Local Jazz Events

The Kentucky Heritage Jazz Festival announces the move of the 2025 Jazz Fest and Artisan Expo from the 3rd weekend in September, to the second weekend in October.

Our 2025 dates are October 10-12, with a Friday night “Mardi Gras” kickoff on Main, and two full days of live jazz, artisans, food, fun, and more on Saturday and Sunday at historic Old Fort Harrod. With the new October dates, the Jazz Festival and the Kentucky Artisan Expo will also join the “Scarecrows at the Fort” and some new partners.

We are very grateful to Fort Harrod, the Harrodsburg Mercer County Tourist Commission, our sponsors, planning committee, and marketing partners for their input, flexibility, and continued support of this educational and cultural event.

Announcing our 2025 Music Lineup:

Friday Night On Main - October 10

"A Taste of New Orleans"

Circle City Sidewalk Stompers

Hot Sauce Brass Band

Old Fort Harrod State Park - Saturday, October 11

Blue Groove Jazz Quartet

Campbellsville University Jazz Faculty

Lexington Jazz Collective

Jamey Aebersold Quartet

Circle City Sidewalk Stompers

Nashville Jazz All Stars with Sofia Goodman

Brad Goode Quintet with Ernie Watts and Adam Nussbaum

Old Fort Harrod State Park - Sunday, October 12 – "Big Band Blast"

David Hall Jazz

Transylvania University Jazz Band

Asbury University Jazz Band

Ky State University Choir

Morehead State University Jazz Band

University of Louisville Jazz Ensemble

Somerset Big Band

University of Ky Jazz Ensemble with Guest Artists