Boston is a fantastic hub for live jazz music in its own right ranking up there with the best. With dozens of music venues having finally reopened their doors over the last year, Boston is once again offering prime experiences for jazz lovers. From hole-in-the-wall bars to historic jazz clubs and casual restaurants, Beantown has hosted a number of jazz greats on the touring circuit in addition to countless talented locals and newcomers. Most local neighborhoods within Boston proper and Cambridge are densely packed and easily walkable, so it’s easy to check out several nearby venues in a single sweep to find the experience you’re looking for, or see everything the city has to offer.
WALLY’S JAZZ CAFE
Wally’s Jazz Cafe in Back Bay is open seven nights a week, charges no cover, and offers live music 365 days a year. Known as a “training ground” for celebrated jazz musicians, Wally’s hosts resident bands who play numerous jazz styles each night. It’s a great place to hear Berklee alums and professors play killer jam sessions, though don’t be surprised if you see the occasional legend stop by to join a band and blow off the roof.
SCULLER’S JAZZ CLUB
Just over the Charles River in the Doubletree Hotel is the long-standing Sculler’s Jazz Club. Voted “Boston’s #1 Jazz Club” by Boston Magazine, Sculler’s showcased everything from classic to Latin and contemporary jazz. Their ticketed events feature artists from touring bands and solo acts, as well as local favorites.
BEAT BREW HALL
For those who want more of a casual vibe, check out Beat Brew Hall. A contemporary honky tonk with a modern twist, this beer hall in a restaurant/bar setting sits in the heart of Harvard Square, and offers jazz and other live music events all year round in a friendly, lively atmosphere.
THE MAD MONKFISH
While you are in Cambridge, hop over to Central Square for a delightful combination of sushi and jazz at The Mad Monkfish. On the stage in their Jazz Baroness Room, the restaurant really comes to life from Thursday to Sunday night when it hosts some of the city’s top jazz performers.
THE BEEHIVE
The Beehive in downtown Boston offers a smaller cabaret-like setting for all your jazz needs. Without a cover charge, local patrons and tourists alike flock to the Beehive for a range of eclectic music and funky art, as well as signature cocktails and Middle Eastern-inspired food.
THE BEBOP
Another stop on the Boston jazz circuit, The Bebop puts on an energetic show every night of the week in Back Bay. In the midst of several of Boston’s many colleges, The Bebop’s cafe setting is perfect for their many live jazz and bluegrass events.
Boston Jazz Calendar
- 427 Massachusetts Ave.
- Recurring daily
Wally’s Café is among the oldest family owned and operated jazz clubs in existence. Founded in 1947 by Mr. Joseph L. Walcott, Wally's Cafe features live music 365 days a year. For 75 years it has been hosting new and exciting jazz acts, providing a 'training ground' for talented…
- Kestra - Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport
- Recurring weekly on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Join us for the new Jazz Lounge at Kestra Music Series. The music infused event takes place every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at Kestra Restaurant from 7 PM - 10PM and includes a lively and entertaining roster of local jazz musicians (covering all types of jazz), and…
- The Beehive Restaurant
- Recurring weekly on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Rated as one of the “Top 100 Jazz Clubs in the World” by Downbeat Magazine and “Best of” by Boston Magazine, nightly live music at The Beehive includes a mix of Jazz, Blues, R&B, Electronica, Reggae, Latin, Country, Cabaret, and Burlesque. Don't miss their weekly themed…
- The Fed - The Langham, Boston
- Recurring weekly on Friday
The Fed presents Jazz Fridays with Speechless Music! Join us every Friday for a fun-filled evening of complimentary live music, specialty cocktails and so much more. The live music will be from 6:00pm – 9:00pm.
- Coquette
- Recurring weekly on Saturday
Elevate your weekends with a luxurious Jazz Brunch at Coquette. Every Saturday from 12 PM to 3 PM, enjoy the smooth sounds of the Alex Minasian Trio while indulging in the best brunch in Boston.
- The Banks Seafood and Steak
- Recurring weekly on Sunday
Join us for a leisurely brunch with live jazz, featuring rotating duos and trios of local musicians. Sip, savor, and soak in the smooth sounds—every Sunday on Stuart Street. Pair the music with our Bloody Mary made with oyster brine, a buttery Croissant Breakfast Sammie, and…
- The Beehive Restaurant
- Recurring weekly on Sunday
Bruce Bears and band are our Sunday night heroes of the blues! Bruce Bears has been at the center of the international blues scene for decades. His expert treatment of the keyboards have been along side rhe most famous blues stars in the world.
Regattabar Presents Berklee Courtyard Series: Jade Faria on July 9!
- North End Music & Performing Arts Center
- Recurring weekly on Thursday
The North End Music & Performing Arts Center (NEMPAC) returns to the Rose Kennedy Greenway for its 2025 Jazz in the Park Summer Concert Series on Thursday Nights July 10 through August 7. Artistically directed by Stefano Marchese, this year’s lineup will feature Boston’s top…
- Herter Park Amphitheatre, Allston
The Charles River Jazz Festival is back for our 5th Annual entertainment extravaganza! Join us on July 12, 2025 at Herter Park Amphitheater (1175 Soldiers Field Rd) starting at 12:00 pm FREE, family-friendly event featuring local art & food vendors, ice cold beverages, arts…
Access Culture presents the 2025 World Music Concert Series happening in Revere, Hull, Melrose, Everett, Lynn, Malden, and Medford. This Free world class music from all over the globe will be provided in beautiful outdoor spaces for all to enjoy! The first concert features three…
Regattabar Presents Berklee Courtyard Series: Jiayi Guo on July 16!
Regattabar Presents Berklee Courtyard Series: Evan Fort on July 23!
- Danehy Park
The 10th annual Cambridge Jazz Festival will be held at Danehy Park on the afternoons of Saturday, July 26, and Sunday, July 27, 2025. The festival, which is organized by the Cambridge Jazz Foundation with support from Cambridge Arts, is free for all to attend! The Jazz Festival…
- Almont Park at Cricket Field
Join Inét Entertainment and House of Inspiration on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Almont Park in Mattapan for a day of free entertainment, vendors, food, and fun for the whole family, including performances by local artists and special guest saxophonist Elan Trotman.
Regattabar Presents Berklee Courtyard Series: The LR Collective on July 30!
Regattabar Presents Berklee Courtyard Series: The Sean Temme Group on August 6!
Regattabar Presents Berklee Courtyard Series: Niqisax on August 13!
Regattabar Presents Berklee Courtyard Series: Manuela Sánchez Goubert on August 20!
Regattabar Presents Berklee Courtyard Series: Sofia Almeida Quartet on August 27!