Jazz in the Gardens | A Tribute to Nat King Cole
Hillwood Estate’s gardens provide a picturesque backdrop for the sixth season of Jazz in the Gardens, which on September 16, 2026, honors the legacy of Nat King Cole. The evening features vocalist Phillip Manuel, whose warm baritone channels Cole’s elegance, alongside saxophonist Marshall Keys and other top D.C.-area musicians. The program begins with time to explore the mansion, gardens, and greenhouse before an outdoor concert on the Lunar Lawn. Guests are encouraged to bring their own seating and picnic; food and beverages (including alcohol) are available for purchase on-site. In case of inclement weather, the concert moves to September 17 or is livestreamed. The event is produced by Donna Limerick.
When: Wednesday, September 16, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Showtimes: 5:30–6:30 p.m. – Explore the grounds (mansion, gardens, greenhouse, and the special exhibition “Interwoven: A Tradition of Textiles”); 6:30–7:30 p.m. – Concert on the Lunar Lawn; 8:00 p.m. – Hillwood closes.
Tickets: $30 general public, $25 for Hillwood members, $10 for students, $5 for children ages 6–18, and free for children under 6. Purchase online or at the door.
Lineup: Phillip Manuel (vocals), Marshall Keys (saxophone), and additional musicians from the Washington, D.C., area. Executive producer Donna Limerick presents the concert.
Run time: The concert itself lasts one hour (6:30–7:30 p.m.), with the grounds open for two hours prior.
Ages: All ages welcome; ticket pricing varies by age. Children under 6 are admitted free.
Venue: Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens, Lunar Lawn. The program takes place outdoors.
Note: Guests must bring their own lawn chairs or picnic blankets. Picnicking is allowed, but outside alcohol is prohibited (beer, wine, and champagne are sold on-site by Merriweather To Go). In case of rain, the concert will be postponed to Thursday, September 17 (ticket holders notified by 3 p.m.); if weather persists, it will be livestreamed that evening and a link provided. The concert is part of the Jazz in the Gardens series, now in its sixth season. No other events on the scraped page are described here.