Five Points Jazz Festival returns, celebrates 15th anniversary
DENVER – Denver Arts & Venues’ 15th annual Five Points Jazz Festival returns 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 20, celebrating the music, culture and roots of Denver’s historic Five Points neighborhood.
The free, family-friendly festival takes place on Welton Street between 26th and 29th streets, and features more than 40 bands playing live music on nine stages throughout the day.
Welton Street will be closed from 25th to 30th streets starting 6 p.m. May 19, reopening 11:59 p.m. May 20. Five Points Jazz Festival will kick off with a parade down Welton Street featuring grand marshals, Terry Nelson and Norman Harris Sr.
New to the festival this year is a bike valet and special youth programming including instrument making, yoga, drumming and dance.
Five Points Jazz Festival offers a culturally diverse lineup providing Denver with an afternoon filled with several types of jazz to experience -- Latin, blues, funk, trios, youth-focused programming and more. Other activities include an art and food marketplace, and a youth area featuring face painting, a giant slide, jump castle, and more.
The festival takes place the third Saturday of May and celebrates the history of Denver’s Five Points neighborhood. Once known as the Harlem of the West, Five Points was home to several jazz clubs which played host to many of jazz music’s legends such as Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk and many more.
Since its inception in 2003, Five Points Jazz Festival has grown each year in size and popularity. In 2016, attendance was approximately 50,000 and more than 30 bands performed throughout the course of the day.
For a full band lineup and schedule of events, please visit ArtsandVenues.com.