November 21
–
November 22
The San Diego Tap & Jazz Dance Festival is an annual celebration of tap dance, jazz music, rhythm, culture, and community held in San Diego the weekend before Thanksgiving. Presented by
San Diego Tap & Jazz, the festival brings together dancers, musicians, educators, and artists of all ages and experience levels for a vibrant weekend of classes, live music, performances, jam sessions, social dancing, and community connection.
Rooted in the rich traditions of African American art forms, the festival honors the history and legacy of tap and jazz while creating an inclusive and welcoming space for learning, creativity, collaboration, and artistic expression. Participants have the opportunity to study with inspiring artists, experience live jazz music, and celebrate the joy of rhythm in a supportive community environment.
Festival highlights include a Faculty Concert featuring live jazz musicians accompanying the festival’s teaching artists in an exciting evening of rhythm, improvisation, collaboration, and performance. The festival also includes a Community Dance and Student Showcase, celebrating emerging artists, local talent, youth performers, and the greater dance community in an uplifting and inspiring performance setting.
The festival takes place at Keiller Leadership Academy, a nonprofit free public charter school located in the Encanto community of Southeast San Diego. Hosting the festival within a school and community-centered environment reflects the festival’s mission of accessibility, education, cultural preservation, and artistic opportunity for all ages.
The 2026 San Diego Tap & Jazz Dance Festival will take place November 21–22, 2026, in San Diego, California. The festival is open to dancers, musicians, students, educators, and community members who share a love for rhythm, movement, jazz culture, and the performing arts.
Your Name
Claudia Gomez Eikam
Your Email
claudia@claudiagomeztap.com
