Looking for a taste of jazz this weekend? This weekend marks the third annual CWE Jazz & Blues Festival on Saturday, August 15, from 1–7 p.m. The free, outdoor celebration brings together music, culture, and community. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs to the intersection of Euclid and Laclede as the sounds from some of St. Louis’ finest jazz and blues talents reverberate through the streets. (And see our full list of recommended Central West End dining spots.)
Perfect for date nights, special occasions, and other elevated evenings, Jazz St. Louis (3536 Washington) provides an intimate space to enjoy a show. (In fact, DownBeat Magazine named it a 2026 “Top Jazz Venue.”) Guests can enjoy food and drink during the concerts, with the kitchen closing 30 minutes after the last set begins. Visit the concert calendar for tickets to upcoming performances, as well as the FAQ page for more information.
Blue Strawberry (364 N. Boyle), the casual showroom and music lounge in the Central West End, offers cocktails, wine, small plates, and entrées, including thin-crust pizza. The Kendrick Smith Trio performs free jazz jams from 9:30 p.m.–12:30 a.m. each Wednesday. See the music calendar for additional shows. Or consider a jazz series subscription, with 10 percent off three select shows, 15 percent off four shows, or 20 percent off five or more shows.
The Dark Room (3610 Grandel Square) in Grand Center hosts free jazz jams with Demarius Hicks on Wednesdays from 6-9 p.m. (Limited seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, with the kitchen open until 8 p.m.) Operated by the Kranzberg Arts Foundation, the award-winning venue features an array of genres and rotating photography exhibits, as well as a full-service bar and small plates. To purchase tickets to upcoming shows, visit the website.
City Winery (3730 Foundry Way) often hosts jazz acts, among a wide array of live performances. The venue provides an intimate space for a concert and elevated dining experience with award-winning wines and chef-driven cuisine. Guests can enjoy a full meal and wine service while watching a performance. Visit the website for more information and to purchase tickets.
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More Options
In addition to these venues, a handful of places offer jazz on specific nights:
- Gallery Pub (4069 Shenandoah): The corner eatery in the Shaw neighborhood offers jazz nights and trivia, as well as its popular pickle pizza.
- The Key (3225 Olive): The Grand Center burger bar and music venue hosts jazz jam sessions on Thursdays from 9–11 p.m.
- None of the Above (3730 Foundry Way): The upscale, speakeasy-style bar beneath City Foundry serves cocktails and small plates. It also hosts live jazz and DJ performances from 8-11 p.m. on Sundays.
- The Vandy (1301 S. Vandeventer): The upscale cocktail bar in The Grove serves snacks and hosts free jazz performances on the first and third Thursday of every month.
