If you’re looking for a way to make Labor Day Weekend feel like a true escape—without traveling far from home—the 15th Annual John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival offers an ideal getaway for couples who appreciate great music, beautiful surroundings and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, Sept. 5–6, 2026 at Oak Hollow Festival Park in High Point, NC.

For couples who enjoy discovering new artists together or friends hanging out and making a weekend of an event rather than simply attending a concert, the Coltrane JazzFest offers something special.

Your Weekend, Your Way

There is something wonderfully unhurried about spending an afternoon by the water with music playing in the background.

At the Coltrane JazzFest, you can get comfortable at the lakeside setting at Oak Hollow Festival Park, enjoy the warm community atmosphere and let the music provide the soundtrack. With gates opening at 3 p.m. each day, there is time to arrive, settle-in and enjoy the surroundings before the live performances begin.

The festival’s broad musical palette also makes it particularly appealing for couples or friend groups with different tastes. Someone may gravitate toward traditional jazz. Others may prefer contemporary smooth jazz. At Coltrane JazzFest, you don’t have to choose.

Saturday’s lineup includes the virtuosic, Grammy Award-winning Victor Wooten and the Wooten Brothers, the genre-defying Lao Tizer Band, soulful guitarist and vocalist Raul Midón and high-energy saxophonist Mike Phillips.

Sunday brings an equally impressive collection of artists, including Grammy Award-winning vocalist Ledisi, saxophonist Ravi Coltrane, internationally acclaimed vocalist Cyrille Aimée, and contemporary jazz favorites Marcus Anderson and Adam Hawley. The NC Coltrane All-Star Band featuring Garry Percell rounds out the weekend with some of the region’s outstanding musicians.

A Festival for Music Lovers—Not Just Jazz Fans

You don’t need to consider yourself a serious jazz aficionado to enjoy Coltrane JazzFest.

In fact, one of the festival’s greatest strengths is the way it connects jazz with the music many of us already love. Victor Wooten and the Wooten Brothers bring jazz fusion, funk and soul together with extraordinary musicianship. Raul Midón combines acoustic guitar, soulful vocals and Latin-inflected rhythms. Mike Phillips brings jazz together with R&B, funk and hip-hop.

On Sunday, Ledisi’s powerhouse soul vocals provide a natural bridge between contemporary R&B and jazz, while Cyrille Aimée brings French chanson and Latin influences into her adventurous vocal style. Marcus Anderson and Adam Hawley deliver melodic grooves, saxophone and guitar in a contemporary jazz setting.

And then there is Ravi Coltrane.

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Connection to Jazz History

The 2026 festival takes on special significance because it coincides with the 100th anniversary of John Coltrane’s birth.

Coltrane spent part of his formative years in High Point, making the city an especially meaningful place to celebrate his life and influence. On Sunday, his son, Ravi Coltrane, will perform at the festival—a rare opportunity to experience a living connection between one of jazz’s most influential musical legacies and the next generation.

For couples who enjoy combining cultural experiences with their weekend travels, Ravi Coltrane’s appearance adds another dimension to the festival. You’re not simply attending a concert; you’re experiencing an important moment in the history of American music in the very community where John Coltrane’s musical journey began.

Start the Weekend Early

The celebration actually begins on Friday, Sept. 4, with two special events.

Golf enthusiasts can participate in the inaugural Coltrane JazzFest Golf Experience at the Grandover Resort Championship Golf Courses in Greensboro, beginning at 9 a.m. The event benefits Friends of John Coltrane, Inc., the nonprofit organization behind the festival and its educational programming.

That evening at 7 p.m., music lovers can attend an interactive masterclass with Victor Wooten and the Wooten Brothers. Rather than a traditional clinic, the Wootens have designed the experience as an open musical conversation built around a simple philosophy: music is a language, and the best way to learn it is by speaking it together.

Musicians of every age, instrument and experience level are encouraged to bring their instruments for the opportunity to actively participate from their seats. Throughout the session, participants will discover new approaches to listening, communicating and creating music while learning from one of the world’s most respected musical families.

Those who do not play an instrument are encouraged to attend as well. Observing the Wooten Brothers exchange musical ideas, develop grooves and demonstrate spontaneous collaboration offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process that few audiences ever experience. It’s a chance to experience the artists from a more intimate and informative perspective before the festival weekend gets fully underway.

A Weekend That Gives Back

There is also a deeper reason to feel good about spending your Labor Day Weekend at Coltrane JazzFest.

Friends of John Coltrane, Inc., the nonprofit organization behind the festival, is dedicated to preserving John Coltrane’s legacy through artistic presentation, community engagement and music education for young people.

That mission gives the festival a purpose beyond entertainment. Your participation helps support an organization working to introduce the next generation to music, creativity and the enduring legacy of one of America’s greatest musicians.

Plan Your Triad Getaway

The John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival offers the unique combination of a destination experience and the convenience of being close to home.

Beautiful lakeside surroundings. An eclectic lineup of exceptional musicians. A relaxed community atmosphere. The opportunity to celebrate John Coltrane’s centennial in his North Carolina hometown.

And most importantly, a chance to slow down, listen to great music and enjoy a memorable weekend together.

Mark your calendar for Sept. 4–6, 2026, and Catch the Trane the 15th Annual John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival your plan.

Follow the festival on Facebook and Instagram for artist announcements, and festival news. Ticket information Festival details available at coltranejazzfest.com.

John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival
Sept. 4–6, 2026 | Oak Hollow Festival Park | High Point, North Carolina
Ride the Trane to 15.