Article Contributed by Gratefulweb
Published on February 11, 2026
Atlanta Jazz Festival 2026 Announces Schedule in Piedmont Park for Memorial Day Weekend: May 23–25
Atlanta, GA — One of the nation’s largest FREE jazz festivals is back, and it’s ready to set Atlanta on fire. The 49th Annual Atlanta Jazz Festival returns to the iconic Piedmont Park, celebrating culture, community, and the timeless power of jazz in the heart of Atlanta. 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 Jefferson, Executive Director of the City of Atlanta – 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’s the schedule in 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
“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.” — Cornell McBride, CEO Design Essentials.
“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.” — Al McRae, president, Bank of America Atlanta.
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:
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:
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 the website at atljazzfest.com.