2023 Jazz Office – New venue
The Jazz Office is the place to buy a Festival Pass, pick up pre-paid Festival Pass badge or programs, buy a raffle ticket or 10, and catch up with jazz friends old and new over the Festival! Come and say hi!
The 2023 Jazz Office is next to the Merimbula Visitor Information Centre; near the traffic lights, opposite McDonalds. Look for the black and yellow flags on Market Street. There’s plenty of parking, and public toilets, behind the Visitor Information Centre in Park Street. Alternate parking is on Beach Street.
Jazz Office Opening Hours
The Jazz Office will only be open Thursday, Friday and Saturday on the weekend of the festival.
Thursday 9am – 5pm Friday 9am – 9pm Saturday from 9am – 3pm
If you’re after individual session passes, these can be purchased at the venues. Look out for the signs saying “Session Passes Here” at the main bars or venue entrances.
Spencer Park
Spencer Park on Main Street is the venue for this year’s Official Festival Opening Saturday morning 10am-11am, and the Lantern Walk entertainment Saturday 4.30pm-5.30pm.
Merimbula RSL
The RSL Function Room will feature many of this year’s big bands with a smattering of other styles to mix things up.
The Maple Leaf Room is located downstairs by the back carpark. With it’s beautiful grand piano, this intimate venue is ideal for mainstream jazz and an intimate sound.
Session passes will be available for sale downstairs at the RSL desk opposite the Maple Leap Room.
Club Sapphire
Want to see big bands back to back? The Audi is the place to be! The Auditorium at Club Sapphire (also known as The Bowlo), has ample seating and a good sized dance floor.
During the festival The Sapphire Room upstairs is the venue where you’re most likely to see the largest range of styles in one place. It fits big audiences with a good sized dance floor. The Sapphire Room is the home base of the Down South Jazz Club who host events once a month.
The Main Bar is a handy spot to see solo performers, duos and trios. Music will be programmed here: Saturday 12-4 & 8pm, Sunday: 1pm – 7pm.
Twyford Hall
Twyford Hall is known as the “home” of trad jazz at the Merimbula Jazz Festival. Twyford was the first jazz festival venue in 1981.
NOTE: The Hall got a major facelift in 2022. All entry is now via Beach Street.
Lakeview Hotel
The Lakeview Hotel is renowned for its fantastic views over the lake and good food. It is the place to hear modern and mainstream jazz.
Busking Venues
Buskers with their own equipment are welcome at the following places and times:
- Grassy knoll on Beach Street opp. Twyford Hall. Sunday 9am- 11am. Monday 11am-3pm.
- Hyland Corner (by the ice cream shop). Friday before 5pm. Saturday 11am-5pm. Sunday 9am- 5pm. Monday 11am-3pm.
- Outside the Jazz Office. Friday before 5pm. Monday 11am-3pm.
Musicians click here to find out what facilities are supplied at the venues.