Atlanta Jazz Fest announces 2026 lineup

The Atlanta Jazz Festival delivered this year’s roster of talent during an event at the Illuminarium on Tuesday night — and it’s an impressive gathering of talent.

Acclaimed composer and saxophonist Kamasi Washington, Morehouse grad and Maroon 5 keyboardist PJ Morton and The Tonight Show house band the Roots will take the headlining slots. All three are Grammy winners, with Morton and Washington both scoring wins at last month’s ceremony.

There’s great music among the rest of the lineup, too, including Esperanza Spalding, Christian McBride and soulful Atlanta singer-songwriter Donnie performing his 2002 album The Colored Section.

Buddy Red, a rising local talent and the son of T.I., will kick things off at 1 p.m. on May 23 at Piedmont Park. He was among ArtsATL’s Ones to Watch in the fall of 2025.

Before the Festival proper, there will be a celebration of the centennial of the birth of Miles Davis featuring the Miles Electric Band at Symphony Hall at 7:30 p.m. on May 22. The groundbreaking jazz trumpeter and composer was born on May 26, 2026.

The Atlanta Jazz Festival takes place Memorial Day weekend, May 23 through May 25. Check out the complete lineup and get more info on the Festival website.