WILKES-BARRE, PA — The Wilkes-Barre Cavalcade of Jazz is back. Following the success of last year’s event, the 2025 festival promises a celebration of music, art and community Friday through Sunday, June 6 through June 8. 

The historical marker plaque recognizing the original Cavalcade of Jazz is now back up in Wilkes-Barre Public Square. It is displayed on the wall behind the performance stage. 

Friday, June 6

The festivities kick off at 5 p.m. with the opening ceremony at the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts. Following this, jazz enthusiasts can take the Jazz Walk, which features artists performing throughout downtown Wilkes-Barre. Friday night wraps up with a special performance by Cindy Bradley at the River Street Jazz Cafe.

Saturday, June 7

Start Saturday with the Jazz and Java event at 10 a.m. at Abide Coffeehouse. The Circle Centre for the Arts will host an afternoon concert at 2:30 p.m., accompanied by a gallery exhibit.

At 6:30 p.m., Endea Owens and The Cookout will take the stage at the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, joined by a stellar lineup of musicians.

The River Street Jazz Cafe will close out the night with the inaugural Late-Night Jazz Jam, beginning at 9 p.m.

 Sunday, June 8

The festival concludes on Sunday with a Jazz Brunch at Bank + Vine from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Additional artists and performers can be found on the Cavalcade of Jazz website, wilkesbarrecavalcadeofjazz.org. Tickets for paid events are available for purchase there and at the host venue box offices.

The Wilkes-Barre Cavalcade of Jazz is made possible thanks to the efforts of the Wilkes-Barre Cavalcade of Jazz Committee in partnership with Visit Luzerne County, The City of Wilkes-Barre, Diamond City Partnership and more. WVIA and Chiaroscuro Records are media partners for this year’s event.

About the Wilkes-Barre Cavalcade of Jazz

The Wilkes-Barre Cavalcade of Jazz began in 1951 and is widely recognized as America’s first jazz festival. A plaque on Wilkes-Barre’s Public Square commemorates this historic moment, reading:

“On February 23, 1951, history was made in Wilkes-Barre. Eight jazz bands got together for ‘The Cavalcade of Dixieland Jazz,’ which became the country’s first jazz festival. On this occasion, April 29, 1994, the City of Wilkes-Barre acknowledges and pays tribute to those early jazz musicians and promoters who initiated the tradition which continues today, not only here in its birthplace, but throughout the country.” It is signed by Lee A. Namey, mayor of Wilkes-Barre.

The Wilkes-Barre Cavalcade of Jazz Committee is composed of community leaders and jazz enthusiasts, including Bob Borwick, Maria Edmunds, Shelby Gushka, AJ Jump, John Maday, Gina Malsky, Marko Marcinko, Mike McGinley, Neil Prisco, Michael Slusser and Alan Stout.

For more information on the Wilkes-Barre Cavalcade of Jazz, visit wilkesbarrecavalcadeofjazz.org.