Experience the Atlanta Jazz Festival at Piedmont Park, which features three days of jazz music, food, and culture during Memorial Day Weekend. Free and family-friendly. With Marsha Ambrosius, Derrick Hodge, and over 15 artists across three days, Atlanta’s iconic jazz celebration returns for its 47th year and lights up Memorial Day Weekend.
The smooth sounds of saxophones, soulful vocals, and vibrant energy were all in the air as the 47th Annual Atlanta Jazz Festival returned to Piedmont Park this Memorial Day Weekend. Back and bigger than ever, this year’s festival featured three full days of jazz music, food, vendors, and community vibes, with over 100,000 people expected to attend across the weekend.
Held in the heart of Atlanta, the Atlanta Jazz Festival has become more than a music event. It is a cultural celebration, a family reunion, and a picnic on a world-class soundtrack all rolled into one. And yes, it is still completely free.
A Legendary Lineup Kicks Off Day One
The opening day set the tone with a dynamic mix of classic and contemporary jazz artists. Marsha Ambrosius, known for her velvety vocals and soulful storytelling, hit the stage alongside celebrated bassist Derrick Hodge, the versatile and rising talent Aneesa Strings, and Khari Cabral, whose rhythmic fusion brought undeniable island vibes to the park. These artists helped shape a rich musical experience that left the crowd swaying, cheering, and vibing until sunset.
It was a perfect sunny Saturday, with blankets and lawn chairs spread across the grass, couples slow dancing under trees, and kids twirling to the beat. Locals and visitors from all over made the trip, and many of them are annual attendees who know that the Atlanta Jazz Festival is a Memorial Day tradition you do not skip.
A History Rooted in Culture
First launched in 1978 by Mayor Maynard Jackson, the Atlanta Jazz Festival was created to highlight jazz’s significance as America’s only original art form. Jackson believed that Atlanta, with its growing international influence, had a responsibility to support the genre, and the result has been decades of unforgettable performances and cultural impact.
That legacy continues strong. This year’s festival features 15 artists across three days, drawing over 100,000 music lovers across Memorial Weekend. It is one of the largest free jazz festivals in the country, and its atmosphere blends music, culture, and Black excellence in a way that only Atlanta can deliver.
It’s More Than Music
One of the festival’s best-kept secrets? The vendors. The park was packed with flavor and flair, from food trucks with jerk chicken and soul food to local artists selling handcrafted jewelry, clothing, and vinyl records. This year featured dozens of local businesses and community partners who helped make the event more than a concert.
Festival goers came prepared. With parking scarce and expensive, many opted to ride MARTA or ride share. That move paid off, as traffic in Midtown was bumper to bumper, with crowds pouring into the park throughout the afternoon.
The event also delivered opportunities for entrepreneurs and vendors to showcase their brands to a diverse and engaged audience. From first-time shoppers to longtime supporters, this kind of visibility can translate into real impact for small businesses looking to grow their presence in the city.
A Whole Season of Jazz
While Memorial Day Weekend is the grand finale, the Atlanta Jazz Festival season starts in April, with events happening throughout the city. From jazz brunches to rooftop concerts, the festival has built a month-long experience that keeps jazz alive from spring to summer.
It is not just about the music, either. The festival’s extended season supports Atlanta’s broader mission of promoting arts education and providing accessible culture across the community. Free, open-air events bring neighborhoods together while continuing to invest in the next generation of artists and creatives.
If You Missed Day One…
There is still time to catch the magic. Days two and three are stacked with talent, food, community, and all the laid-back charm Atlanta does best. Bring your sunscreen, shades, and appetite, and get ready to tap into one of the city’s most iconic events.
