UMN Morris Jazz Fest and Jazz Crawl 2026
Follow the Music: Your Guide to the Morris Jazz Crawl Weekend
If your ideal weekend includes live music, great food and a reason to explore somewhere new, Morris is ready to play host. During the 45th Annual UMN Morris Jazz Fest, talented student musicians and nationally recognized artists bring jazz to campus and beyond. Then on Saturday, the music heads out into the community for the Jazz Crawl, where local venues become the stage.
Whether you want the full festival experience or just want to catch a few standout performances around town, here’s what to know before you go.
Friday, April 10, 2026: 45th Annual UMN Morris Jazz Fest
The 45th University of Minnesota Morris Jazz Fest takes place on Friday, April 10, 2026, at the Student Center, Edward J. and Helen Jane Morrison Performing Arts Center and Edson Auditorium in Morris.
The festival features performances by the UMN Morris Jazz Band and Jazz Combos in collaboration with local and nationally renowned guest artists. As always, the Morris Alumni Jazz Band will also join in the fun, making this a standout evening for longtime jazz fans and first-time visitors alike.
The evening Jazz Fest concert is open to the public and is a great way to kick off a full weekend of music in Morris.
Saturday, April 11, 2026: Jazz Crawl
On Saturday, the music moves out into Morris for the Jazz Crawl. This is where the weekend really stretches its legs. Instead of one stage, you’ll find live performances at venues around town, giving you the chance to pair brunch, coffee or a night out with seriously good music.
Most stops are free to attend, though one evening performance does require a ticket. Here’s the lineup.
Motu United
Venue: Common Cup Coffee Shop
Time: 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Admission: No cover charge
Based in Fergus Falls, Motu United brings a lively mix of Caribbean, jazz and cover music to the afternoon lineup. It’s an easy stop for coffee, conversation and a set that keeps things light, upbeat and fun.
Gauchos del Tango
Venue: Jazz Brunch at Prime Steakhouse
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Admission: Free admission; reservations recommended
Featuring accordionist Michael Ward-Bergeman with UMM faculty Dustin Retzlaff and Yulene Velásquez, this brunch performance pairs French-inspired music with a menu theme to match. If you like your jazz with a side of atmosphere, this is a strong place to start.
Twin Cities Hot Club
Venue: Old No. 1 Bar & Grill (Southside)
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Admission: Ticket required
Representing Minnesota in the revival of gypsy jazz, Twin Cities Hot Club brings the spirit of Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli to Morris with swing, musette, bolero, bossa nova and the unmistakable energy of acoustic jazz that feels very much alive.
What to know before you go
- Jazz Fest takes place on Friday, April 10, 2026, with performances, workshops, clinics and presentations throughout the day and evening.
- The Jazz Crawl takes place on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
- Jazz Brunch at Prime Steakhouse is free, but reservations are recommended.
- Motu United at Common Cup Coffee Shop has no cover charge.
- Twin Cities Hot Club at Old No. 1 Bar & Grill requires a ticket.
- If you want the full weekend experience, plan ahead so you can catch both the Friday concert and Saturday crawl performances.
Make it a weekend in Morris
The Jazz Crawl gives you more than a concert. It gives you a reason to settle in, explore town and let the weekend unfold one set at a time. Catch the Friday performances, ease into Saturday with brunch and live music, then follow the sound from stop to stop.
Come for Jazz Fest. Stay for the crawl. Leave with a weekend well spent.