Every Labor Day weekend, High Point celebrates jazz legend and native High Pointer, John Coltrane. This Labor Day weekend, let the rhythm move you as you experience the Annual John Coltrane International Jazz & Blues Festival, and dive deep into the places, flavors, and stories that shaped a legend.
Day 1: Prelude – A Friday Arrival
Settle in, tune out the noise, and ease into the weekend…
Check-In: The Grandover Resort & Spa
Start your Coltrane-inspired getaway at the Grandover, a refined retreat with just the right blend of luxury and Southern charm. Sip a cocktail on the terrace, stroll the gardens, or book a spa treatment before the weekend’s energy kicks in.
Insider Tip: Check out their packages, including Spa Packages to work out those muscles before a weekend of dancing.
Click here for a complete listing of hotels in the area.
Day 2: Melodies – Saturday at the Festival
Let the rhythm lead you…
Morning: Breakfast + Blues
Fuel Up: Head to one of our local breakfast spots, Tom’s Place, Alex’s House, The Biscuit Factory, or Miam Breakfast House for a hearty breakfast. Afterwards, swing by the High Point Museum to see Coltrane’s story come alive through exhibits, photos, and instruments.
Pilgrimage Stop: Drive past John Coltrane’s childhood home, located at 118 Underhill Street—a humble beginning for an artist who would change music forever.
Insider Tip: Check the weather and dress accordingly! The festival is rain or shine.
Interlude: A Taste of 'Trane
What’s jazz without soul food?
Becky’s and Mary’s: Step into this beloved eatery, where generations of locals come for fried chicken, candied yams, and community.
Sweet Old Bill’s: Satisfy your Southern cravings at Sweet Old Bill’s—a modern smokehouse with a diverse menu.
Pilgrimage Stop: Located across the street from Sweet Old Bill’s, check out one of the most iconic photo ops in High Point! The John Coltrane mural is located at 1301 North Main Street and makes the perfect memento of your trip.
Insider Tip: Check out the mural earlier in the day to make sure you have an unobstructed view!
Day 3: Encore - Sunday Explorations
Keep the tempo on your final day.
Walk to the Beat of the City
Visit the John Coltrane Statue. Snap a photo, listen to a few tracks from A Love Supreme, and soak up the atmosphere.
Last Notes Before You Go
With another full lineup of performers, it’s time to head back to Oak Hollow Festival Park! Each day brings a new energy and the vibes are just as good day two.
Insider Tip: Be sure to check out the festival vendors for a memorable souvenir!
Coltrane’s music didn’t just change jazz—it changed people. In High Point, his spirit is more than history. It’s alive in melodies, murals, meals, and memories. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a curious traveler, this weekend offers more than a festival—it’s a homecoming for the heart.
So come catch the ‘Trane and let High Point move you.