The City of Atlanta – Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs is proud to announce that one of the largest free jazz festivals in the country, the Atlanta Jazz Festival, will return to Piedmont Park in Midtown Atlanta from Saturday, May 24 through Monday, May 26, 2025. Presented by Design Essentials, this annual celebration of jazz, community, and culture invites music enthusiasts to gather from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. each day for a series of outstanding performances. A special video message from Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens is available for viewing, underscoring the significance of this event in the city’s rich cultural landscape.
Adriane Jefferson, Executive Director of the City of Atlanta – Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, has announced a lineup of international, national, and local musicians representing a broad spectrum of jazz styles, from traditional and swing to big band and contemporary. On Saturday, May 24, the festival will feature Khari Cabral & JIVA at 1 p.m., Aneesa Strings at 3 p.m., Takuya Kuroda at 5 p.m., Marsha Ambrosius at 7 p.m., and Derrick Hodge at 9 p.m. On Sunday, May 25, attendees can enjoy performances by Kenny Banks Jr. at 1 p.m., Jarrod Lawson at 3 p.m., Ravi Coltrane at 5 p.m., Andromeda Turre at 7 p.m., and Russell Gunn & Blackhawk Quartet at 9 p.m. On Monday, May 26, the festival will showcase Brandon Woody at 1 p.m., Tyreek McDole at 3 p.m., Charles McPherson at 5 p.m., Dianne Reeves at 7 p.m., and Joe Gransden and his Big Band at 9 p.m.
In addition to the weekend festivities, a pre-festival concert will take place on Friday, May 23, at Atlanta Symphony Hall. Featuring pianist Robert Glasper and vocalist Baby Rose, the performance will begin at 8 p.m. Tickets will be available through Ticketmaster starting at noon on March 28. This special event provides an opportunity for jazz lovers to start celebrating early, setting the stage for an unforgettable festival weekend.
Visitors to Piedmont Park can take advantage of free admission to the festival, which will also include the Publix KidZone offering games, interactive play areas, and free books for children from the GEEARS Mayor’s Summer Reading Club (while supplies last). A diverse array of food vendors will be on-site to tempt taste buds with everything from BBQ to Caribbean cuisine, while vendor booths will offer art, clothing, jewelry, and the official 2025 Atlanta Jazz Festival merchandise. Guests are reminded that there will be no grilling, no pets, no staking of tents, and no glass bottles or containers allowed in Piedmont Park during the festival. Those seeking a premium experience can reserve a private tent at The Jazz Spot, with pricing and details available on the festival website.
Festival sponsors include Design Essentials, Publix, Crown Royal, Teremana Tequila, Chick-fil-A, PNC Bank, Centennial Yards, Chevrolet, Tito’s Vodka, Fontis, Marta, and the Atlanta Falcons. Individuals and organizations interested in sponsorships can contact Brenda Nicole Moorer at bmoorer@atlantaga.gov for more information. To stay connected and receive updates, jazz fans can follow the Atlanta Jazz Festival on Facebook (AtlantaJazzFestival), X (formerly Twitter) at @AtlantaJazzFest, and on Instagram at @AtlantaJazzFestival.
The 48th Annual Atlanta Jazz Festival is produced by the City of Atlanta – Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs and is funded through corporate sponsorships and Atlanta Jazz Festival Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Its mission is to educate and entertain a diverse audience of jazz devotees and to foster the next generation of jazz musicians. More information about this year’s festival, including details about The Jazz Spot, transportation, nearby accommodations, and the Late-Night Jazz concert, can be found at atljazzfest.com.
