History
From Jazz in July to the Riverfront Jazz Festival to Jazz & Rib Fest, for more than 40 years we’ve been dedicated to providing opportunities to experience the finest jazz musicians and savor the best BBQ from across the country. Jazz & Rib Fest has become one of the most anticipated summertime traditions in Columbus – thanks to hot ribs, cool jazz and great fans!
1970s
In 1979, Music in the Air launched Jazz in July, a series presenting jazz through music, film and visual arts at various City of Columbus parks and facilities. Several activities were hosted at the Cultural Arts Center including a Jazz Film Festival and an art exhibit entitled, “Jazz Totems… An Affirmation of Life.” Weekly lunchtime performances were held in the Cultural Arts Center courtyard and featured the newly formed Jazz Arts Group. This was the foundation for what is now the Jazz & Rib Fest – Columbus’ largest free outdoor music festival and one of the nation’s largest rib cook-offs.
1980s
1980 – Music in the Air presented the first Riverfront Jazz Festival in July at the Riverfront Amphitheater.
1986 – National/international touring artists were presented for the first time at the festival.
1987 – The festival expanded to five days, presenting local jazz artists on Wednesday and Thursday evenings to kick-off the weekend festivities.
1990s
1990 – The Riverfront Jazz Festival and UpDowntowners’ RibFest merged to become Jazz & Rib Fest. For several years prior, the UpDowntowners’ RibFest was produced separately and held during the Riverfront Jazz Festival.
1993– The festival site was expanded to both sides of the downtown riverfront, providing additional space for more rib teams and a second stage in Bicentennial Park.
1996: Columbus Chamber of Commerce took over responsibility for producing Jazz & Rib Fest.
2000s
2006 – Production of Jazz & Rib Fest returned to the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department.
2009 – As Jazz & Rib Fest celebrated its 30th anniversary, the event moved to its new home in the Arena District.
2010s
2014 – Jazz & Rib Fest celebrated its 35th anniversary.
2016 – Jazz & Rib Fest moved back to the newly redeveloped Scioto Mile.
2019 – Jazz & Rib Fest celebrated its 40th anniversary.
2020s
2020 – Jazz & Rib Fest was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2021 – Jazz & Rib Fest was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2022 – Jazz & Rib Fest returned to the Scioto Mile, expanding to have three stages.
2023 – West Bank Park Stage became the main stage of the event due to construction at Bicentennial Park.