Memphis Jazz Festival 2026

The Downtown Memphis Commission is excited to announce the inaugural Memphis Jazz Festival, taking place October 9–11, 2026, in Downtown Memphis. The three-day festival will be free and open to the public, bringing together local talent, national artists, and music lovers for a celebration of jazz in the heart of our city.

Memphis is known around the world for its music. While blues, soul, rock ’n’ roll, and gospel are deeply woven into our identity, jazz is also an important part of the Memphis music story. The Memphis Jazz Festival will celebrate that legacy while creating a new platform for the musicians and creatives shaping its future.

Date: October 9-11, 2026

Location: Main Street

Cost: Free and open to all!

While the Memphis Jazz Festival is free and open to the public, attendees are encouraged to RSVP to stay informed about festival announcements, artist lineups, schedules, locations, and everything you need to know to make the most of the festival experience.

The festival lineup includes: Theo Croker, Dear Silas, Parkerhurt Quartet, Memphis Jazz Orchestra, Joe Restivo 4, Henry Conerway III, Stephen M. Lee, The Power to the People Quartet, Pat Register, Hope Clayburn & The Memphis Manes, Gary Topper & Symmetry, Kenny Reed Quintet, and Alex Upton Trio.

Updated Dates/Locations:

October 9th, Friday - Westin Hotel Lobby - 6 pm to 9 pm

October 10th, Saturday - New Daisy Theater - 1 PM to 7 PM

October 11th, Sunday - Main Street Mall & Court Square Park- 1 PM to 7 PM (Between Union Avenue and Peabody Place on Main Street)

Day 1- Friday Night Jazz | Friday, October 9 | Westin Hotel Lobby

• 6 PM to 9 PM - The Memphis Jazz Festival kicks off Friday night with jazz performances at The Westin Memphis Beale Street, hosted by Strictly Jazz entertainment.

Day 2 - Free Jazz Workshop is cancelled | Saturday, October 10

Day 2 - New Daisy Theater | Saturday, October 10

Performance Schedule - New Daisy Theater

• 1:00 PM–1:30 PM — DJ Digital Tech (will be spinning between sets)
• 1:30 PM–2:15 PM — Alex Upton Trio
• 2:40 PM–3:25 PM — Joe Restivo 4
• 3:50 PM–4:35 PM — Henry Conerway III
• 5:00 PM–5:45 PM — Dear Silas
• 7:10 PM–8:00 PM — Theo Croker

Jazz Jam at The Dame | Hotel Pontotoc - 9 PM

Day 3 - Main Street Mall & Court Square Park | Sunday, October 11

Performance Schedule - Peabody Stage

• 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM -- Memphis Jazz Orchestra
• 2:35 PM–3:20 PM — The Power to the People Quartet
• 4:00 PM–4:45 PM — Parkerhurt Quartet

Performance Schedule - Gayoso Stage

• 2:25 PM–3:10 PM — Kenny Reed Quintet
• 3:35 PM–4:25 PM — Hope Clayburn & The Memphis Manes

Sunset Jazz at Court Square Park

• 3:10 PM–4:10 PM — Stephen Lee & In the Moment
• 4:30 PM–5:30 PM — Pat Register
• 5:50 PM–7:00 PM — Gary Topper & Symmetry

Downtown Parking

Use code JAZZ to get 8 hours of parking for $12 at participating garages:

• Mobility Center (60 Beale St)
• Gayoso Garage (106 Gayoso Avenue)
• 250 Peabody Place (250 Peabody Place)
• Shoppers Garage (85 N. Front St)
• First Place Parking (21 S. 2nd St)

What you can bring:

• Lawn chairs and blankets
• Strollers and wagons

What you can’t bring:

• Firearms, knives, explosives, fireworks, or weapons of any kind
• Tents or large umbrellas

Be sure to support local restaurants for food & beverages!

Throughout the weekend, restaurants throughout Downtown Memphis will join the celebration with jazz brunches, live music, festival-inspired menus, and special offerings throughout the weekend. Support local vendors along the Main Street Mall and Court Square Park on Sunday, October 11, from 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM.