The festival was born in a mayor’s office
In 1984, Burlington Mayor Bernie Sanders and the Mayor’s Arts Council planted a seed: a city-wide jazz festival on the shores of Lake Champlain. More than four decades later, the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival has grown into one of the country’s great celebrations of the music — and Burlington is still the stage.
Just two years in, Ella Fitzgerald — “The Queen of Jazz” — opened the festival, laughing with Mayor Sanders as the two cut the ceremonial blue ribbon at the Champlain Mill. “Get it, get it,” she said. The roster that followed reads like a history of jazz itself: Dizzy Gillespie, Sarah Vaughan, Herbie Hancock, Dave Brubeck, Sonny Rollins, Tito Puente, Branford Marsalis, Diana Krall, Bonnie Raitt, Tony Bennett, and George Clinton, to name a few.
From the start, the idea was simple: an entire weekend of jazz all over the city. That is still how we do it — concerts on the waterfront, ticketed nights at the Flynn, student bands up and down Church Street, and late sets in clubs across town.
- Getting hereThe festival takes over downtown Burlington, here’s how to get here.By car
From I-89, take Exit 14W toward Burlington and follow Main Street into downtown. Metered street parking and several garages are nearby.
- Marketplace Parking Garage, 1 Church Street Marketplace
- Main Street & Lake Street parking garages
By transitGreen Mountain Transit (GMT) buses serve downtown, Church Street, and the waterfront, ride the bus and walk the rest.
- GMT routes to downtown Burlington
By bikeThe Burlington Bike Path and Island Line Trail connect straight into downtown and the waterfront. Bike racks are available near every stage.
- Island Line Trail
- Burlington Bike Path
By planeBurlington International Airport (BTV) is about five miles from downtown, a short drive, taxi, or rideshare away.
- Burlington International Airport (BTV)
