Jazz, funk, soul and Latin rhythms got hundreds of music lovers on their feet this weekend, dancing and swaying along during Long Beach’s Uptown Jazz Festival – which celebrated a milestone year.
This was the 15th year the beloved community festival brought people together at Houghton Park, making its return on Saturday, Aug. 1. The free event featured soulful performances, food and drinks, and family-friendly fun in the heart of North Long Beach.
Morris Day and The Time perform during the 15th Annual Uptown Jazz Festival at Houghton Park in Long Beach on Saturday, August 1, 2026. (Photo by Libby Cline Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
Long Beach Councilmember Dr. Joni Ricks-Oodie thanks the crowd during the 15th Annual Uptown Jazz Festival at Houghton Park in Long Beach on Saturday, August 1, 2026. (Photo by Libby Cline Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
Long Beach Councilmember Dr. Joni Ricks-Oodie welcomes the crowd during the 15th Annual Uptown Jazz Festival at Houghton Park in Long Beach on Saturday, August 1, 2026. (Photo by Libby Cline Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
Morris Day lead singer of The Time perform during the 15th Annual Uptown Jazz Festival at Houghton Park in Long Beach on Saturday, August 1, 2026. (Photo by Libby Cline Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
Morris Day looks at himself as part of a song performed by The Time during the 15th Annual Uptown Jazz Festival at Houghton Park in Long Beach on Saturday, August 1, 2026. (Photo by Libby Cline Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
Community members dance during the 15th Annual Uptown Jazz Festival at Houghton Park in Long Beach on Saturday, August 1, 2026. (Photo by Libby Cline Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
Kesha Winters of Long Beach, center, dances with friends during the 15th Annual Uptown Jazz Festival at Houghton Park in Long Beach on Saturday, August 1, 2026. (Photo by Libby Cline Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
Band members from The Time perform during the 15th Annual Uptown Jazz Festival at Houghton Park in Long Beach on Saturday, August 1, 2026. (Photo by Libby Cline Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson welcomes the crowd during the 15th Annual Uptown Jazz Festival at Houghton Park in Long Beach on Saturday, August 1, 2026. (Photo by Libby Cline Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
People dance during the 15th Annual Uptown Jazz Festival at Houghton Park in Long Beach on Saturday, August 1, 2026. (Photo by Libby Cline Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
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Morris Day and The Time perform during the 15th Annual Uptown Jazz Festival at Houghton Park in Long Beach on Saturday, August 1, 2026. (Photo by Libby Cline Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
The city and Ninth District Councilmember Joni Ricks-Oddie welcomed the crowd, with attendees laying out blankets and lawn chairs across the grass and trying to stay cool from the summer heat. Jazz enthusiasts and music lovers of all ages enjoyed an afternoon of live performances, vendors, community resources, and quality time with friends and family.
“Fifteen years ago, the Uptown Jazz Festival began with a vision to create a signature event that celebrates the people, culture and music that make North Long Beach extraordinary,” Ricks-Oddie said ahead of the event. “Today, that vision has grown into one of our city’s most-anticipated community traditions, and I’m especially proud that, 15 years later, it remains completely free and open to everyone.”
The festival was headlined by Morris Day & The Time, known for working with Prince and for songs like “Get It Up,” “Cool” and “Girl.” Other performers included Biscuits & Gravy Live, Rush Hour Orquesta, DJ Mr. Quick, and La Verdad.