Summer in Atlanta officially begins with jazz.
On Tuesday evening, Mayor Andre Dickens revealed the lineup for the 49th annual Atlanta Jazz Festival during an immersive, first-of-its-kind announcement event at Illuminarium. For nearly five decades, the festival has been a beloved Memorial Day weekend tradition — bringing families, music lovers and visitors together in Piedmont Park.
Created in 1977 by former Mayor Maynard Jackson, the Atlanta Jazz Festival has grown into one of the largest FREE jazz festivals in the country. And nearly 50 years later, it remains one of the city’s most treasured cultural events.
“This is how we kick off summer in Atlanta,” said Mayor Andre Dickens. “We’re still one of the largest free jazz festivals in the country. And of course, we are still the best one.”
A New Way to Reveal a Tradition
This year’s announcement, sponsored by the Atlanta BeltLine, took a creative turn. Instead of a traditional press conference, each confirmed artist was announced by the Mayor, followed by a short music snippet that filled the room — giving invited guests and media a preview of the sound of summer.
Adriane V. Jefferson, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, welcomed attendees. This marks her first Atlanta Jazz Festival planned from start to finish.
The festival will once again return to its longtime home at Piedmont Park Memorial Day weekend — free and open to the public.
Saturday’s Lineup
Saturday’s artists include:
- Buddy Red (Messiah Harris), a rising young talent in jazz and blues
- Aja Monet, Grammy-nominated Surrealist Blues Poet
- Nate Smith, Grammy-nominated jazz drummer
- Christian McBride with Ursa Major, an 11-time Grammy winner
- Kamasi Washington, Grammy-winning saxophonist known for genre-crossing collaborations
Sunday’s Performers
Sunday brings a mix of hometown voices and internationally recognized artists:
- Cleveland P. Jones, one of Atlanta’s most soulful performers
- The Myron McKinley Trio, led by the longtime musical director for Earth, Wind & Fire
- Donnie, performing his soulful classic “The Colored Section”
- Esperanza Spalding, the first jazz artist to win a Grammy for Best New Artist
- The Roots, longtime festival favorites and house band for “The Tonight Show”
Closing the Weekend
Rounding out the 15 confirmed acts are:
- Cody Matlock
- Nicole Zuraitis, Grammy-winning jazz vocalist and pianist
- Destin Conrad, Grammy-nominated R&B singer
- Butcher Brown, blending jazz, funk and hip hop
- PJ Morton, Grammy winner and Morehouse alum
Mayor Dickens also announced a special kickoff concert honoring what would have been the 100th birthday of Miles Davis. The Miles Electric Band will perform a centennial tribute concert on Friday, May 22 at Atlanta Symphony Hall — a powerful lead-in to festival weekend.
Why It Matters
For 49 years, the Atlanta Jazz Festival has reflected the city’s deep musical roots and commitment to cultural access. Keeping the festival free ensures residents of all ages and backgrounds can gather without barriers — celebrating Atlanta’s diversity through music.
Lineups like this are why the festival continues to draw national recognition while remaining a true hometown tradition.
The 49th Atlanta Jazz Festival takes place Memorial Day weekend at Piedmont Park, with the Miles Davis Centennial Concert on Friday, May 22 at Atlanta Symphony Hall.
Residents can view the full lineup and festival details at atljazzfest.com
