Planning Your Weekend at Yrēfy Scottsdale Jazz Festival: What to Do, Eat, and Experience

Get ready to mark your calendars for one of the most exciting jazz events Arizona has to offer. The Yrēfy Scottsdale Jazz Festival returns April 4-11, 2026, as part of International Jazz Week: and this year carries extra significance as we celebrate the 15th Anniversary of UNESCO Herbie Hancock International Jazz Day. Whether you're a seasoned jazz enthusiast or just curious about diving into Arizona's vibrant music scene, this weekend promises unforgettable performances, incredible food, and a chance to support something truly meaningful: our local Music Teachers.

Why This Festival Matters More Than Ever

Before we dive into the weekend details, let's talk about why your attendance makes a real difference. The recent closure of five schools in the Roosevelt district has left hundreds of students without access to music education: a critical gap that affects not just their artistic development, but their academic performance and emotional well-being. Through our partnership with Yrēfy, a portion of festival proceeds directly funds after-school music instruction programs, providing vital support to Music Teachers who are working tirelessly to keep jazz education alive in Arizona.

This isn't just about great music (though there's plenty of that). It's about ensuring the next generation has access to the transformative power of jazz education, even when traditional school funding falls short.

Jazz saxophonist performing at Scottsdale festival with audience in background

Your Weekend Game Plan: International Jazz Week 2026

International Jazz Week kicks off with two anchor events that bookend an incredible celebration of America's original art form. Here's how to make the most of your Scottsdale jazz festival experience.

Friday Night: The Premiere Party (April 4)

Start your weekend off right at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa from 6:00-10:00 p.m. This isn't your typical concert: it's an immersive evening that sets the tone for the entire festival week.

The Lineup:
Our own Dr. William Jones (aka Doc Jones) leads an all-star roster featuring Carmela Ramirez, known as The Queen of Latin Jazz, alongside Cold Shot & The Hurricane Horns and the soulful stylings of Eloni Yawn. Expect contemporary grooves, soul-influenced rhythms, and Latin-inspired improvisations that'll have you on your feet under the Arizona desert stars.

What to Wear:
Think resort-casual with a touch of sophistication. The outdoor desert setting is gorgeous but bring a light jacket: Arizona nights can surprise you, even in April.

Pro Tip:
Arrive early to explore the resort grounds and grab a prime spot near the stage. The acoustics are phenomenal, and the intimate setting means there's really no bad seat in the house.

The Main Event: Yrēfy Scottsdale Jazz Festival (April 11)

The festival culminates at Talking Stick Resort with all-day and evening performances that showcase the full spectrum of jazz expression. This is where jazz events Arizona really shines: multiple performance spaces, diverse acts, and an atmosphere that celebrates both the music's storied past and its innovative future.

New Orleans-inspired food spread at Yrēfy Scottsdale Jazz Festival

What to Eat and Drink

Let's be real: half the fun of any great festival is the food, and the Yrēfy Scottsdale Jazz Festival doesn't disappoint.

The Premiere Party Buffet

The April 4th kickoff features a New Orleans-inspired dinner buffet that pays homage to jazz's birthplace. We're talking bold, flavorful dishes that mirror the complexity and improvisation of the music itself. From jambalaya to gumbo, beignets to blackened seafood, every bite connects you to the cultural roots of jazz.

The Scotch Experience:
For those 21 and over, don't miss the curated Scotch sampling from The Westin Kierland's impressive Scotch Library. Each selection has been chosen to complement the evening's musical journey: smooth, complex, and with layers that reveal themselves slowly, just like a great jazz standard.

Festival Day Options at Talking Stick Resort

The April 11th festival offers multiple dining venues within the resort. Whether you're grabbing quick bites between sets or settling in for a full meal, the options range from casual Southwest fare to upscale resort dining. Our recommendation? Try the resort's signature restaurants earlier in the day, then enjoy lighter fare near the performance spaces as the evening sets unfold.

Music Teacher instructing students in after-school jazz education program in Arizona

The Full Experience: Beyond the Music

What sets the Yrēfy Scottsdale Jazz Festival apart from other jazz events Arizona hosts is the integration of music with meaningful community impact and cultural education.

The Historical Tribute

This year's programming includes a special tribute honoring a historically influential jazz trombonist whose contributions shaped American jazz traditions. These educational moments woven throughout the performances give context to what you're hearing: connecting past legends to present innovators in ways that deepen your appreciation for the art form.

The NextStudent Connection

A significant portion of Premiere Party proceeds benefits NextStudent Academy of The Arts Project, a nonprofit that has already empowered over 2,000 low-income Phoenix-area youth with musical instruments and instruction. When you attend, you're not just supporting abstract programs: you're directly impacting kids who would otherwise have no access to jazz education Arizona needs to preserve this cultural heritage.

With five Roosevelt district schools recently closing their doors, these programs have become even more critical. Our partnership with Yrēfy ensures Music Teachers have the resources and support to continue offering after-school instruction, keeping the jazz tradition alive for Arizona's next generation.

Outdoor jazz performance at Scottsdale resort during sunset

Making It a Full Weekend in Scottsdale

Since you're already in the area for the Scottsdale jazz festival, why not extend your stay? The city offers incredible art galleries, world-class golf, hiking trails with stunning desert views, and a downtown Old Town district perfect for Saturday afternoon exploration between festival events.

Local Jazz Connections:
Check out some of Scottsdale's intimate jazz clubs on your off-nights. The local scene is thriving, and you might catch some of the festival performers in more intimate settings.

Resort Life:
Both The Westin Kierland and Talking Stick Resort offer full spa services, pools, and relaxation areas. Build in some downtime to recharge between performances: you'll appreciate having fresh energy for the late-night jam sessions.

UNESCO International Jazz Day: Going Global from Arizona

The 15th Anniversary of UNESCO Herbie Hancock International Jazz Day elevates this year's festival beyond a local celebration. On April 30th, the world will unite to celebrate jazz as a universal language of freedom and peace. Our April events in Scottsdale serve as Arizona's contribution to this global movement, proving that jazz education Arizona cultivates connects directly to an international community of artists, educators, and enthusiasts.

It's powerful knowing that when you attend the Yrēfy Scottsdale Jazz Festival, you're part of something bigger: a worldwide recognition of jazz's unique ability to bring people together across cultural, linguistic, and geographic boundaries.

New at the State Capitol: Arizona SB 1255 — The “Arizona Jazz Day Observance Act”

Here’s the extra-good news we’ve all been waiting on: Arizona SB 1255, formally titled the “Arizona Jazz Day Observance Act,” has been introduced to officially designate April 30th as Arizona Jazz Day.

This moment has been a long time coming. After 15 years of effort led by Dr. William Jones, Executive Director of the International Jazz Day AZ Foundation, this bill represents a major step toward formal, statewide recognition of jazz’s cultural value—right alongside the global celebration of UNESCO International Jazz Day.

Together, we’re not just throwing a great week of concerts—we’re helping Arizona make history. With the 15th Anniversary of UNESCO International Jazz Day and the energy building around the Yrēfy Scottsdale Jazz Festival, the timing couldn’t feel more perfect. If SB 1255 crosses the finish line, April 30th won’t just be a date jazz fans love—it’ll be a day Arizona recognizes with pride.

Visitors exploring Scottsdale Old Town during jazz festival weekend

Getting Your Tickets and Planning Ahead

Don't wait until the last minute. Both events historically sell out, and for good reason. Visit jazzdayaz.com for complete ticketing information, updated performance schedules, and details on additional events happening throughout International Jazz Week.

What to Bring:

Valid ID (especially for the Scotch sampling)
Comfortable shoes for resort exploration
A light jacket for outdoor evening performances
Your phone fully charged (you'll want photos)
An open mind and ready spirit

The Bottom Line

The Yrēfy Scottsdale Jazz Festival isn't just another weekend entertainment option: it's a chance to immerse yourself in world-class performances while directly supporting Music Teachers and students who desperately need access to arts education. In a time when school closures threaten to eliminate music programs entirely, your attendance becomes an act of cultural preservation and community investment.

Whether you're drawn by the incredible lineup, the New Orleans cuisine, the resort experience, or the opportunity to support jazz education Arizona depends on, this weekend delivers on every level. As we celebrate 15 years of UNESCO International Jazz Day and look toward the future of jazz in our state, there's no better time to experience what makes this festival truly special.

See you under the desert stars with great music, better company, and the knowledge that every ticket supports the next generation of jazz musicians and fans. Let's make this 15th anniversary celebration one for the history books.