Jazz in the Gardens Music Fest

Some of the biggest names in hip-hop, R&B and, yes, jazz too will converge on Hard Rock Stadium  March 8-9 for the Jazz in the Gardens Music Fest. The festival is celebrating its 18th year in Miami Gardens, bringing A-list acts to the stage for a weekend filled with music, poetry and the beauty of Black culture.

The Lineup

This year’s lineup might boast the biggest names yet, mixing world-renowned mainstream artists with local Miami acts. Perhaps the most familiar name headlining Jazz in the Gardens this year is Ms. Lauryn Hill, who will curate a special “Diaspora Calling!” set with fellow former Fugee Wyclef Jean and YG Marley. The set will also feature Busta Rhymes, Samara Cyn, Foggieraw, Mannywellz and Zion Marley.

The festival will bring a heavy dose of nostalgia with a headlining set from New Edition. The 1980s R&B boy band introduced the world to Bobby Brown, Johnny Gill and Bell Biv DeVoe and paved the way for the dozens of boy bands that came after them. From the same era, rappers Slick Rick & Doug E. Fresh will take the stage, as will hip-hop legends Ja Rule and Fat Joe. For something a little more low-key, Dru Hill, Coco Jones and seven-time Grammy winner Toni Braxton will also perform.

Jazz in the Gardens will also feature a special Miami showcase, with some of the area’s most beloved artists performing. DJ Nasty’s House Party set will include Miami icon Uncle Luke, 69 Boyz, Pretty Porcelain and Mike Smiff along with Atlanta’s Yung Joc.

Gates will open at 2 p.m. on both days with shows starting at 3 p.m.

Tickets And Seating

Jazz in the Gardens seating will all be on the main field level of Hard Rock Stadium, with the stage on one end of the stadium and seating fanning out from there. General admission tickets for both days start at $225.75 before fees; you’ll have to bring your own chair if you want to sit. The open general admission area will be behind the reserved sections.

The closest seats to the stage are Platinum seats, which start at $499 before fees. The front row is for Gold Ambassador seat holders, whose $1,250 tickets also come with parking passes and a dedicated bathroom. Rows 2-3 are reserved for Silver Ambassador ticket holders, who also get a parking pass and dedicated bathroom. Those are $1,000 for both days. If you want a reserved seat but don’t need to be in the front sections, Prime tickets offer assigned seating for both days for $339 plus fees.

The ultimate ticket to Jazz in the Gardens is the Titanium level, where $1,500 gets you an elevated seating area with access to stage viewing, a parking pass, open bar, a food buffet and a dedicated bathroom.

Getting To And Parking At Hard Rock Stadium

There are various ways to get to Hard Rock Stadium. The high-speed rail service Brightline offers a direct route from Downtown Miami to Aventura, where the Hard Rock Stadium Connect, a regularly scheduled complimentary shuttle service, will take riders to and from the stadium. Attendees can also take the Tri-Rail to the Golden Glades station and then take a short Uber or Lyft ride from there to Hard Rock Stadium. Lyft, Uber and other car services will pick up and drop off at Gate 18.

Pre-Festival Events

Women’s Impact Luncheon

The weekend will kick off on Friday, March 7, when Jazz in the Gardens, in conjunction with the City of Miami Gardens, hosts its annual Women’s Impact Luncheon at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in nearby Hollywood. The event showcases women making an impact in the world, both in leadership positions and as entrepreneurs. Previous speakers have included actress Sheryl Lee Ralph and “The Voice” finalist Karina Iglesias. Tickets start at $140 and guests can purchase entire tables for 10.

Opening Night Party

Then, at 8 p.m. Friday night, you won’t want to miss Jazz in the Gardens’ official opening night party at Hard Rock Stadium. The night-long event promises plenty of live jazz and great food as well as a chance to meet many of your fellow festivalgoers. Tickets start at $30.

Poetry in the Gardens

Poets from across South Florida and America will gather at Poetry in the Gardens, an annual event produced in partnership with the Miami-Dade Board of Commissioners. The date, time and location of this year’s event have yet to be announced, so check back for updates.

Need-To-Know Event Details

All areas of the festival that are accessible to the public will be wheelchair-accessible. You may not bring food, beverages or coolers into Hard Rock Stadium. Only service animals will be allowed. Small umbrellas are permitted but may not be opened in the seating area. ATMs are located in several areas of Hard Rock Stadium.

By: Matthew Meltzer | February 4, 2025