Newport Jazz Festival 2026

Established in 1954 in Newport, Rhode Island, the Newport Jazz Festival is one of the oldest music festivals in the United States. It has been through many changes throughout its history, expanding beyond jazz in the late '60's, which led to larger, younger and rowdier crowds that, at times, overwhelmed the city of Newport, relocating to New York City from 1972 until 1981 and inspiring spin-off festivals in Saratoga Springs, NY, and Madarao, Japan. The festival returned to Newport at its current location of Fort Adams State Park in 1981 and re-focused on jazz music, though it has included performers of other genres, especially Blues, since then. In recent years, likely due to bassist Christian McBride becoming artistic director and lineup curator, performers tend to be of the more contemporary, genre-stretching variety, ensuring the festival's continued relevance. With drummer Nate Smith becoming artistic director beginning in 2026, it seems that trend has continued.