The Twin Cities Jazz Fest is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with the mission of bringing communities together to enjoy and appreciate the art form of jazz and inspire new generations of youth. What started as a small one­-day event in downtown Minneapolis 23 years ago has grown into one of the largest free civic jazz festivals in the upper Midwest. The festival is located in and around Mears Park in the Lowertown neighborhood of downtown Saint Paul. There are three outdoor stages at Mears Park and one outdoor stage next to the Farmers Market. In addition, over 15 St. Paul venues have jazz programed all three days as well as music after the outdoor stages end. The Jazz Fest is a walking event. Most of the stages and venues are within walking distance and ALL performances are free and open to the public.