Ditch the velvet ropes — Atlanta Jazz Fest is all about free, fantastic jazz for all. Held over Memorial Day weekend in Piedmont Park, a 200-acre greenspace in downtown Atlanta), this three-day extravaganza is one of the biggest free jazz fests in the country; last year, over 200,000 people attended. It’s a music lover’s smorgasbord, with the one main stage pumping out everything from smooth crooners to head-bobbing bebop.
In 2024, that smorgasbord will include heavy hitters like Cécile McLorin Salvant and André 3000 alongside rising stars and local legends like Groove Centric and Butcher Brown. Pack a picnic spread, a blanket for lounging and your dancing shoes to celebrate the region’s history and culture of jazz. Just be prepared for a crowd – this legendary festival attracts jazz aficionados from all over. Some folks will opt to pay for VIP tickets to get better access. Others won’t want the part to end and will pay for the Saturday late-night concert at Park Tavern featuring Lauren Henderson.
The Specs
- An estimated 200,000 people attend the festival each year.
- This festival is free, baby!
- Explore the rest of Atlanta while you’re there.
FAQs
What is the closest airport to Atlanta Jazz Fest?
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the way to go.
What’s the bag policy?
Bags under 6’’ x 9’’ are permitted, otherwise, they must be clear. All are subject to being searched upon entry.
Is the event ADA-accessible?
There are a few ADA-accessible entrances to the festival listed on their website.
Where should I stay?
Atlanta has a variety of hotels and home rentals to choose from, though the festival website encourages folks to stay at The Starling Atlanta Midtown.
Which artists are on the Atlanta Jazz Fest lineup?
The full lineup for the festival is New Jazz Underground, Sullivan Fortner, Butcher Brown, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Okan, Luca Ciarla Trio, Jacques Schwarz-Bart, Olatuja, Paquito D’Rivera, Justice Michael & the Passage, Kels, Groove Centric, Andrê 3000 and Lizz Wright.
