Columbus announces headliners for Jazz & Ribs Fest

BY Lydia Taylor Columbus

PUBLISHED 11:00 AM ET Apr. 17, 2025 PUBLISHED 11:00 AM EDT Apr. 17, 2025

COLUMBUS, Ohio — A major summer event is coming back to downtown Columbus.

The Columbus Recreation and Parks Department announced the headliners for this year's Jazz & Rib Fest, which will be held July 18-20.

“We have a great lineup for Jazz & Rib Fest this year,” said Bernita Reese, director of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department. “This is such a special event for so many residents of Columbus and beyond. We are thrilled to be able to host this festival which draws hundreds of thousands of people to downtown Columbus to enjoy hot ribs and cool jazz.”

Headliners

Friday, July 18

West Bank Park Stage: Kenny Lattimore at 8 p.m.
Bicentennial Park: Lizz Wright at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, July 19

West Bank Park Stage: Boney James: Slow Burn Tour at 8 p.m.
Bicentennial Park: The Baylor Project at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, July 20

West Bank Park Stage: Mavis Staples at 6 p.m.
Bicentennial Park: Cimafunk at 5:30 p.m.

In total, 30 bands will perform across four stages over the course of three days. View the full line up here.

What's new this year?

This year, there will be shaded dining on each bridge featuring live street performers every day during the festival. The shaded dining areas will be located throughout the festival.