The Richmond Jazz & Music Festival returns August 8–9, 2026 with a genre-spanning lineup that bridges neo-soul, hip-hop, jazz fusion, R&B, and funk. This year’s artists include Erykah Badu, Lupe Fiasco, Noname, Free Nationals, Doug E. Fresh, Samara Joy, and Victor Wooten and the Wooten Brothers.
The announcement of this year’s Richmond Jazz & Music Festival lineup has finally arrived. With names like Erykah Badu, Lupe Fiasco, Free Nationals, and Victor Wooten and the Wooten Brothers, this year’s festival is shaping up to be one for the record books. Since tickets are available either for the full weekend or by individual day, it is important for festivalgoers to know when each artist will perform. Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered.
Saturday (August 8)
Artists
- Tony! Toni! Toné! – The Legacy Continues
- Lupe Fiasco
- Free Nationals
- Doug E. Fresh
- Noname
- Victor Wooten and the Wooten Brothers
- Many more
Saturday’s lineup is highlighted by hip-hop legends, early neo-soul energy, and jazz fusion. This unique blend of genres and eras will provide festivalgoers with an eclectic look at contemporary Black music. There is also a compelling juxtaposition between vocal stylings and instrumental virtuosity that will be on full display.
Doug E. Fresh will bring audiences back to the beginnings of hip-hop, beatboxing the same way he did during the genre’s infancy, while Victor Wooten and the Wooten Brothers will showcase world-class musicianship. Musically sitting between those two acts are the Free Nationals, whose sound incorporates exceptional instrumentation, hip-hop groove, and harmonies inspired by soul music.
Sunday (August 9)
Artists
- Erykah Badu
- Johnny Gill
- Samara Joy
- Alex Isley
- Talib Kweli
- Tiana Major9
- The Blackbyrds
Sunday is packed with jazz and soul, with a touch of hip-hop throughout the day. Talib Kweli will take the stage as the day’s primary hip-hop artist, yet his delivery and lyricism fit naturally alongside the other performers scheduled for August 9.
Samara Joy and Alex Isley represent a newer generation of standout vocalists whose artistry continues pushing contemporary soul and jazz forward. Meanwhile, the queen of neo-soul innovation, Erykah Badu, is certain to deliver a transcendent performance that festivalgoers will not soon forget.
Festival Experience
The Richmond Jazz & Music Festival is a two-stage event, meaning there will be nonstop music throughout the weekend along with plenty of vendors, food, art, and cultural experiences for attendees to enjoy. The festival continues to serve as both a major tourism draw and a community gathering space celebrating Black music and culture in Richmond.
Tickets are already on sale, and additional information can be found at the official festival schedule page:
Richmond Jazz & Music Festival Schedule
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