Saturday, August 8. Buy tickets early to avoid disappointment and purchase Priority Access and above wristbands for first-in privileges at indoor stages.
What if a performer I want to see cancels?
The Fest goes on, rain or shine. There are no ticket refunds or exchanges. We will do our best to notify attendees of all changes and cancellations in advance, however, all events are subject to change or cancellation at any time without notice.
What kind of payments are accepted at the Fest?
The Ticket Booth, Fest Store and all SJZ Beverage booths are cashless and accept all major credit cards, contactless, and mobile payments such as Apple Pay. Food and Arts & Crafts vendors accept their own variety of payments, which can include cash.
GETTING IN
How do I get into the Main Stage Area?
The main entrance for GA, All Stages and Priority Access wristbands to the Jay Paul Company Main Stage area (including McDonald’s Blues/Big Easy Stage and PG&E Latin Tropical Stage) is adjacent to the Ticket Booth located on the south end of the Plaza Park (San Carlos and Market Streets).
This year an Express Entrance and exit will be located on Market Street at Paseo de San Antonio walkway, adjacent to the fountain inside the Park. You must be wearing a wristband to use this entrance; no ticket services are provided in this location. All bags must be smaller than 12”X12”X6”; those with larger bags must enter at the main gate. Everyone is subject to Security and those with large bags will be directed to the main entrance at the south end of the park.
There is a VIP entrance directly into the VIP Pavilion across from the Circle of Palms for VIP wristband holders only. VIP wristband holders must first pick up their wristbands at the Ticket Booth at Market and San Carlos Streets and then proceed down Market Street to that entrance. Please enter the admission queue with your wristbands on and fastened and all bags and purses open for inspection.
What can I Bring Into the Fest?
To learn what you can, and cannot, bring into the festival, download our handy guide. Prohibitions are strictly enforced.
May I bring a pet to the Fest?
Only ADA-defined service animals (dogs) individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability are allowed and must be on leash at all times. No pets or emotional/therapy/comfort support animals are allowed.
What is the Security Experience like?
At the main entrance, watch for three sets of admissions lines, L–R:
• BAGS LINE — For those with larger belongings, subject to the parameters below.
• EXPRESS LINE – For those with CLEAR bags or backpacks 12” X 12” X 6” or smaller, waist packs and purses up to 6” X 9” in size ONLY
• PRIORITY / VIP / ADA LINE – Quick entrance to those with Priority Access and VIP wristbands and those with a disability
What time do gates and stages open?
Fri, Aug 7
Main Stage Area Including Jay Paul Company Main Stage, McDonald’s Blues/Big Easy Stage, PG&E Latin Tropical Stage:
Main Gate: 5pm
Express Gate: 6pm
(Start times on these stages vary; check your schedule)
SJZ Break Room Stage: 7:30pm
Montgomery Theater Stage: 6:30pm
Applied Materials Community Swing Stage: 5:30pm
Signia Club Regent Stage: 6:30pm
Sat, Aug 8
Main Stage Area Including Jay Paul Company Main Stage, McDonald’s Blues/Big Easy Stage, PG&E Latin Tropical Stage:
Main Gate: 12:30pm
Express Gate: 1:30pm
(Start times on these stages vary; check your schedule)
Applied Materials Community Swing Stage: 12:30pm
ASML Next Gen Stage at SJMA: 11:30am
Montgomery Theater Stage: 12:30pm
SJZ Break Room Stage: 6:30pm
Signia Club Regent Stage: 12:30pm
Sun, Aug 9
Main Stage Area Including Jay Paul Company Main Stage, McDonald’s Blues/Big Easy Stage, PG&E Latin Tropical Stage:
Main Gate: 11:00am Express Gate: 12:00 pm
(Start times on these stages vary; check your schedule)
Applied Materials Community Swing Stage: 12:30pm
Montgomery Theater Stage: 12:30pm
SJZ Break Room Stage: 5:30pm
ASML Next Gen Stage at SJMA: 11:30am
Signia Club Regent Stage: 12:30pm
Can I get into the Main Stage area early to place my seat?
General admission patrons may enter through the entrance at San Carlos and Market Streets from 7–9am on Saturday and Sunday to place their blankets and chairs. After 9am the area will remain closed until the stage’s official opening times.
In order to allow viewing for everyone, chair backs must be no higher than 28” with legs no higher than 8”. Umbrellas are not allowed. Patrons may take up a space with their blankets no larger than 6′ x 8′ and this space needs to be covered with chairs. VIP and Priority access wristband holders will not be allowed in early to reserve seats, but must come in when the doors open for that day. VIP and Priority wristband holders will be provided folding chairs, but must stay in their seats or they will be opened to other patrons. GA Chairs and blankets must be cleared each evening.
AT THE FEST
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 has an elevated viewing area to the left, on ground level; there is a ramp from that area down to the lower level. 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.
AFTER THE FEST
I need more live music in my life. Where can I get it?
San Jose Jazz programs live music most every weekend, fall–spring, in our own venue, the SJZ Break Room. Find the schedule and tickets at sanjosejazz.org. Save the date for the next Summer Fest, August 13–15 2027.
I lost something at the Fest. How can I locate it?
We regret that the size of the event doesn’t allow us to offer a centralized Lost & Found on the Fest grounds. Email us about your item the following week at info@sanjosejazz.org.