The Atlanta Jazz Festival returns to Midtown’s Piedmont Park over Memorial Day weekend. This beloved outdoor event brings the city together for world-class jazz, soul, R&B, and more in a family-friendly setting.
The Atlanta Jazz Festival, one of the best festivals in Atlanta, is a family-friendly event that will feature great music, food and more in Midtown Atlanta.
Atlanta Jazz Festival 2026: What To Look For Memorial Day Weekend
The festival this year is back on Memorial Day weekend after having last year’s event over Labor Day weekend due to the pandemic.
The event is free to attend for the public. All you have to do is find somewhere to park, or better yet, take MARTA.
When Is The Atlanta Jazz Festival Being Held?
The 49th Annual Atlanta Jazz Festival takes place Saturday, May 23 through Monday, May 25, 2026, at Piedmont Park in Midtown Atlanta.
The festival runs daily from approximately 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., with main stage performances typically starting at 1 p.m. and continuing until around 11 p.m. It is free and open to the public—no tickets required for general admission.
Attendees are encouraged to use MARTA or arrive early for parking, as residential streets near the park often enforce strict parking rules.
The festival’s location — Piedmont Park — have been the home of the annual event for many years.
What Is The Music Lineup At The Atlanta Jazz Festival? Who’s Performing?
When we learn the full lineup for 2025, we will update this article. Last year, here is who performed at the Atlanta Jazz Festival:
Day 1 Lineup: Saturday, May 23, 2026
- 1:00 PM – Buddy Red
- 3:00 PM – aja monet
- 5:00 PM – Nate Smith
- 7:00 PM – Christian McBride & Ursa Major
- 9:00 PM – Kamasi Washington
Day 2 Lineup: Sunday, May 24
- 1:00 PM – Cleveland P. Jones
- 3:00 PM – Myron McKinley Trio
- 5:00 PM – Donnie – The Colored Section
- 7:00 PM – Esperanza Spalding
- 9:00 PM – The Roots
Day 3 Lineup: Saturday, May 25
- 1:00 PM – Cody Matlock
- 3:00 PM – Nicole Zuraitis
- 5:00 PM – Destin Conrad (and additional performances throughout the day)
It’s festival season in Atlanta in no time. if you want to be in the mix at all the locales — from Dunwoody to College Park — you need to know what’s going on. Where are the Atlanta festivals this year? We’ve got you.
What to Expect at the Festival
- Free Admission — One of the biggest draws is that the entire Piedmont Park experience is free.
- Family-Friendly — Includes the Publix KidZone with activities for children.
- Food & Vendors — A variety of food trucks and vendors offer everything from classic festival fare to local favorites.
- Atmosphere — Bring blankets or low chairs, enjoy the green space, and soak in the sounds under the Atlanta sky.
Pro Tip: Arrive early on peak days (especially Sunday and Monday) to secure a good spot near the main stage. MARTA’s Midtown or Arts Center stations provide convenient access.
The only way to know is to check out AtlantaFi’s Atlanta Festival Guide, which features all you need to know about local festivals including the Dogwood Festival, Fried Chicken Fest, Shaky Knees, Music Midtown and more.
