The DC Jazz Festival announced the first wave of artists for the upcoming 2026 DC JazzFest.
Set for Sept. 2-6, the festival will be held across 20 venues in a dozen neighborhoods throughout the city to celebrate the historic impact of jazz over the course of America’s 250 years.
Among the headliners gracing the stage are NEA Jazz Master Dee Dee Bridgewater, saxophonist Joshua Redman, vocalist Kurt Elling, Cory Henry& The Funk Apostles, 2026 Grammy-winning drummer Nate Smith, guitarist Bill Frisell, pianist Danilo Pérez, trumpeter-composer Etienne Charles’ Creole Soul and pianist Emmet Cohen.
The festival will also spotlight rising and homegrown talent, including trumpeter Brandon Woody, D.C. bassist-bandleader Ben Williams, Howard University Afro Blue alum Ekep Nkwelle, trumpeter Kenny Rittenhouse and pianist José André.
“We are proud to present a lineup that bridges generations and continents,” said Sunny Sumter, president and CEO of DC Jazz Festival. “During DC250 and America250, jazz reminds us that America’s story is both local and global. Washington is a meeting place for the world, and through this music, we welcome that world home.”
Established as the “Duke Ellington Jazz Festival,” the five-day event was founded in 2004 by jazz producer Charles Fishman and his wife, attorney Stephanie Peters, with the first festival officially kicking off in 2005. One of several core programs of the festival, it exemplifies a year-round mission to introduce people of all ages and backgrounds to the nation’s original art form.
Additionally, the 2026 DC JazzFest unfolds during a milestone year as Washington commemorates DC250 amid the nation’s celebration of America250. Organizers say jazz provides a lens to reflect on the country’s legacy of resilience, innovation and global exchange, while reinforcing the District’s standing as an international jazz capital.
“DC JazzFest exemplifies the rich culture and international influence found in Washington, D.C.,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO of Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization for the District. “The festival helps extend our year-long celebration of DC250, showcasing the vibrancy of our neighborhoods and our creative community to visitors from around the world.”
The annual festival, which spans waterfront stages and historic performance spaces, will highlight other major jazz centennials, including African Rhythms Alumni Quintet’s celebration of NEA Jazz Master Randy Weston’s 100th birthday, and tributes to John Coltrane and Miles Davis, featuring tenor saxophonist Isaiah Collier and the DMV’s Nasar Abadey and SUPERNOVA.
With the full festival schedule to come later this spring, pianists Cohen and Janelle Gill, an alumna of Duke Ellington School of the Arts, will serve as this year’s artists-in-residence, set to lead performances and educational initiatives throughout 2026.
Across year-round jazz performances and immersive programming, additional festival core programs include a free, year-round education initiative serving D.C. public and charter school students, particularly in underserved communities; the Charles Fishman Embassy Series, showcasing emerging and established global artists; and DCJazzPrix, an international jazz band competition.
Tickets are on sale now at dcjazzfest.org.