The 11th annual JZ Festival happens in the lush Expo Park this October 16-18, featuring nine stages and areas showcasing jazz and all its manifestations.

Please read our full guide for the schedule, directions, after-parties, and other crucial info. Please note that the festival entrance is now around Shibo Da Dao, near Shangnan Lu (世博大道1200号, 近上南路), NOT at the same entrance as previous years.

This year's big names are Earth, Wind, & Fire, multi–platinum UK singer Joss Stone, bassist Victor Wooten, multi-instrumentalist Lord Echo, Taiwanese singer-songwriter Crowd Lu, and Shunza. On top of that, there's jazz from Shanghai and abroad, plus an electronic stage with local DJs playing left-field sets. Definitely a nice couple of days in the park, and one of Shanghai's finest music festivals. Tickets are 280rmb per day at the venue. SmartTicket has already finished ticketing for this event. The festival runs from noon-9pm on Saturday and Sunday.