Miami Beach starts the new year with live music. From January 14 to 17, 2027, the South Beach Jazz Festival returns for its 11th year. Four days of jazz, soul, salsa, funk, and Afrobeat fill theaters, parks, and a busy pedestrian street. Some shows need a ticket. Others cost nothing.
This guide puts the key facts in one place. You will find dates, venues, the lineup, ticket options, and a clear schedule. Additionally, you will find travel tips and answers to common questions. Details can change, so check the official website before you buy or travel.
About the Festival
- David New founded the event. Today, the local nonprofit Power Access produces it. The group also works to open the arts to everyone. Therefore, the program includes free community shows, a student stage, and performers with disabilities.
The festival has grown fast. Last year, it celebrated its 10th anniversary with a three-time Grammy-winning orchestra on the Miami Beach Bandshell stage. This year, the team promises another strong mix of international stars and Miami talent. Arts agencies in Miami-Dade County and the City of Miami Beach also back the event.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
| Dates | Thursday, January 14 to Sunday, January 17, 2027 |
| Edition | 11th annual |
| City | Miami Beach, Florida |
| Producer | Power Access, a nonprofit |
| Music styles | Jazz, soul, salsa, funk, Afrobeat |
| Main venues | Faena Theater, Collins Park and The Bass, Miami Beach Bandshell, Lincoln Road |
| Official website | SoBeJazzFestival.com |
| Social media | @southbeachjazzfestival on Instagram |
Lineup Highlights by Day
Each night has its own mood. Therefore, you can pick one show or enjoy all four days.
Thursday, January 14: Bebel Gilberto at Faena Theater
The Brazilian singer Bebel Gilberto opens the weekend. She blends bossa nova, samba, and modern Brazilian pop. The setting is intimate, so the music feels close and warm. Her shows belong to the Faena Jazz Series, which partners with the festival.
She plays two sets. One announcement lists 7 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. However, another listing shows an 8 p.m. start. Please confirm your time when you buy tickets.
Friday, January 15: Carmen Lundy in Collins Park
NEA Jazz Master Carmen Lundy takes the Collins Park stage at 8 p.m. She is a singer and composer with a rich, graceful style. Before the concert, a program at The Bass museum runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. It mixes gallery access with outdoor music.
VIP pass holders get an extra treat. They can join a private reception on The Bass terrace at 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 16: Delfeayo Marsalis and the Uptown Jazz Orchestra
Saturday brings a New Orleans party to the Miami Beach Bandshell. Trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis leads the Uptown Jazz Orchestra from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Expect big horns, swing, and plenty of joy. The open-air setting makes it a great night for friends and families.
The Jazz for Tomorrow Student Stage also takes place on Saturday. Young musicians show their skills there. As a result, you can see the next generation of jazz up close. Check the official schedule for the exact time.
Sunday, January 17: Free Day on Lincoln Road
The weekend ends with a free community event. The Power Access Main Stage fills the 1100 block of Lincoln Road from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Seven acts perform, and each one brings a different sound. Salsa, soul, steel pan, and Afrobeat all get a turn.
Full Festival Schedule
This table gives a quick view of the whole weekend. Times can shift, so use it as a planning tool.
| Day | Time | Event | Venue |
| Thursday, Jan. 14 | 7 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. (confirm) | Bebel Gilberto | Faena Theater |
| Friday, Jan. 15 | 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Gallery access and outdoor music | The Bass and Collins Park |
| Friday, Jan. 15 | 6:30 p.m. | VIP reception | The Bass terrace |
| Friday, Jan. 15 | 8 p.m. | Carmen Lundy | Collins Park |
| Saturday, Jan. 16 | See official site | Jazz for Tomorrow Student Stage | Miami Beach |
| Saturday, Jan. 16 | 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. | Delfeayo Marsalis and the Uptown Jazz Orchestra | Miami Beach Bandshell |
| Sunday, Jan. 17 | 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. | Power Access Main Stage | Lincoln Road, 1100 block |
Sunday Timetable on Lincoln Road
Sunday has the most acts, so a separate table helps. Most sets run about an hour.
| Time | Artist | Style |
| 11:15 a.m. to noon | The Spirit of Goodwill Band | Singers and players with disabilities |
| 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. | Scone Cash Players | Soul-jazz, funk, boogaloo, Brazilian rhythms |
| 1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. | Leesa Richards Quartet | Jazz standards with soul and R&B touches |
| 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. | Othello Molineaux | Steel pan and jazz |
| 4:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. | Melina and Her Salsa Orchestra | Salsa |
| 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. | Tony and The Kings | Salsa, Latin funk, boogaloo |
| Evening, time to be confirmed | AfroBeat Allstars | Afrobeat |
Melina Almodóvar, a Puerto Rican vocalist, leads a full orchestra with live percussion and brass. Therefore, bring comfortable shoes. The crowd will want to dance.
Ticket Options and Prices
The festival mixes paid and free events. Early VIP passes are already on sale. Meanwhile, single-show tickets vary by venue and artist.
| Ticket | Price | What You Get |
| All Access Pass plus Faena Theater | $275 per person | VIP access all four days and premium seating at one Bebel Gilberto show |
| All Access Pass without Faena Theater | $150 per person | VIP access, premium reserved seating, and free drinks on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday |
| Sunday on Lincoln Road | Free | General access, with an online RSVP encouraged |
| Single-show tickets | Check the official site | Prices depend on the show and the venue |
Faena Theater passes come in pairs only. Therefore, expect to pay $550 for two. Last year, single tickets started at $42.50. Miami Beach residents also saved 20 percent with a special code. Organizers may offer similar deals again, but they have not confirmed it.
Smart Ticket Tips
- Buy early. VIP seats and Faena Theater shows tend to sell out first.
- Use only the official website or its linked Eventbrite page.
- Save your digital tickets to your phone before you arrive.
- Reserve free Sunday spots online if the page offers it.
- Check refund and age rules before checkout.
Venue Guide
Each venue has its own charm. Knowing them helps you plan your steps.
- Faena Theater: An elegant indoor room inside the Faena district. It suits quiet, close listening.
- Collins Park and The Bass: A green park next to an art museum. You can see art, then hear music outside.
- Miami Beach Bandshell: A classic open-air stage with a relaxed feel. It works well for dancing.
- Lincoln Road: A lively, walkable street lined with shops and restaurants. Free music fits right in.
Additionally, the venues sit within the same part of Miami Beach. As a result, you can often walk or take a short ride between them.
How to Get There
Miami Beach gets busy in January. Therefore, plan your trip early.
- By air: Miami International Airport sits across the bay. Fort Lauderdale airport offers another option.
- By rideshare: This choice avoids parking stress near the venues.
- By trolley: The city runs a free trolley. Check current routes before you go.
- By bike or on foot: Many hotels sit close to the main stages.
Parking costs can climb during busy weekends. However, garages near Lincoln Road and Collins Park offer paid spaces. Arrive early to find a spot.
Where to Stay and Eat
Mid-January is high season. Hotels fill quickly, and prices rise. Book your room as soon as you pick your shows. Stay near Collins Park or Lincoln Road if you want to walk to the music.
For food, Lincoln Road has cafes, bars, and restaurants for every budget. Additionally, many spots offer outdoor tables. Make dinner reservations before Friday and Saturday shows, because crowds grow fast.
What to Pack
January in Miami Beach is mild and sunny. Days often feel warm, and nights can turn cool by the water. Pack with that in mind.
- Light layers for the evening
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- A hat for the Sunday daytime shows
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A small bag, since some venues may limit bag size
- A phone charger for tickets and maps
Accessibility and Family Fun
Access is a core goal of the festival. Organizers have offered American Sign Language interpretation in past years. Additionally, the Sunday event welcomes families, and the student stage gives children a chance to hear young players. Contact the team ahead of time if you need seating or other help. Also check age rules for indoor shows, because they can differ.
Sample Weekend Plans
Not sure how to split your time? Try one of these paths.
- The full experience: Buy an All Access Pass and attend every day.
- The budget path: Enjoy free Sunday shows and add one ticketed night.
- The date night: Book Bebel Gilberto at Faena Theater on Thursday.
- The family day: Visit Lincoln Road on Sunday for music and food.
Final Thoughts and Conclusion
The South Beach Jazz Festival brings four rich days of music to Miami Beach from January 14 to 17, 2027. Bebel Gilberto opens on Thursday. Carmen Lundy plays on Friday. Delfeayo Marsalis and his orchestra light up Saturday. Then a free Lincoln Road day ends the weekend.
VIP passes cost $150 or $275, and Sunday costs nothing. Therefore, every budget has a way in. Book rooms and tickets early, pack for mild weather, and confirm times on the official site. With a little planning, you will enjoy a joyful start to the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When does the South Beach Jazz Festival 2027 take place?
The event runs from Thursday, January 14, to Sunday, January 17, 2027.
2. Where does the festival happen?
It takes place across Miami Beach, Florida. Main venues include Faena Theater, Collins Park, The Bass, the Miami Beach Bandshell, and Lincoln Road.
3. Who performs in 2027?
Bebel Gilberto, Carmen Lundy, and Delfeayo Marsalis with the Uptown Jazz Orchestra lead the bill. Sunday adds seven acts, including Melina Almodóvar and Tony and The Kings.
4. How much do tickets cost?
The All Access Pass costs $150 without Faena Theater and $275 with it. Single-show prices vary, so check the official website.
5. Are any shows free?
Yes. The Sunday program on Lincoln Road costs nothing.
6. Do I need to RSVP for free events?
An online RSVP is encouraged. It helps organizers plan, although the crowd is usually open to all.
7. Where can I buy tickets?
Use the official website, SoBeJazzFestival.com, and its linked Eventbrite page. Avoid unknown resellers.
8. What does the VIP pass include?
It includes premium reserved seating and free drinks from Friday to Sunday. The higher tier also adds a Faena Theater seat, and Friday brings a private reception.
9. Is the festival good for families?
Yes, especially on Sunday and at the student stage. Check age limits for indoor shows first.
10. How do I get around during the festival?
Rideshare, the city trolley, bikes, and walking all work well. Parking is limited, so leave the car behind if you can.