(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- The Cape May Exit Zero Jazz Festival takes place May 15-17, 2026. Twice a year, the festival takes over the historic seaside town, transforming it into a music village that welcomes an impressive array of cultures and musical styles, including blockbuster jazz, NEA Jazz Masters, Grammy-winning legends and crowd favorites.
Artists include MILES ELECTRIC BAND; Ravi Coltrane; Carmen Lundy; Walter Smith III; Will Calhoun Mali Project; Jose James Presents: Facing East, The Music of John Coltrane; Orrin Evans Trio; Ekep Nkwelle; Sarah Hanahan; Davina and The Vagabonds; Edgardo Cintron; Bloco Funk; Gary Bartz; Jeff "Tain" Watts", and Robert Hurst. Click here for the festival schedule.
Exit Zero Jazz draws musical inspiration from musicians around the globe, including performers from Indonesia, Japan, South Africa, Europe and the Caribbean. And a healthy cultural connection has been developed with Cuba. The magic of the Festival lies in the surprise of discovery of amazingly talented musicians you were not aware of, but who quickly become your favorites.
You might find yourself one minute second-lining to a New Orleans brass band, and, in the next, snaking through town behind a 22-piece Brazilian drum bloco. The joy of the Exit Zero Jazz Festival is in the discovery of incredible music and musicians you may never have known existed.
Tickets are available for purchase online. Performances take place in Convention Hall, Carney's Main Room, Carney's Other Room, and the Clemans Theater for the Arts.
The Cape May Jazz Festival Foundation champions the cultivation and discovery of jazz, blues, and folk music for all. Active year round, the Foundation sponsors Artist Residencies, in-school concerts, performance opportunities for student bands on the festival stages, and the David O. Clemans Music Connects Big Band. In 2025, more than 2,000 students of all ages engaged with Music Education Outreach!
