The Elkhart Jazz Fest returns to Michiana celebrating 33 years

ELKHART, Ind. -- The Elkhart Jazz Fest kicks off on Thursday and runs through Sunday.

It’s known as one of the biggest festivals of its kind in the entire country.

The beloved event run by volunteers has been bringing jazz music to the community for 33 years.

There are a few concerts slated to strike up at 7 p.m. on Thursday and one of them is being held at Lerner Theatre for free just for the day.

The other ones are happening at the wellfield botanic gardens.

You can buy an entry in advance or at the gate.

Admission is included with proof of purchase for the fest, just flash your ticket, day pass or receipt.

If you’d like to purchase a pass for one of the other three days the prices vary on each day.

For Friday, they are $25 dollars, Saturday $40 dollars and Sunday for $10 dollars.

The festival was shut down due to the pandemic but is ready for a crowd.

As vaccination rates rise and a sense of pre-pandemic normalcy sets in, the city is welcoming back the event coined “The Rhythm Returns” with 24 different jazz groups with featured guests all being played over the course of the next 4 days.

But while life is being jazzed up, things will look different compared to what you might remember from past years.

This year, masks will be required for those who are not fully vaccinated and social distancing measures will be in place for all guests.

Food vendors will be placed off of main street for all your snacking needs near the four stages.

There are also four venues or stages available.

One is at the Lerner Theatre which will be the primary indoor location, with outdoor stages available on the central green, new life community church, and at the wellfield botanic gardens.

But, you’ll want to be near center green on Friday and Saturday around 10:30 p.m. at night to see the firework displays following the performances.

For more information about ticket sales and stage locations, you can visit the Elkhart Jazz Fest website here.