
501 Fest
A Day for Celebrating the Best of Central Arkansas
Twice a year – each Wednesday in April and September – Little Rock’s Riverfront Park comes to life with the sounds of soulful jazz and joyful music. Made locally.
Sponsored by the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau in partnership with the Art Porter Music Education, Inc., Jazz in the Park celebrates local musicians in Little Rock’s jazz scene. Each concert is held in Riverfront Park. Originally, when the concert series began in 2013 it was hosted in the park’s history pavilion, but as crowds have grown over the years, it has expanded to take up the east River Market Pavilion. For especially large events, concerts may be held at the park’s First Security Amphitheater.
This free concert series highlights the best of Little Rock’s diverse and talented jazz scene, and careful attention is paid to showcasing the many facets of jazz performance styling Little Rock is home to. Guests can expect everything from smooth vocals to virtuosic instrumental solos and everything in between.
Past Jazz in the Park performers include: Rodney P. Outfit, Katrice Newbill, Nicky Parrish, Louis Heard & Co., the Dizzy 7, Twice Sax, Tonya Leeks, LaTrice Perez, and The Rodney Block Collective.
Riverfront Park sits in the heart of Downtown Little Rock, spanning 11 blocks from Robinson Center to the west and the Clinton Presidential Park Bridge to the east. Concert-goers are encouraged to explore the park’s 100+ sculptures and to take in the scenic views of the rolling Arkansas River.
Picnic blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged, but coolers are not allowed. Guests are welcome to bring food to the concert, but not drinks. Both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages are available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting the Art Porter Music Education scholarship fund. Purchases may be made using cash, Cash App, or credit cards. In the event of rain, concerts will be moved indoors to Ottenheimer River Market Hall.
We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our website. By browsing our website, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. Learn More