Atlanta Jazz Festival Weekend Is Here

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Atlanta Daily World
Atlanta Daily World
Atlanta Daily World stands as the first Black daily publication in America. Started in 1927 by Morehouse College graduate W.A. Scott. Currently owned by Real Times Media, ADW is one of the most influential Black newspapers in the nation.
 The wait is finally over. The Atlanta Jazz Festival, one of the nation’s largest returns to Piedmont Park this weekend for an unforgettable celebration of music, culture, and community.Before you grab your lawn chairs and head to the park, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your festival experience.

ATL Jazz Fest is happening rain or shine.

Check Out This Year’s Festival Lineup This year’s lineup brings together legendary artists, rising stars, international sounds, and hometown favorites for an incredible weekend of live jazz.

From soulful vocals and contemporary jazz to experimental sounds and beloved classics, there’s something happening across the festival grounds all weekend long. Be sure to review the full performance schedule before arriving so you can plan your must-see sets and favorite artists. 

VIEW THE LINEUP

As the 49th Annual Atlanta Jazz Festival takes the stage in Piedmont Park – a beloved tradition for nearly five decades – the festival brings together music, culture and community in the heart of the city.

Presented by Design Essentials and powered by Bank of America, this Memorial Day weekend tradition takes place Saturday, May 23 through Monday, May 25, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, with live performances lighting up the stages from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m.

To kick off the excitement, festivalgoers can view a special video message from Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens by clicking HERE.

“We have a fabulous lineup of musicians performing at the 49th Annual Atlanta Jazz Festival,” said Adriane JeffersonExecutive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs. 

“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. The festival represents a true full-circle moment for our city. We open with an Atlanta artist, and we close with an artist whose career first blossomed here in Atlanta—celebrating the extraordinary talent that is born, raised, and amplified right here in Georgia. There’s something for every music lover, and we’re excited to welcome everyone for an unforgettable weekend.

For more information visit the festival website: atljazzfest.com.”

Here is the schedule:

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

“Atlanta is home for us, and community has always been at the heart of Design Essentials. Supporting the Atlanta Jazz Festival for the third year in a row is simply a reflection of who we are — a brand rooted here, built here, and shaped by the people and culture around us. We don’t just know hair — we know our community. We’ve grown alongside the creativity, the rhythm and the generations that make Atlanta what it is, and that connection is essential to everything we do,” said Design Essentials. CEO Cornell McBride.
For nearly five decades, the Atlanta Jazz Festival has reflected Atlanta’s rich cultural heritage and creative spirit. At Bank of America, we believe the arts play a meaningful role in strengthening communities and bringing people together through shared experiences. Music is an important part of Atlanta’s story, and we’re proud to support an event that showcases world‑class talent while celebrating the city’s deep musical roots,” said Bank of America Atlanta President Al McRae.
This year marks an exciting new chapter for the festival as it welcomes two dynamic partners to help propel the Atlanta Jazz Festival to new heights: Sol Fusion—the powerhouse creative force behind One Music Fest—serving as Festival Manager—and Next Level Events, leading artist booking and management.
Piedmont Park Festival Highlights:
Admission: The Atlanta Jazz Festival is FREE and open to the public.
Publix KidZone: A family-friendly space filled with games and interactive activities for kids of all ages.
Food Vendors & Shopping: Enjoy a diverse selection of food vendors serving everything from BBQ and gyros to burgers and Caribbean cuisine. Browse vendor booths featuring art, clothing, jewelry, and exclusive Atlanta Jazz Festival merchandise.
Park Rules: For everyone’s safety and enjoyment: No grilling, no pets, no staking of tents and no glass bottles or glass containers in the festival area.
VIP Opportunities: Elevate your festival experience with access to the VIP Lounge. Ticket pricing and details are available on the festival website.
Sponsors for the 2026 Atlanta Jazz Festival include Design Essentials and Bank of America. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Brenda Moorer at bmoorer@atlantaga.gov
Stay Connected: Follow the festival and join the conversation:
●Facebook: AtlantaJazzFestival
●X: @AtlantaJazzFest
●Instagram: @AtlantaJazzFestival
Discover this year’s artists and curated sounds on Spotify and YouTube.
The 49th Annual Atlanta Jazz Festival is presented by the City of Atlanta – Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs. Its mission is to educate and entertain a diverse audience of jazz fans while nurturing the next generation of jazz musicians. The festival is funded through corporate sponsorships and Atlanta Jazz Festival, Inc., a 501(c)(3) cultural nonprofit organization.  For more information about this year’s festival, including the VIP Experience & Lounge, transportation options and nearby accommodations, visit atljazzfest.com.

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