What is JazzFest?
The annual Sioux Falls Jazz and Blues Festival, JazzFest, has become a summer favorite for Sioux
Falls and the region. JazzFest is a two-day outdoor musical event, featuring two stages and
is
FREE to the public.
Who organizes JazzFest?
JazzFest is a fundraiser for Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues, a 501(c)(3) non-profit
organization. Jazz & Blues raises money through the sale of beverages at the festival. You can
learn more about Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues at
www.sfjb.org.
When and where is JazzFest?
JazzFest usually takes place the third weekend in July. The 2019 dates are July 19th and
20th. Gates open at 4 pm and festivities will kick off Friday night at 4 pm and go until 11:45
pm. On Saturday, gates open at 11 am, the music starts at noon and goes until 11:45 pm.
The festival is located at Yankton Trail Park in Sioux Falls, SD —located at
the intersection of Minnesota Avenue and I-229. From I-29 South take I-229, then the Minnesota
Avenue Exit. Take a right onto Minnesota Ave, and turn right at the JazzFest sign. Get
Directions
How do I download the JazzFest App?
The Sioux Falls Jazz and Blues Society will have a mobile app for JazzFest 2019, sponsored by
Howalt+McDowell, a Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC! The new mobile app will be available to
download prior to JazzFest!
The JazzFest App is an official electronic guide to the festival! You can organize and expand
your festival experience in one simple location.
Is there an admission fee?
No, JazzFest is a
FREE event! Generous sponsorships from many
local and regional companies as well as hundreds of volunteers from the community allow the event
to remain free to the public. Because there is free admission, we ask that attendants not bring in
any outside food or beverages. JazzFest is possible because of our sponsors, volunteers and the
sale of food and beverages at the event. JazzFest parking is limited, so we ask for $10 per
vehicle.
Is jazz the only music featured at
JazzFest?
JazzFest features a wide variety of music every year including jazz, blues,
Zydeco, Latin, Reggae, big band, rock, soul, and funk among others.
Can I bring a cooler with outside food or
outside beverages to JazzFest?
No. JazzFest is a free event and all proceeds from beer, pop and water sales go to
towards educational programming put on by Sioux Falls Jazz and Blues, the folks who also put
JazzFest on. No coolers, no pets (“licensed service” dogs excluded), no RVs.
How do I get to Yankton Trail Park?
Yankton Trail Park is located on the south side of Interstate 229 off Minnesota Avenue in Sioux
Falls, SD.
Where do I park for JazzFest?
There is a $10 daily parking fee to park inside Yankton Trail Park. However, that
is not your only option! Shuttle buses are available from a few locations. There is also a
bike/walking trail that connects Yankton Trail Park to several other parks in Sioux Falls. We
suggest that you park your car at another park along the trail and then take the path into the
JazzFest site. Ride your bike! Our JazzFest Bike Valet is happy to watch your bike until
you’re ready to leave.
Are shuttle buses available?
Yes. For only $4 per person round trip, shuttles are an easy way to travel to the festival.
Shuttle locations include the Lincoln High School. Park your car and ride and catch a ride to
the festival!
Shuttle service times:
Friday: 5pm- 12:30am (Lincoln High School)
Saturday: 11am-12:30am (Lincoln High School)
Time and locations may change without notice.
Attention Taxi & Lyft Drivers!
If you are going to enter the park to pick up or drop off passengers, you will be
required to pay $10 each time you enter the park. There are
no exceptions. Thank You!
What if I want to ride my bike?
We highly recommend it! In fact, Spoke-n-Sport will be happy to park your bike for
you on your arrival! The bike valet is located just off of the bike trail south of the main stage
area.
Where can I book a hotel room?
There are many hotel choices in Sioux Falls. A list of hotels with special
JazzFest pricing available to come soon! We also encourage you to visit the
Sioux Falls
Convention and Visitor’s Bureau website to obtain other lodging information for the Sioux
Falls area, as well as more details on the City of Sioux Falls.
Is JazzFest accessible to those with
disabilities?
Yankton Trail Park is handicap accessible including wheelchair accessible port-a-pots and
reserved ADA parking. We welcome “licensed service” dogs at the festival! Click HERE for a map of ADA accessible parking
information.
If an ADA accommodation is needed, please contact our office at 605-335-6101 at least 72 hours
before JazzFest starts. We will do our best to assist you.
Can I record JazzFest?
No. No video recording of any kind will be permitted during JazzFest. Copyright
violations will be prosecuted to the extent of the law.
Can I camp at JazzFest?
No. Yankton Trail Park is not a campground. Overnight camping is not permitted in Sioux Falls
Parks. Camping information is available on the Sioux Falls Convention and Visitors Bureau
website.
Can I bring a tent or umbrella?
No, unfortunately, tents and umbrellas block the view of everyone behind you and
that’s not a good thing when thousands of people will be attending JazzFest. Please leave the tents
and umbrellas at home.
Can I bring my pet to JazzFest?
No. JazzFest is fun for people… but a hot and miserable place for pets. Please
keep your pet at home in a nice cool place with plenty of water. Service dots or seeing eye dogs
with proper permits are allowed.
Can I bring my RV?
Sorry, no. There is limited parking in the festival area and RVs not only take up
too much space, they cause unnecessary traffic problems.
Is there food at JazzFest?
Yes! LOTS of it! The festival brings in a plethora of vendors selling reasonably
priced items…everything from BBQ to fresh fruit!
What kind of seating is available at
JazzFest?
Yankton Trail Park is made up of soccer fields. Open seating (no bleachers, etc)
is available, so bring your own small lawn chairs and blankets to set out on the lush, green grass.
We ask that you not reserve space with the use of rope, cords, tape or other materials. JazzFest
organizers reserve the right to remove all obstructions that are not in the spirit of this open
seating policy. This includes umbrellas that may be blocking the view of other festival goers.
Are ATM’s available on-site?
Yes, there are two ATM’s on the JazzFest grounds. We also accept Visa, MasterCard
and Discover Cards at most locations.
Can I volunteer for JazzFest?
Yes. JazzFest would not be possible if not for the hundreds of community members
who donate their time. Call (605) 335-6101 for more information about volunteering your time at
JazzFest. Volunteers are an integral part of JazzFest! We love our volunteers!
Sign UP!
How can I apply to perform at JazzFest?
JazzFest starts accepting press kits/CDs December 1 until February 15. We keep artist
submissions on file for one year.
JazzFest is accepting Second Stage Artist Submissions until February 15, 2019.
Email us at [email protected]
How can I become a sponsor of JazzFest?
Please contact Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues at [email protected]
for more information about sponsoring JazzFest.
Can I hold a private party at JazzFest?
Absolutely! Ribs and beers are a good choice for JazzFest music lovers. We have
corporate/private tents for companies, class or family reunions, birthday parties, or any old
reason you may want to throw a party! Catering options are available. Call 605-335-6101 for more
information.
Should I bring my kids?
YES! JazzFest is an event for all ages. JazzQuest is a special area just for kids
with tons of activities, like face painting, arts and crafts, musical games and other activities.
The kid’s area inflatables will be open from 5-9pm on Friday night and inflatables and arts
and crafts projects will be available from 1-9pm on Saturday.
What should I bring to JazzFest?
Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and pillows
Bring cash, an ATM card or credit cards
Bring bikes, balls, hacky sacks and other fun outdoor games
Bring your kids
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, rain gear, and comfortable clothing
Bring your thirst and a hearty appetite. We have plenty of food and beverages.
Bring a great attitude!
What are prohibited items I should
leave at home?
Don’t bring tents or umbrellas
Don’t bring radios or televisions
Don’t bring pets
Don’t bring food or beverages
Don’t leave purses, backpacks or cell phones unattended
Don’t bring weapons of any kind
Don’t bring any illegal substances (including narcotics) or drug paraphernalia
Don’t bring alcohol
Don’t bring cigarettes or cigars
Don’t bring video equipment: No video recording will be allowed
Don’t bring professional still camera equipment (no detachable lenses, no tripods, big zooms or
commercial use rigs)
Don’t bring any audio recording equipment
Don’t bring drones
Don’t bring fireworks/sparklers/firecrackers
Don’t bring glass containers
Don’t bring glowsticks
No unauthorized/unlicensed vendors allowed
All bags are subject to inspection.
Smoking is no longer permitted at Yankton Trail Park. The city passed a smoking ban that prohibits
people from smoking tobacco in certain areas on city-owned property where people are likely to
gather.
If you have any other questions about JazzFest, please contact Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues office by
emailing [email protected] or calling 605.335.6101.
