CultureCultureAtlanta is gearing up for a massive cultural celebration as the 49th annual Atlanta Jazz Festival prepares to take over Piedmont Park. From May 23 to May 25, 2026, the city will host one of the largest public jazz and arts festivals in the United States, promising a free, three-day experience filled with world-class music and carefully curated dining.
This year's festival, produced by the City of Atlanta Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs, is expected to draw around 200,000 attendees. The main weekend in Piedmont Park is just one part of a broader "31 Days of Jazz" event series, which will feature various jazz experiences across the entire metro Atlanta area throughout May.
The star-studded lineup includes multiple Grammy-winning artists. Legendary hip-hop collective The Roots, known for their role as the official house band for "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" and recognized by *Rolling Stone* as one of the "50 Greatest Live Acts," will headline Sunday, May 24. Key members Black Thought and Ahmir “?uestlove” Thompson are set to bring their dynamic sound to the stage. Closing out the festival on Monday, May 25, will be New Orleans native PJ Morton, a five-time Grammy winner and twenty-time Grammy nominee, who also serves as Maroon 5's keyboardist.
Morton's career has seen him collaborate with icons like Stevie Wonder and Lil Wayne. In 2024, he made history as the first Black composer to write an original song for a Disney attraction, Tiana's Bayou Adventure. A proud Morehouse College alumnus, Morton’s career notably blossomed in Atlanta, making his return a full-circle moment for the city. Other prominent headliners include composer and saxophonist Kamasi Washington, who recently earned a Grammy for his work co-producing Kendrick Lamar and SZA's hit "Luther." Audiences can also look forward to performances by Esperanza Spalding, Christian McBride & Ursa Major, and Nate Smith.
Saturday, May 23, will kick off with a notable debut: Buddy Red, a rising blues-rock musician and the eldest son of rapper T.I., will open the festival. Buddy Red expressed his excitement, reportedly stating he "couldn't wait to 'serve as another great example on that stage what it means to be from Atlanta.'"
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens announced the festival lineup during an event at the Illuminarium, emphasizing the festival's role in celebrating the city's rich cultural diversity. Mayor Dickens remarked, "The Atlanta Jazz Festival is one of our city's great traditions, where Atlanta comes together with friends and visitors across the country and around the world to celebrate music, culture, and community in the heart of the city." Adriane Jefferson, Director of the Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs, highlighted the event's broader significance, noting, "We are living in a time where arts and culture, artistry, festivals, music is so essential. It's so important to bring people together. Bringing joy into our world is really key for our festivals to continue because our voices speak loud during a time when we really need to be deep and reflective. The Atlanta Jazz Festival provides that space." Jefferson also pointed out that the lineup represents the history and evolution of jazz, calling it a "full-circle moment" that begins with an Atlanta native and concludes with an artist whose career flourished in the city.
Beyond the music, the festival is curating specific dining experiences, particularly for Sunday brunch and Monday's closeout, aiming for a "slower, longer tables, real conversation" vibe. Recommended Sunday brunch spots include Breakfast at Barney's, a Black-owned downtown restaurant founded by Atlanta University Center alumni Barney Lee Berry Jr. and Dr. Rashad Sanford, known for its soul rolls and pecan-sage waffles. Other options include NOVO in East Point for an upscale experience and Atlanta Breakfast Club for classic chicken and waffles with a downtown view. For pre-show dinner before The Roots' 9 PM performance, suggestions include Negril Village on Peachtree for Caribbean cuisine, Mas Bandidos in Inman Park for elevated Mexican, and 9Mile Station atop Ponce City Market for skyline views. Black-owned fine dining establishments like Maxine's at Eight Hospitality, led by Chef Bem Joiner, and Bar Vegan at Ponce City Market are also recommended for Sunday evening.
The Atlanta Jazz Festival, established in 1978 by Maynard Jackson, Atlanta's first African American mayor, was conceived to highlight jazz as "America's only original art form" and to solidify Atlanta's reputation as an international center for arts and education. Over the decades, it has hosted jazz legends such as Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, and Nina Simone. The 2026 festival includes a pre-event celebration on May 22 at Atlanta Symphony Hall, honoring Miles Davis, who would have turned 100 this year. The festival's enduring legacy and its commitment to providing free access to jazz music underscore its cultural importance, serving as a unifying force and a platform for both established and emerging artists within the genre. Sponsors for the 2026 festival include the Atlanta Beltline, Bank of America, and Design Essentials, a Black-owned haircare brand.
As the festival approaches, Atlanta prepares to once again demonstrate its deep connection to music, culture, and community, offering a vibrant platform for artistic expression and shared experiences.