The 49th Annual Atlanta Jazz Festival returns to Piedmont Park Memorial Day weekend, May 23–25, bringing three days of free live music to the heart of the city. Presented by Design Essentials and powered by Bank of America, one of the nation’s largest free jazz festivals runs daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., with performances scheduled from 1 p.m. through 11 p.m. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens shared a special video message ahead of the celebration, welcoming festivalgoers back for another year of music and community.
“This year’s festival features an exciting mix of national and local talent spanning traditional, smooth, contemporary, hip-hop, R&B, soul, funk, and modern jazz,” said Adriane Jefferson, Executive Director of the City of Atlanta – Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs. The weekend opens Saturday with Buddy Red, aja monet, Nate Smith, Christian McBride & Ursa Major, and Kamasi Washington. Sunday’s lineup includes Cleveland P. Jones, Myron McKinley Trio, Donnie – The Colored Section, Esperanza Spalding, and The Roots, while Monday closes with Cody Matlock, Nicole Zuraitis, Destin Conrad, Butcher Brown, and PJ Morton.
This year introduces new partners Sol Fusion as Festival Manager and Next Level Events overseeing artist booking and management. Sponsors also highlighted the festival’s deep community roots, with Design Essentials CEO Cornell McBride emphasizing Atlanta’s cultural influence and Bank of America Atlanta president Al McRae underscoring the arts’ role in strengthening local communities.
Beyond the main stage, the festival features the Publix KidZone, a range of food vendors offering everything from barbecue to Caribbean cuisine, and artisan booths showcasing art and merchandise. Admission remains free and open to the public, with VIP Lounge packages available for those seeking an enhanced experience.
Atlanta Jazz Festival 2026 Schedule – Piedmont Park:
Saturday, May 23
1 pm – Buddy Red
3 pm – aja monet
5 pm – Nate Smith
7 pm – Christian McBride & Ursa Major
9 pm – Kamasi Washington
Sunday, May 24
1 pm – Cleveland P. Jones
3 pm – Myron McKinley Trio
5 pm – Donnie – The Colored Section
7 pm – Esperanza Spalding
9 pm – The Roots
Monday, May 25
1 pm – Cody Matlock
3 pm – Nicole Zuraitis
5 pm – Destin Conrad
7 pm – Butcher Brown
9 pm – PJ Morton