Jazz takes center stage in Toledo this August as the 5th Annual Glass City JazzFest expands into a two-day celebration across two of the city’s most distinctive venues. Taking place August 14–15, 2026, this year’s festival honors Toledo-born jazz legend Art Tatum while bringing nationally acclaimed musicians and the vibrant energy of live jazz to audiences throughout the area.
Written by: Eric Strayer
Updated: 7/28/26
Two Nights of Music at Glass City JazzFest
The weekend begins Friday evening, August 14, at the Toledo Zoo Amphitheater, where Lindsey Webster, Bob Baldwin and Mike Williams on sax will headline an evening of exceptional live jazz. Doors open at 5 p.m., with music from 6 to 10:30 p.m. Advance tickets are available for general admission and reserved seating.
- 6:00 p.m. | Mike Williams
- 7:30 p.m. | Bob Baldwin
- 9:00 p.m. | Lindsey Webster
On Saturday, August 15, the festival moves to Glass City Metropark for a full day of free live music along the Maumee River. From 1 to 10:30 p.m., attendees can bring their lawn chairs, relax and enjoy performances from an impressive lineup featuring Chris Standring, Kandace Springs, MINAS, Johnny O’Neal, Yuko Mabuchi and Michon Young.
- 1:00 p.m. | Michon Young
- 2:35 p.m. | Yuko Mabuchi
- 4:15 p.m. | Johnny O’Neal
- 5:50 p.m. | MINAS Brazilian Jazz
- 7:40 p.m. | Kandace Springs
- 9:20 p.m. | Chris Standring
After the sun goes down, the music moves across the river to Assembly Downtown Kitchen & Bar (Hiltons at Downtown Toledo) for the Official Post-Festival Jazz Jam. Join Ramona Collins and the H-Factor Jazz Show for a performance where professional musicians and guest musicians come together for an evening of live, spontaneous jazz. Musicians are welcome to bring an instrument or their voice and join the jam, while music lovers can enjoy the performances with $20 admission. To make it a complete weekend getaway, the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Toledo is offering 20% off guest rooms for Jazz Jam attendees.
- 10:30 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. | Ramona Collins & the H-Factor Jazz Show
Getting There
Glass City Metropark is located at 983 Front Street in Toledo, and festival organizers make it easy to get in and out thanks to TARTA’s Glass City JazzFest Express. On Saturday, August 15, free shuttle service will transport attendees directly to Glass City Metropark from two convenient park-and-ride locations: Franklin Park Mall and The Docks (20 Main Street).
Express buses begin running at 12:30 p.m. and continue transporting festivalgoers to one of Toledo’s biggest summer events, making it easy to skip the parking search and spend more time enjoying the music.
Heading to Friday night’s kickoff at the Toledo Zoo Amphitheater? While the Express only operates on Saturday, TARTA’s Route 31 provides service to the Toledo Zoo for just $3 round-trip, offering an affordable way to enjoy the opening night performances.
Some on-site parking will be available, but attendees are encouraged to plan ahead and use public transportation or ride shares when possible.
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 National Museum of the Great Lakes 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
