MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) - This year's JazzFest performances will take place at Oakland Middle School due to rain in this weekend's forecast, organizers announced Wednesday.

Free and open to the public, JazzFest features groups from multiple Rutherford County schools, with special performances by Victory Drumline and Belmont University’s Jazz Ensemble.

Friday’s opening ceremonies begin at 5:50 p.m. with the first performance at 6 p.m., followed by opening ceremonies at 10:30 a.m. Saturday and the first performance at 11 a.m. 

Due to rain in the forecast, performances will be held at Oakland Middle is located at 853 DeJarnette Lane in Murfreesboro.

In 2024, Rutherford County Schools received Music for All’s Advocacy in Action award for Community Involvement for efforts to save the long-running event from complete demise.

A complete performance schedule is below. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs, but coolers are prohibited. Sensory Space, a mobile space for those with sensory processing differences, will be available.

Friday, April 25

5:50 PM - Opening Ceremonies

6:00 - Victory Drumline

6:30 - LaVergne High School

7:00 - Riverdale High School

7:30 - Siegel High School

8:00 - Rockvale High School

8:30 - Oakland High School

9:00 - Smyrna High School

9:30 - Belmont University Jazz Ensemble

Saturday, April 26

10:30 AM - Opening Ceremonies and Victory Drumline

11:00 - Blackman High School

11:30 - Whitworth-Buchanan Middle School

12:00 - Smyrna Middle School

12:30 - Blackman Middle School

1:00 - Middle Tennessee Christian School

1:30 - Providence Christian Academy

2:00 - LaVergne Middle School

2:30 - Rocky Fork Middle School

3:00 - Rockvale Middle School

3:30 - Siegel Middle School

4:00 - Oakland Middle School

4:30 - Stewarts Creek Middle School

5:00 - Stewarts Creek High School 1

5:30 - Stewarts Creek High School 2

6:00 - Christiana Middle School

6:30 - Central Magnet School

PREVIOUSLY REPORTED

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) — One of Middle Tennessee’s most beloved traditions returns this spring as JazzFest 2025 brings two full days of live music, student talent, and community spirit to Fountains at Gateway this weekend (April 25–26).

Now in its 26th year, JazzFest has become a cherished Rutherford County staple, drawing thousands of residents annually to celebrate the arrival of spring with a vibrant, family-friendly festival. The event is free and open to the public, featuring performances by middle and high school jazz bands from across the county, along with appearances by professional acts.

This year’s JazzFest will once again spotlight the talents of local students while also welcoming back Victory Drumline and Belmont University’s Jazz Ensemble, who will close out Friday night’s performances. The Victory Drumline and Cadets will kick off the festivities Friday at 6:00 p.m. and return Saturday morning at 10:40 a.m.

Opening ceremonies begin at 5:50 p.m. Friday, with music starting at 6:00 p.m. Saturday’s festivities begin with opening ceremonies at 10:30 a.m., followed by music starting at 11:00 a.m. Belmont Jazz Band is scheduled to take the stage at 9:30 p.m. Friday as the evening’s finale.

Hosted at Fountains at Gateway (1500 Medical Center Parkway), the venue offers an ideal outdoor space complete with nearby dining options and free parking. Over 4,000 attendees gathered at last year’s JazzFest, and even larger crowds are anticipated for 2025.

“This event truly represents the best of Rutherford County,” organizers said. “It’s a celebration of community, live performance, and the incredible talent found in our local schools. Your support helps ensure future generations continue to have access to outstanding music education programs.”

Guests are encouraged to bring chairs to enjoy the performances comfortably. Coolers are not allowed, and large dogs are discouraged. A Sensory Space will be available for individuals with sensory processing differences, helping make JazzFest an inclusive event for all.

Oakland Middle School will serve as a backup location in the event of rain, but organizers remain optimistic for clear skies.

To stay up to date on all things JazzFest, follow the official Facebook page: JazzFest-Boro.

JazzFest 2025 Performance Schedule

Friday, April 25

• 5:50 PM – Opening Ceremonies

• 6:00 PM – Victory Drumline

• 6:30 PM – LaVergne High School

• 7:00 PM – Riverdale High School

• 7:30 PM – Siegel High School

• 8:00 PM – Rockvale High School

• 8:30 PM – Oakland High School

• 9:00 PM – Smyrna High School

• 9:30 PM – Belmont University Jazz Ensemble

Saturday, April 26

• 10:30 AM – Opening Ceremonies & Victory Drumline

• 11:00 AM – Blackman High School

• 11:30 AM – Whitworth-Buchanan Middle School

• 12:00 PM – Smyrna Middle School

• 12:30 PM – Blackman Middle School

• 1:00 PM – Middle Tennessee Christian School

• 1:30 PM – Providence Christian Academy

• 2:00 PM – LaVergne Middle School

• 2:30 PM – Rocky Fork Middle School

• 3:00 PM – Rockvale Middle School

• 3:30 PM – Siegel Middle School

• 4:00 PM – Oakland Middle School

• 4:30 PM – Stewarts Creek Middle School

• 5:00 PM – Stewarts Creek High School 1

• 5:30 PM – Stewarts Creek High School 2

• 6:00 PM – Christiana Middle School

• 6:30 PM – Central Magnet School