Northampton Jazz Fest Presents
The Northampton Jazz Festival partners with Pioneer Valley venues to sponsor live jazz performances throughout the year.
Side of Jazz
Enjoy live jazz at a featured food establishment after each Arts Night Out!
The Northampton Jazz Festival helps keep it lively by staging jazz at one of Northampton's breweries, bars, cafes or restaurants following Arts Night Out.
On the second Friday of each month, a different duo or trio will play at a featured downtown establishment so you can enjoy live jazz while you sip and dine to extend your Arts Night Out fun!
Many Thanks
Sponsors: City of Northampton Economic Development Dept. and Downtown Sounds.
Partner: Downtown Northampton Association.
The Carle After Dark
First Thursdays 4-8 pm
November 2025 – June 2026
Free with Museum Admission
Live music curated by the Northampton Jazz Festival in December and March – June
Visit the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, MA on the first Thursday of each month (except Jan. 8), when the Museum transforms into a playground of wonder, celebrating the mysteries of night, the sparkle of dreams, and the magic of timeless tales. Each month, The Carle After Dark unveils a new adventure after dark: cooking up stories and flavors, peering into the cosmos, gathering by candlelight, singing into the stars, conjuring potions and fairies, or honoring the rich history of picture books.
Summer at The Carle
Sunset Thursdays
For summer 2025, The Eric Carle Museum in nearby Amherst, MA is a joyful gathering place filled with art viewing, art making, storytelling, picnicking, and live outdoor music co-presented by the Northampton Jazz Festival.
On Thursday evenings during July & August in 2025, the museum stays open until 8pm for Sunset Thursdays, presenting live jazz and global music performed by local artists, co-presented by the Northampton Jazz Festival. Visitors can enjoy wine from local vendors, order picnics to-go from area restaurants, or bring their own food to enjoy on the museum’s beautiful grounds.
Previous events
Northampton Jazz Fest & Signature Sounds Present
Sun Ra Arkestra
Sun Ra Arkestra
Date: Sunday, May 18th
Time: 8:00 PM
Venue: Academy of Music, Northampton
Concert photos by Ricard Torres-Mateluna
Sean Mason Quartet at The Drake
Date: Wednesday, March 12
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: 44 N. Pleasant St., Amherst
Concert photos by Ed Cohen