Downtown music: What you need to know about Jazz Fest

Downtown music all weekend long – Elkhart Jazz Fest turns 35 this year. And Elkhart Public Library will be a prime destination for music lovers. Here’s what you need to know to enjoy the shows at the library.

Library service

EPL’s downtown location will be closed for regular library service both Friday and Saturday, June 23-24. The library atrium will be an official Jazz Fest stage, with some of the best acts coming to play in Elkhart this year.

All four neighborhood branch locations will be open regular hours, providing access to materials, computers and more.

Due to traffic changes for the festival and the parking lot closing for outdoor shows, the downtown book return has been temporarily relocated in front of the library on Second Street. But don’t worry if your returns are a couple of days late – remember, we’re fine free!

The downtown music

The Jazz Fest Afterparties are back for 2023! And this year, we’re adding more free music from our roof.

On Friday, the fun begins at 7:30 p.m. with Dylan Tolbert warming up the crowd for Bumpus, a funk band from Chicago. The late-night show starts as fireworks fill at the sky at 10 p.m.

We’re welcoming back our friends with Lalo Cura for the 7:30 p.m. set on Saturday, with Asheville-based Empire Strikes Brass taking the stage at 10 p.m.

Like with Curbside Concerts, camp chairs are encouraged and dancing shoes are welcome. While bands play on the roof, people watch the show from the parking lots at ground level.

The food and drink menu

For both days, Friday and Saturday, That Guys Gourmet Ribs will be smoking and selling in the parking lot.

The library will have an all-ages beer garden set up in the parking lot, and a designated 21-plus-only area for beer and wine sales.

Festival goers can take food into the library, where drinks also will be for sale.

The festival tickets

Our parking lot shows with bands on the roof are free – just show up!

To enjoy the music inside the library, hop over to ElkhartJazzFestival.com to get a one-day or weekend pass.