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The Atlanta Jazz Festival unveiled the lineup for its 49th annual event Tuesday night, announcing a Memorial Day weekend program that pairs Atlanta-based artists with Grammy-winning musicians and internationally recognized performers.
The free festival will return to Piedmont Park, maintaining its status as the largest free jazz festival in the country. Organizers said this year’s lineup reflects both the traditions of jazz and the genre’s continued evolution through hip-hop, R&B, soul, and spoken word.
Adriane V. Jefferson, executive director of the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, said the 2026 festival was curated with intention, emphasizing Atlanta’s role in shaping artists at every stage of their careers.
“This year represents a true full-circle moment,” Jefferson said. “For nearly five decades, it has brought people together across generations, across neighborhoods and backgrounds, rooted in community, driven by excellence and grounded in a deep respect for artistry.”
Saturday’s lineup includes Buddy Red, Aja Monet, Grammy-winning drummer Nate Smith, bassist Christian McBride with his Ursa Major project, and saxophonist Kamasi Washington.
Sunday’s performances will feature Cleveland P. Jones, the Myron McKinley Trio, Donnie Johnson of The Colored Section, Esperanza Spalding, and The Roots.
Monday’s closing day will showcase Cody Matlock, Nicole Zuraitis, Destin Conrad, Butcher Brown ( who appeared at the festival in 2024), and PJ Morton, who will close out the weekend.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said the festival remains one of the city’s most important cultural institutions, nearly five decades after it was established under former Mayor Maynard Jackson.
“For almost 50 years, this festival has celebrated Atlanta’s cultural diversity and ensured that world-class music remains accessible to everyone,” Dickens said, noting that the event continues to serve as the city’s unofficial kickoff to summer.
In addition to the three-day festival, organizers announced a special concert honoring the centennial of Miles Davis. The Miles Electric Band will perform on May 22 at Atlanta Symphony Hall as a lead-in to the festival weekend.
Sponsors for this year include Design Essentials and Bank of America.
For singer Donnie Johnson, who performs as Donnie, returning to the festival stage reflects the long-term impact of Atlanta’s investment in the arts. He said early opportunities through local festivals and cultural institutions helped lay the foundation for his career.
“If I didn’t come here, I don’t think I would be where I am because of the opportunities,” Johnson said. “I love the South, I love Atlanta, and I’m thankful for the people who believed in me.”
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