Atlanta's Greatest Free Music Tradition Returns
There are few things in Atlanta as sacred as Memorial Day weekend at Piedmont Park — and the reason is the Atlanta Jazz Festival. Now in its 49th year, the festival is one of the largest free jazz festivals in the entire country, produced by the City of Atlanta Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs.
Three days. World-class artists. Zero admission. This is what makes Atlanta special.
→ Official Atlanta Jazz Festival Website
The 2026 Lineup
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 (Memorial Day)
- 1 PM — Cody Matlock
- 3 PM — Nicole Zuraitis
- 5 PM — Destin Conrad
- 7 PM — Butcher Brown
- 9 PM — PJ Morton 🎹
Beyond the Main Stage
🌙 Late Night Jazz Jam at Park Tavern
When the main stage wraps, the night isn't over. The official Late Night Jazz Jam at Park Tavern features Lil' John Roberts and Russell Gunn in an intimate setting. Tickets required.
🥃 Tito's Jazz Spot
Experience the festival from the best seat in Piedmont Park. Tito's Jazz Spot is the exclusive VIP viewing area with premium sightlines, shade, and a full bar experience. Tickets required.
31 Days of Jazz
The Atlanta Jazz Festival doesn't start on May 23 — it starts in May 1 with the 31 Days of Jazz series, featuring curated jazz events at venues across metro Atlanta including rooftop concerts, museum shows, neighborhood series, and restaurant performances. View the full calendar here.
Logistics
- Location: Piedmont Park, Atlanta, GA
- Dates: May 23–25, 2026
- Admission: FREE and open to the public
- MARTA accessible — use the Arts Center or Midtown stations
→ Get the full guide and plan your weekend at AtlJazzFest.com
