Get ready for one of Toledo’s most exciting summer traditions—Glass City JazzFest is back and bringing world-class jazz to the riverfront at Glass City Metropark on Saturday, August 9, 2025. This free, all-day event is the centerpiece of a full week of jazz programming, and it’s the perfect excuse to plan a music-filled getaway to the Glass City.
Written by: Kendahl Plank
What to Expect on Festival Day
Set along the Maumee River within Glass City Metropark, Glass City JazzFest offers a laid-back, outdoor setting with incredible music, local food trucks, artisan vendors, and a high-energy, community vibe. The festival runs from 12:30 PM to sunset, with a stacked lineup of local legends and internationally acclaimed artists.
2025 Main Stage Lineup:
- 12:30 p.m. | Jean Holden
- 2:00 p.m. | Akira Tana & Otonowa
- 3:45 p.m. | RiShon Odel & The 5th Element
- 5:30 p.m. | Straight Ahead
- 7:15 p.m. | Vinicius Gomes Quintet featuring SongYi Jeon
- 9:00 p.m. | Brian Bromberg (Grammy-nominated headliner)
Admission is free and open to all ages. Bring your own lawn chairs or picnic blankets to claim your spot for the day. A limited number of reserved seating options are also available for those who want guaranteed close-to-stage views—check the Glass City JazzFest website for details. Expect local eats, cold drinks, and the best sunset view in town, all to the soundtrack of smooth, soulful jazz.
Getting There
Glass City Metropark is located at 983 Front Street in Toledo, and festival organizers make it easy to get in and out. Special event shuttle service will be provided by TARTA, including park-and-ride options from several city hubs, like Franklin Park Mall and The Docks. TARTA’s express buses are an affordable and stress-free way to enjoy the event—rides are just $1.50 each way.
Some on-site parking will be available, but attendees are encouraged to plan ahead and use public transportation or ride shares when possible.
Music Leading up to the Festival: Jazz Week in Toledo
Before the big event, enjoy Toledo Jazz Week from August 4–8. This lead-up to the festival includes five nights of free, live jazz performances at venues across the city. Each show runs from 6 to 8 PM, with a mix of indoor and outdoor settings—perfect for winding down with dinner and music.
Jazz Week Schedule:
- Aug 4: Leslie Deshazor at Assembly American Brasserie
- Aug 5: Lori Lefevre & TSArts Jazz Vocalists at Middlegrounds Metropark
- Aug 6: Keith Bernhard & the Jazz Messengers at The Toledo Club
- Aug 7: Jerome Clark Trio at Club 1343
- Aug 8: Gene Parker & Daman Cook at Glass City Metropark Pavilion
Late Night Jam
Can’t get enough? Cap off festival night with the Jazz Jam After Hours, held at Assembly American Brasserie in the Hiltons at Toledo Downtown from 10:30 PM to 1:30 AM. Musicians can jump in to play, and music lovers can kick back and enjoy the scene. Admission is $20 at the door and free for participating musicians.
Plan Your Visit
If you’re coming in from out of town, you’ll find plenty of things to explore around the festival—from the nearby Toledo Museum of Art to local shops, restaurants, and riverfront trails. Pair your JazzFest experience with a stay at a nearby hotel and make it a full weekend in Toledo.
For more details, including travel tips, shuttle info, and performance updates, visit GlassCityJazzFest.com
