Tilles Jazz Fest returns this summer on Saturday, July 18th, 2026! Use this guide to find everything you need to know for an unforgettable day of music, food, and fun.

What is Jazz Fest?

Produced by the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts in collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center, Tilles Jazz Fest features 10 performances across four indoor and outdoor stages throughout the LIU Post campus. Performances begin at 1pm and continue well into the night! Aside from live jazz, attendees can enjoy a variety of food trucks, local vendors, family-friendly activities, and a free swing dance lesson.

Last year, we asked visitors and performers to describe Tilles Jazz Fest in one word.

Performances take place across the beautiful LIU Post campus, including in the historic Winnick House, Rose Garden, and Great Lawn.

This year’s headliner, The Buena Vista Orchestra, will perform inside the Tilles Concert Hall. Attendees can choose from several ticket options: a Day Pass, which includes admission to the grounds and all daytime events; an All-Event Pass, which includes access to daytime events plus reserved seating for The Buena Vista Orchestra; or tickets for the Evening Headliner performance only.

Aside from headliner Buena Vista Orchestra, artists include Hot Jazz All-Stars, Bobby Sanabria & Ascensión, Bluesy Beats and Jazzy Treats with Dan + Claudia Zanes and Tyree Austin, William Hill III Trio, Chico Pinheiro Solo Guitar, Ruby Laks, Kal Ferretti Quartet, and various student ensembles, with more artists to be announced in the coming weeks!

As in years past, Hot Jazz All-Stars will lead a second line parade from the Winnick House to the Tilles Concert Hall, closing out the outdoor performances.

For family-friendly activities, attendees can visit the Swingin’ Kidz Zone for face-painting, an instrument petting zoo, crafts, and more! Led by Tilles Center’s team of professional teaching artists, participants can build their own take-home instrument, play Jazz Simon Says, freeze dance, and additional music-inspired games. Special family pricing – under 12 FREE! Families should be sure not to miss Bluesy Beats and Jazzy Treats, a highly interactive family music experiences for people of all ages

The instrument petting zoo offers kids hands-on exposure to a wide variety of instruments. In 2024, Elmont High School students treated young musicians to a impromptu performance!

Confirmed vendors include:

• Jack Roman Photography
• Warrior Faerie
• Sweet Sparklies
• Stuart Rabeck Ceramics

Confirmed food trucks include:

• Maui Wowi Smoothies 
• Cafe Bobo Coffee
• Sid’s All American 
• Filthy Pig BBQ
• The Telia Truck (Greek) 
• Mr. Flavors Ice Cream 

What should I bring?

• Blankets
• Chairs
• Yourself!

A limited quantity of chairs will available to rent. Umbrellas and tents are not permitted.

In the event of severe weather, all performances will be held indoors. All venues are located within walking distance of each other.

Come join the fun! Get tickets on our website, over the phone, or in person at our box office.

PLEASE READ THIS IMPORTANT INFORMATION: To select a ticket to the evening performance ONLY by Buena Vista Orchestra, please select your seat from the seat map on Ticketmaster and add a Standard Admission Ticket to your cart. If you wish to purchase an All-Event Pass, which includes a ticket to the evening performance AND all daytime events, please choose your seat on Ticketmaster and select the All-Event Pass. Click below to purchase tickets!