5 Things You Need To Know About Jazz in the Garden

Jazz in the Garden is a free evening summer music event at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden that runs every Friday from May 31 to August 9 (except July 5). This beloved event is a popular way to spend a Friday night during the summer months. However, it is very popular and can get hot, especially in July. Here are a few things you need to know to get the most out of your evening at Jazz in the Garden.

Get Your Timed Tickets

Jazz in the Garden is very popular, so you’ll need to enter the lottery the week before each concert. The lottery for each week opens at 10 am on Monday the week before the event and runs until noon on the following Friday. If you are chosen, you will be notified the Monday before the event and you can reserve up to 4 tickets. If you have a larger group, encourage other friends to register for the lottery.

For example, if you are attending Jazz in the Garden on Friday, May 31, the lottery will run from May 20 to 24. You will be notified if you can reserve tickets on May 27. Popularity can vary by week and is sometimes lower in July and August.

For a full schedule and to sign up for lottery email reminders, check out the website.

Arrive Early for the Best Spot

Concerts run from 6 to 8:30 pm, and doors open at 5 pm. It is best to arrive as close to 5 as possible to get the best spot. You might be tempted to set up near the fountain to see the stage. However, I think the best spots are in the grass. The music can be heard throughout the entire Sculpture Garden, so grabbing a spot on the grass lets you spread out more comfortably. The Sculpture Garden has space in the sun and the shade, so getting there early will let you pick a good shady spot.

View of the National Archives from the Sculpture Garden. People are gathered to see Jazz in the Garden. — People sitting around the fountain for Jazz in the Garden.

Prepare for the Heat

Jazz in the Garden gets very hot, so it’s important to be prepared. Wear comfortable clothes, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Even after the sun starts to set, it can still be very warm and humid. Make sure you have plenty of water to stay hydrated during the event. A small, pocket-sized fan can also help you stay cool. Make to keep an eye on the weather and your email the week of the event. Sometimes concerts are rescheduled in case of rain or extreme heat.

Pack the Best Picnic

Generally, you can bring all of your favorite picnic supplies into the garden except alcohol. Alcohol will be available for purchase inside. I like to bring a variety of finger foods like cheese, salami, pre-cut veggies or fruit, and something sweet like cookies. Make sure you pack water and any non-alcoholic drinks to stay hydrated. A small cooler with ice packs is helpful to keep everything cold and fresh.

Make sure you also have something to sit on like a blanket or camping chairs. Large tables, tents, and beach umbrellas are not allowed.

Peter and Kelley sitting on a blanket at Jazz in the Garden with sangria. — Peter and Kelley at Jazz in the Garden 2023.

Getting to Jazz in the Garden

The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden is located directly next to the museum. Taking public transportation or ride share is highly recommended since the National Mall can be especially short on parking in the summer months. The closest metro stop is Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter (Green, Yellow), but you can also easily walk from the Smithsonian stop (Orange, Blue, Silver). You can also bike or scooter but will need to park them on a bike rack outside the garden.