MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Riverwest Jazz Fest returns on Friday, Sept. 25 from 6 p.m. to midnight along East Center Street between Humboldt Blvd. and Holton St. The return is after three years of not taking place.

This year's festival is reportedly being held in honor of Manty Ellis, a local jazz musician widely known as the "Godfather Milwaukee Jazz," who died on July 9, 2026.

The festival spans four venues within walking distance of each other, all free to enter, with performances running throughout the night from local musicians and student ensembles. Diaspora will host a tribute set from Sam Belton honoring Ellis, followed by an after-fest jazz jam.

Some performances, including Faith Hatch's sets at Bar Centro, are ticketed.

More information on the full lineup is available by checking out the Milwaukee Jazz Institute's website.