One of the largest free jazz festivals in the country is back in swing this weekend.  

The San Antonio Parks Foundation will host its 42nd annual Jazz’SAlive festival Sept. 26 and 27 in Civic Park at Hemisfair, transforming downtown into a vibrant showcase of live music, food and culture.

The festival runs from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and continues 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday. The parks foundation expects roughly 15,000 attendees and will offer family-friendly activities.

Festival-goers can expect to hear a wide range of sounds — from classics to Latin grooves — across the event’s two stages. The most anticipated artists will close out the festival each night. 

Headlining on Friday night is Endea Owens and the Cookout. Owens, a Detroit native and Juilliard graduate, is an Emmy, Grammy, and Peabody award-winning bassist, composer and recording artist. Known as one of jazz’s most dynamic rising stars, Owens has performed with icons Wynton Marsalis, Diana Ross and Jon Batiste. She’s also a member of the house band on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” 

Closing out Saturday night is renowned Afro-Cuban percussionist and vocalist Pedrito Martinez. Praised for his electrifying performances, Martinez has collaborated with legends Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen and Eric Clapton. He’s led the Grammy-nominated Pedrito Martinez Group since 2005.

Notable local artists include singer-songwriter MiChelle Garibay-Carey, the St. Mary’s University PM Jazz Combo and U.S. Air Force veteran and singer Brenná Parker, who is performing the national anthem. 

Rising jazz vocalist Stella Cole, who has amassed millions of views on social media for covers of classics like “Over the Rainbow,” is coming off of the release of her third album, “It’s Magic.” 

Rising jazz vocalist Stella Cole will perform at this year’s Jazz’SAlive festival on Friday, Sept. 26. Credit: Courtesy / The San Antonio Parks Foundation

She said listeners can expect to hear many songs from her latest album, but also covers of some of the greatest hits and a little bit of country, too.  

“We did a show in Nashville two nights ago and we started doing a little bit of Patsy Cline,” Cole said. “So probably in Texas, we’re going to continue the southern thing, because I also love bluegrass and country music.” 

While her audience tends to be a range of ages, the 26-year-old said she loves introducing jazz to more young people. 

“It feels good to be part of this next generation who’s carrying this music forward,” Cole said. “And that’s a big part of my goal is just to keep the music alive and keep introducing new people to it. These songs are truly just timeless and wonderful and I think it’s music that almost everyone, once they hear it, will like it even a little bit.”  

In addition to the performances, attendees can grab a bite at the festival’s food market “featuring flavors that perfectly complement the musical lineup,” according to the parks foundation. 

Jazz’SAlive attendees can purchase food from the festival’s food market. Credit: Courtesy / Oscar Moreno Photography

The festival will also feature an artisan market where locals will sell unique goods and artwork. 

Admission to the festival is free, but shaded patron seating is available for purchase, priced at $60 per day. A VIP speakeasy experience is also available for purchase with individual tickets starting at $250 per person or $1,750 for a table of eight per night. 

Jazz’SAlive has been beloved by community members for over 40 years. Cole said it’s an honor to perform at any jazz festival but especially one that’s been running for so many years. 

“I think the community aspect of it is really fun,” Cole said. “Also being a part of these festivals that have been around for so long, you feel like a part of a longer lineage, which is really exciting.”