2026 marks the 100th birthday of Miles Davis, Alton native, jazz legend, and one of the most influential musicians of all time. This year, the 21st Annual Miles Davis Jazz Festival is pulling out all the stops to celebrate this incredible milestone with a full weekend of music, community, and legacy in Alton.

Presented by the Miles Davis Jazz Festival Committee in partnership with Pride Beautification, the festival is rooted in a shared mission: honoring the arts while preserving the lasting impact Miles Davis has had on music and culture.
Proceeds from the festival go directly toward scholarships for local graduating seniors and help keep this beloved event thriving for years to come.

Friday, May 22 | 6:00 p.m. – Birthday celebration at the Miles Davis statue in downtown Alton

• Live jazz, food, and drinks throughout the evening
  
• Remarks from local jazz historians, Dr. Samuels of Vintage Voices, and special proclamations
  
• Meet Preston Jackson (artist of the Miles Davis statue) and Michael Snider
  
• Continue the evening in Alton’s Entertainment District, then head to The Conservatory for a performance by the SIUE Jazz Band
  

Saturday, May 23 | Post Commons

• Doors open at 5:00 p.m. | Music begins at 6:00 p.m.
  
• Performances by The Tim Jarden Band and The Anthony Wiggins Group
  
• Scholarships awarded to graduating seniors from Alton High School and Marquette Catholic High School
  
• Tickets: $40 per person | $350 for a table of eight (includes full-page patron ad)
  
• Includes buffet dinner, cash bar with signature cocktails, live jazz, and commemorative keepsakes

It’s a weekend that celebrates not just the legacy of Miles Davis, but the future of the arts in the region.