Get Your Toes Tapping at Newport Jazz Festival 2024
Experience the vibrant Melbourne jazz scene at the upcoming Newport Jazz Festival 2024. The annual event promises a weekend filled with soulful melodies, talented musicians, and toe-tapping rhythms.
As its fourth edition, the Newport Jazz Festival in Melbourne is a must-attend event for music lovers looking to experience the wonderful world of jazz.
I attended the 2023 Newport Jazz Festival with my family and found it to be an inspiring and uplifting experience. Run solely by volunteers, every aspect seemed to evoke a sense of joy and connection.
Newport Jazz Festival 2024
Friday 3 May to Sunday 5 May 2024
Showcasing the best of Melbourne’s jazz talent, the Newport Jazz Festival brings together musicians from across the city and Australia.
A fusion of traditional jazz elements with contemporary twists creates a dynamic and engaging setup. It’s an experience that is sure to resonate with every listener.
With four diverse venues to explore, each offering a unique atmosphere, attendees are invited to join in on a celebration of creativity, passion, and community.
Immerse Yourself in a Mix of Sounds
As you enter the Newport Jazz Festival, be prepared to be swept away. From captivating solo performances to the dynamic sounds of a 20+ piece big band, there are over 50 bands on the lineup to enjoy.
Witness the magic of live music as talented performers showcase their skills on a variety of instruments. Each performance adds a new layer to the musical experience, from smooth saxophone solos to lively piano accompaniments.
Discover a wide variety of jazz styles, including funk, swing, blues, Latin grooves, and jazz-rock, as you explore the different areas of the festival.
Festival Venues
The festival’s venues are spread across four locations on Market Street in Newport and offer a convenient setting for attendees. With space for wheelchairs and easy access to nearby amenities like public transport and local cafes.
Whether you prefer the intimate setting of a jazz club or the vibrant energy of a larger indoor stage, there is a mix of spaces to choose from at the Newport Jazz Festival.
Make the most of the bustling atmosphere of the Newport Bowls Club, with its front and back band rooms, bistro dining, and bar. Or the cosy ambiance of the Scout Hall and the Library, each a unique and comfortable space to take in the music.
The Newport Bowls Club is the main festival hub, and where to validate your tickets upon first arriving at the festival. Here you will also find an information desk where helpful volunteers can help answer any questions. These friendly faces can provide you with a hard copy of the program, direct you where to go, or even just share an enthusiastic chat.
Melbourne Jazz Jammers
The Newport Jazz Festival is a labour of love by the Melbourne Jazz Jammers. The not-for-profit association is dedicated to promoting the world of jazz and providing opportunities for local musicians.
Run entirely by volunteers who put in over 600+ hours to bring the event to life each year, the festival embodies the passion and energy of Melbourne’s jazz community.
Accessibility
All festival venues, apart from the back room at Newport Bowls Club, are either step-free or have ramp access available. There are just one or two steps up to enter the back band room venue. Accessible toilets are located at Newport Bowls Club and the Newport Library.
While specific accessibility features are not detailed on their website, I know the festival organisers are committed volunteers who prioritise creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all attendees.
If you require specific accessibility information, reach out to the festival organisers here.
Getting there
Via train, the festival venues are less than 100 metres from Newport Station. Public buses 471 and 472 stop nearby, or there is ample street car parking.
Tidbits for Newport Jazz Festival 2024
- Mark your calendars for May 3rd to May 5th, 2024;
- Tickets include access to all venues and performances;
- Review the festival program and then come and go between venues as you please;
- Seniors card holders pay $67 for a Weekend Pass, $44 for a Day Pass, or $20 for Friday night only;
- Purchase tickets online or at the door;
- Head to the Newport Bowls Club to validate your tickets;
- Hard copies of the festival program can be provided upon registration, or viewed online;
- A volunteer-run information desk is located at Newport Bowls Club;
- Have a friendly yarn with the musicians and festival volunteers, everyone is so welcoming;
- Children under 16 enjoy free entry – great for bringing the grandkids for a set or two;
- A very short walk from Newport Station (100m), or catch the 471 or 472 bus;
- Plenty of street parking surrounding the venues; and
- Don’t forget your dancing shoes!
