Catalina Island JazzTrax
Festival Information
SHORT
JazzTrax Festival TIPS
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Transportation
Open or CloseThe 26 Miles Across the Sea to Catalina Island
BY BOAT
About 1 hour to the Island from Long Beach
www.CatalinaExpress.com
800-481-3470Fall Boat Schedule to be Posted in July
BY HELICOPTER
About 15 minutes to the Island from Long Beach
www.iexhelicopters.com
800-228-2566
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Daytripping to the Jazz Festival
Open or CloseOn October Festival Saturdays and Sundays no need for Overnight Accomodations if just coming to the Island for that day’s performances. See ALL of Saturdays JazzTrax Festival Performances and return on Catalina Express 11:30 pm Late Boat Back to Long Beach. See ALL of Sundays JazzTrax Festival Performances and return on Catalina Express 11:30 pm Late Boat Back to Long Beach.
See ALL Weekend Shows Fri., Sat., Sun. but need to be back for work on Monday Morning?
Return on board Catalina Express Sunday Night 11:30 pm Late Boat Back to Long Beach There is NO Late Boat on Thursdays or Fridays after final performance …
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Staying Overnight in Avalon
Open or CloseWhat’s Available for Staying Overnight in Avalon There are many quaint hotels in our tiny seaport island village. Always check 1st on
These are the hotels who participate and help us present this event. There are also multiple Rental Houses and Vacation Condo’s. Rates for October vary throughout the year, you know how that goes, depending on where they are at, on Occupancy. The closer the event gets the fewer rooms are left or you might see a higher price because all that’s left are their more expensive rooms.
There are ALWAYS rooms available, you’ll just need to look harder when the event draws close. Also check back because sold out hotels will have cancellations even week of. Most hotels because it’s a resort town and a big event weekend will ask for 2 or 3 night minimums. Some do though offer an extra added night at discount or sometimes a 4th night free, with their minimum booking.
Also most hotels dramatically drop their prices on non event mid week nights. Coming for both weekends you find much lower Mon-Wed. prices. The Chamber of Commerce has a full Hotels Listing.
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Venue Info
Open or CloseIs the JazzTrax Festival Indoors or Outdoors?
BOTH
Thursday Evening’s Unplugged Show is Outdoors Under the Stars on Descanso Beach. All shows Friday, Saturday, Sunday are INDOORS inside the historic 1929 Avalon Ballroom .. top floor of the Wrigley Casino (not a real casino) .. everything looking out to sea.
Is there a Covid Vaccination Policy?
Not at this time
Can Food or Beverage or Camera’s or Backpacks be brought into the JazzTrax Venues?
NO
Both venues have full food and bar to purchase service.
Unfortunately the Venue has cancelled their Corkage Policy this year. Festival has No Control on This.
Outside Wine CANNOT be brought in this Year
Can I see Sports Inside the JazzTrax Venues?
JazzTrax always has 2 TV’s in the Marine Room Bar on the Mezzanine Level Baseball Play-offs on 1. Usually football on the other. Merch Store Manager has control of the remotes.
Is there a JazzTrax Festival Store?
It’s located on the Mezzanine between the restrooms and right next to the Marine Room Bar JazzTrax Clothing, Wine Glasses, Posters and such are on sale throughout. Also usually the Performing Artists current CD. Usually the Performing Artist comes to the Autograph Counter next to the JazzTrax Store after performance to quickly sign your CD’s. This is not promised, but usually.
Where are the Restrooms?
Mezzanine Level of Casino, at Descanso UP the sidewalk
Is there an Elevator to the Ballroom?
YES
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Food, Drink & Groceries Info
Open or CloseWhat’s the Restaurant Dining Scene in Avalon?
Avalon is filled with quaint restaurants and shops. Google Restaurants in Avalon, CA. Some take reservations, others don’t. Reservations are a great idea because all festival goers are trying to dine between 4:30 and 7 pm
Are there Bars beyond Restaurants?
Avalon has 2 classic dive bars open to last call. The Marlin Club and The Locker Room
Is there a Grocery Store in Avalon?
YES
A big beautiful VON’S which was built completely brand new recently. It has EVERYTHING Also several liquor stores. Von’s is likely open to 11 p.m. again no guarantees. Other than dive bars, the restaurants are usually closed after final performance, but there is one outside burger joint usually open right behind the Locker Room until really really late.
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Catalina Island Info
Open or CloseHow do I get around Avalon and to the Venues?
Avalon is l square mile. You can walk to virtually everything. The Casino and Avalon Ballroom are a 5 to 10 minute walk from town down the boardwalk. Descanso Beach is a 5 minute walk from Casino along boardwalk. There is taxi service. Usually until midnight, but on Saturday Nights they service our after party until almost 1 a.m. From top parking lot at Descanso. In front of Casino for shows. If you are staying at Hamilton Cove, each villa includes a golf cart. Remember you can get arrested for drunk golf cart driving. They are licensed vehicles. Avalon is ruled by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Are there other things to do other than attend the festival, eat, drink and sleep?
YES
Catalina Country Club is a 9 hole golf course. There is Scuba and Snorkeling with plenty of shops to assist. Parasailing, The Catalina Island Museum, fairly brand new and excellent. A beach bar all day at Descanso Beach. Reading, Walking, try the Pebbly Beach Walk or Wrigley Memorial Walk or up past the Chimes Tour and further to top of Zip Line and down that other side. Oh … and a Zip Line Inner Island Tours Daily
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Shows, Tickets & Seating Info
Open or CloseIs there Reserved Seating or General Admission?
All JazzTrax Festival Seating is Reserved.
What’s the Deal with Sessions and Shows?
Each Session has 2 full concerts You can Purchase Thursday Evening (2 acts) only. You can Purchase Friday Evening (2 acts) only. On Saturdays and Sundays there are 2 Sessions Afternoon Session (2 acts) Evening Session (2 acts) Your All Day Ticket gives you both the Afternoon and Evening Session those days.
Saturday and Sunday Single Session is not sold until the event. When the weekend arrives and possibly a bit sooner, any leftover single session tickets become available. You can still purchase Full Weekend Series Tickets All Year. This ticket includes All Sessions Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Thursday Evening Unplugged is a separate ticket purchase from the weekend.
What’s the Seating over each weekend in the Avalon Ballroom?
The Ballroom Floor is all Theater Seating but all chairs post covid now have a bit of space between them. 3 different priced ballroom floor sections. The Ballroom also has 3 tiers of Table Seating. All tables seating is now priced the same. Most tables seat 4. You must buy table seating in pairs so as not to leave an unsellable isolated table seat. On both “sides” the 1st row of tables is level with the ballroom floor.
The next 2 rows are 1 step up, but that level has a front row of tables and a back row of tables behind. The 3rd row of side tables is another step up. Then come the only 2 Seat High Top Tables adjacent to the French Doors which open to the Ballroom outside verandah. Back of Ballroom Tables are all 4 seaters. First row is one step up raised above ballroom floor. Second Row in back Tables are High Toppers right in front of bar.
What’s the Seating like Thursdays on Descanso Beach?
Intimate and only 471 seats. In the Descanso Beach Club Cabana Sand Section. First 5 Rows are romantically doubled up Chaise Lounges. Must be purchased in pairs. White Chair Sections 1, 2, and 3 can be purchased as single seats or more. Private Cabana’s seat 4 and must be purchased in pairs. Chaise Lounges and Private Cabana’s always sell out by early Summer.
Can I keep my same seats or table in 2023?
YES
By filling out the 2023 Pre Ticket Order Form that’s inside each festival program, and having it mailed by November 1st.
When do next year’s tickets go On Sale?
Tuesday before Thanksgiving Day
When is the next year’s Artist Line-Up Announced?
We announce the new year’s artist line-up one artist a week on our weekly JazzTrax E Blasts. Beginning in January, the artist line-up unfolds 1 artist each week, through May. The entire Performance Schedule is announced at Memorial Day Weekend.
Can I keep my same seats or table in 2023?
YES
By filling out the 2023 Pre Ticket Order Form that’s inside each festival program, and having it mailed by November 1st.
When do next year’s tickets go On Sale?
Tuesday before Thanksgiving Day
When is the next year’s Artist Line-Up Announced?
We announce the new year’s artist line-up one artist a week on our weekly JazzTrax E Blasts. Beginning in January, the artist line-up unfolds 1 artist each week, through May. The entire Performance Schedule is announced at Memorial Day Weekend.
Can I keep my same seats or table in 2023?
YES
By filling out the 2023 Pre Ticket Order Form that’s inside each festival program, and having it mailed by November 1st.
When do next year’s tickets go On Sale?
Tuesday before Thanksgiving Day
When is the next year’s Artist Line-Up Announced?
We announce the new year’s artist line-up one artist a week on our weekly JazzTrax E Blasts. Beginning in January, the artist line-up unfolds 1 artist each week, through May. The entire Performance Schedule is announced at Memorial Day Weekend.
When can I buy Full Weekend Series Tickets?
Having the same seat or table the entire weekend in the Ballroom, Fri., Sat., Sun. tickets are on sale All Year, beginning Tuesday before Thanksgiving.
When can I buy Single Day Tickets?
Single Day Tickets Go On Sale at Memorial Day Weekend, either just before or just after.
When can I buy the 1 outdoor Thursday Unplugged Tickets?
These are on sale year round beginning at Thanksgiving. The outdoor venue only seats 471. The Chaise Lounges (must purchase in pairs) and Private Cabana’s (seat 4) must be purchased in pairs and always sell out by Summer. Single seats or more are purchasable in the 3 white chair sections. Thursdays because of the capacity often sell out in the Fall before the date.
Can I ever buy Single Session Tickets?
Obviously for Thursday you can. And for Friday since it’s only 1 evening session. Saturday and Sundays you must purchase the entire day, both sessions, but close to the date, just before the weekend or at the weekend any leftover seats for afternoon or evening are released to Single Session Sale.
What are the dates of the JazzTrax Festival in 2023?
The 36th will be held
Opening Weekend Oct. 12 -15, 2023
Closing Weekend Oct. 19-22, 2023
2024 Festival Dates will be Same Matching Weekends
TRANSPORTATION
The 26 Miles Across the Sea to Catalina Island
BY BOAT
About 1 hour to the Island from Long Beach
www.CatalinaExpress.com
800-481-3470
Fall Boat Schedule to be Posted in July
BY HELICOPTER
About 15 minutes to the Island from Long Beach
www.iexhelicopters.com
800-228-2566
On October Festival Saturdays and Sundays no need for Overnight Accomodations if just coming to the Island for that day’s performances. See ALL of Saturdays JazzTrax Festival Performances and return on Catalina Express 11:30 pm Late Boat Back to Long Beach. See ALL of Sundays JazzTrax Festival Performances and return on Catalina Express 11:30 pm Late Boat Back to Long Beach.
See ALL Weekend Shows Fri., Sat., Sun. but need to be back for work on Monday Morning?
Return on board Catalina Express Sunday Night 11:30 pm Late Boat Back to Long Beach There is NO Late Boat on Thursdays or Fridays after final performance …
STAYING OVERNIGHT ON THE ISLAND
What’s Available for Staying Overnight in Avalon There are many quaint hotels in our tiny seaport island village. Always check 1st on
These are the hotels who participate and help us present this event. There are also multiple Rental Houses and Vacation Condo’s. Rates for October vary throughout the year, you know how that goes, depending on where they are at, on Occupancy. The closer the event gets the fewer rooms are left or you might see a higher price because all that’s left are their more expensive rooms.
There are ALWAYS rooms available, you’ll just need to look harder when the event draws close. Also check back because sold out hotels will have cancellations even week of. Most hotels because it’s a resort town and a big event weekend will ask for 2 or 3 night minimums. Some do though offer an extra added night at discount or sometimes a 4th night free, with their minimum booking.
Also most hotels dramatically drop their prices on non event mid week nights. Coming for both weekends you find much lower Mon-Wed. prices. The Chamber of Commerce has a full Hotels Listing.
SHORT
JazzTrax Festival TIPS
Venue Info
Is the JazzTrax Festival Indoors or Outdoors?
BOTH
Thursday Evening’s Unplugged Show is Outdoors Under the Stars on Descanso Beach. All shows Friday, Saturday, Sunday are INDOORS inside the historic 1929 Avalon Ballroom .. top floor of the Wrigley Casino (not a real casino) .. everything looking out to sea.
Is there a Covid Vaccination Policy?
Not at this time
Can Food or Beverage or Camera’s or Backpacks be brought into the JazzTrax Venues?
NO
Both venues have full food and bar to purchase service.
Unfortunately the Venue has cancelled their Corkage Policy this year. Festival has No Control on This.
Outside Wine CANNOT be brought in this Year
Can I see Sports Inside the JazzTrax Venues?
JazzTrax always has 2 TV’s in the Marine Room Bar on the Mezzanine Level Baseball Play-offs on 1. Usually football on the other. Merch Store Manager has control of the remotes.
Is there a JazzTrax Festival Store?
It’s located on the Mezzanine between the restrooms and right next to the Marine Room Bar JazzTrax Clothing, Wine Glasses, Posters and such are on sale throughout. Also usually the Performing Artists current CD. Usually the Performing Artist comes to the Autograph Counter next to the JazzTrax Store after performance to quickly sign your CD’s. This is not promised, but usually.
Where are the Restrooms?
Mezzanine Level of Casino, at Descanso UP the sidewalk
Is there an Elevator to the Ballroom?
YES
Food, Drink & Groceries Info
What’s the Restaurant Dining Scene in Avalon?
Avalon is filled with quaint restaurants and shops. Google Restaurants in Avalon, CA. Some take reservations, others don’t. Reservations are a great idea because all festival goers are trying to dine between 4:30 and 7 pm
Are there Bars beyond Restaurants?
Avalon has 2 classic dive bars open to last call. The Marlin Club and The Locker Room
Is there a Grocery Store in Avalon?
YES
A big beautiful VON’S which was built completely brand new recently. It has EVERYTHING Also several liquor stores. Von’s is likely open to 11 p.m. again no guarantees. Other than dive bars, the restaurants are usually closed after final performance, but there is one outside burger joint usually open right behind the Locker Room until really really late.
Catalina Island Info
How do I get around Avalon and to the Venues?
Avalon is l square mile. You can walk to virtually everything. The Casino and Avalon Ballroom are a 5 to 10 minute walk from town down the boardwalk. Descanso Beach is a 5 minute walk from Casino along boardwalk. There is taxi service. Usually until midnight, but on Saturday Nights they service our after party until almost 1 a.m. From top parking lot at Descanso. In front of Casino for shows. If you are staying at Hamilton Cove, each villa includes a golf cart. Remember you can get arrested for drunk golf cart driving. They are licensed vehicles. Avalon is ruled by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Are there other things to do other than attend the festival, eat, drink and sleep?
YES
Catalina Country Club is a 9 hole golf course. There is Scuba and Snorkeling with plenty of shops to assist. Parasailing, The Catalina Island Museum, fairly brand new and excellent. A beach bar all day at Descanso Beach. Reading, Walking, try the Pebbly Beach Walk or Wrigley Memorial Walk or up past the Chimes Tour and further to top of Zip Line and down that other side. Oh … and a Zip Line Inner Island Tours Daily
Shows, Tickets & Seating Info
Is there Reserved Seating or General Admission?
All JazzTrax Festival Seating is Reserved.
What’s the Deal with Sessions and Shows?
Each Session has 2 full concerts You can Purchase Thursday Evening (2 acts) only. You can Purchase Friday Evening (2 acts) only. On Saturdays and Sundays there are 2 Sessions Afternoon Session (2 acts) Evening Session (2 acts) Your All Day Ticket gives you both the Afternoon and Evening Session those days.
Saturday and Sunday Single Session is not sold until the event. When the weekend arrives and possibly a bit sooner, any leftover single session tickets become available. You can still purchase Full Weekend Series Tickets All Year. This ticket includes All Sessions Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Thursday Evening Unplugged is a separate ticket purchase from the weekend.
What’s the Seating over each weekend in the Avalon Ballroom?
The Ballroom Floor is all Theater Seating but all chairs post covid now have a bit of space between them. 3 different priced ballroom floor sections. The Ballroom also has 3 tiers of Table Seating. All tables seating is now priced the same. Most tables seat 4. You must buy table seating in pairs so as not to leave an unsellable isolated table seat. On both “sides” the 1st row of tables is level with the ballroom floor.
The next 2 rows are 1 step up, but that level has a front row of tables and a back row of tables behind. The 3rd row of side tables is another step up. Then come the only 2 Seat High Top Tables adjacent to the French Doors which open to the Ballroom outside verandah. Back of Ballroom Tables are all 4 seaters. First row is one step up raised above ballroom floor. Second Row in back Tables are High Toppers right in front of bar.
What’s the Seating like Thursdays on Descanso Beach?
Intimate and only 471 seats. In the Descanso Beach Club Cabana Sand Section. First 5 Rows are romantically doubled up Chaise Lounges. Must be purchased in pairs. White Chair Sections 1, 2, and 3 can be purchased as single seats or more. Private Cabana’s seat 4 and must be purchased in pairs. Chaise Lounges and Private Cabana’s always sell out by early Summer.
Can I keep my same seats or table in 2024?
YES
By filling out the 2024 Pre Ticket Order Form that’s inside each festival program, and having it mailed by November 1st.
When do next year’s tickets go On Sale?
Tuesday before Thanksgiving Day
When is the next year’s Artist Line-Up Announced?
We announce the new year’s artist line-up one artist a week on our weekly JazzTrax E Blasts. Beginning in January, the artist line-up unfolds 1 artist each week, through May. The entire Performance Schedule is announced at Memorial Day Weekend.
When can I buy Full Weekend Series Tickets?
Having the same seat or table the entire weekend in the Ballroom, Fri., Sat., Sun. tickets are on sale All Year, beginning Tuesday before Thanksgiving.
When can I buy Single Day Tickets?
Single Day Tickets Go On Sale at Memorial Day Weekend, either just before or just after.
When can I buy the 1 outdoor Thursday Unplugged Tickets?
These are on sale year round beginning at Thanksgiving. The outdoor venue only seats 471. The Chaise Lounges (must purchase in pairs) and Private Cabana’s (seat 4) must be purchased in pairs and always sell out by Summer. Single seats or more are purchasable in the 3 white chair sections. Thursdays because of the capacity often sell out in the Fall before the date.
Can I ever buy Single Session Tickets?
Obviously for Thursday you can. And for Friday since it’s only 1 evening session. Saturday and Sundays you must purchase the entire day, both sessions, but close to the date, just before the weekend or at the weekend any leftover seats for afternoon or evening are released to Single Session Sale.
What are the dates of the JazzTrax Festival in 2024?
The 37th will be held
Opening Weekend Oct. 10-13, 2024
Closing Weekend Oct. 17-20, 2024
611 South Palm Canyon Drive
Suite 7-458
Palm Springs, CA 92264-7402
This Year's Magic of October on Catalina Island
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