The 2025 Charles River Jazz Festival is set to return to Herter Park in Allston on Saturday, July 12, offering a full day of live music, food, and community-centered programming along the banks of the Charles River. The free, family-friendly event runs from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., with registration required for entry.
This year’s lineup features a range of jazz artists spanning modern fusion, traditional sounds, and global influences. Trumpeter and composer Keyon Harrold leads the bill, joined by genre-bending collective Freelance, pianist Christian Sands, Brazilian duo Caio e Jess, percussionist Ivanna Cuesta, and student-led ensemble Berklee JGJ (Jazz and Gender Justice).
Beyond the music, the festival is designed to highlight Boston’s cultural diversity through food and community. Local food vendors include The Chubby Chickpea, Bon Me, Yumtastic, Cini Coffee, Lord Ya Gourmet, and Boston Ice Cream Truck, offering a range of cuisines for attendees throughout the day.
Organizers describe the Charles River Jazz Festival as a celebration of “music, community, and summer vibes by the water,” returning for its 2025 edition with an emphasis on accessibility and connection. Admission is free, but all attendees must register in advance via the festival’s official website or social platforms.
Located in one of the city’s most scenic outdoor venues, the festival continues to blend contemporary jazz with an inclusive, community-first atmosphere—making it a staple of Boston’s summer event calendar.
