Newport Jazz 2026: Highlights and whom to see

The Newport Jazz Festival returns to Fort Adams State Park in Rhode Island this weekend from July 31–August 2. The iconic festival was founded by George Wein in 1954 and has served as a hub for culture, community, and artistic exploration since its founding. 

The festival, which unites jazz icons, emerging voices, and families under the New England sun, served as the template for the modern music festival — it was the first of its kind. This year is no exception. 

The 2026 edition of this festival boasts a diverse and unique lineup, spearheaded by new Artistic Director Nate Smith, who succeeded bassist Christian McBride in the role. (McBride still runs the Montclair Jazz Festival in New Jersey, which will take place later this month.) Dozens of acts will take to the stage throughout three performance spaces and 10 hours of music daily. With so many incredible acts to see, how can one choose? Here’s a guide to some of this weekend’s most stand-out performers.

Bernard Purdie and Friends

Not many musicians have a groove or a lick named after them, but the Purdie Shuffle, heard in songs like Steely Dan’s “Home at Last” and Toto’s “Rosanna,” has become a staple for drummers. Purdie, a New Jersey native, is a prolific session player, and he is bringing his innovative voice to the Quad Stage on Friday, July 31, at 12:20 p.m.

Charles Lloyd

Charles Lloyd is perhaps one of the most dynamic saxophone players of all time. The 88-year-old legend has played with everyone from Chico Hamilton to the Beach Boys. Lloyd’s music often crosses the line into “free” territory, and you can catch him and his group at the Quad Stage on Friday, July 31 at 3 p.m.

Robert Glasper

New School alum Robert Glasper is hip. The pianist and composer is well-known for blurring genre lines, fusing jazz, hip hop, funk, and beyond. He has worked with artists like Mac Miller and Denzel Curry, and his performance this weekend will feature singers Bilal and Ari Lennox. You can catch them at the Fort Stage on Friday, July 31, at 4:40 p.m.

Billy Hart

At 85, Billy Hart’s career is storied and vast. Early in his career, he played with Wes Montgomery and appeared on monumental records as part of Herbie Hancock’s Mwandishi band. He is still active as an educator and performer in NYC, and you can catch him this weekend at the Harbor Stage on Saturday, August 1 at 11 a.m. 

Corey Wong and Joshua Redman

Cory Wong is one of the most in-demand funk guitarists of today, using his unique voice to bring the rhythmic qualities of the instrument to the forefront of whatever group he is playing with. Wong teams up with Joshua Redman, a giant on the horn, for a set of musical exploration that will take place at the Fort Stage on Saturday, August 1, at 3:20 p.m.

Miles and Coltrane Centennial Tributes

This year, we celebrate 100 years of Miles Davis and John Coltrane, two of the most influential figures in musical history. John Scofield and legendary bassist Dave Holland, both alumni of Davis’s band, will perform a special set together at the Quad Stage on Saturday, August 1, at 1:40 p.m. 

Holland will also participate in a discussion about Davis and Coltrane at the Foundation Stage early on Saturday afternoon, at 12:25 p.m. 

Prolific bandleader Kamasi Washington will be joined by Chief Adjuah to close out Saturday night on the Fort Stage with a special tribute to the musicians at 6:35 p.m.

Nduduzo Makhathini

South African pianist Nduduzo Makhathini recently released “The Myth We Choose” on Blue Note Records. He will bring his spiritual, soulful blend of jazz to the Harbor Stage on Sunday, August 2, at 11 a.m.

Flea & the Honora Band

Many know Flea from his other band — some cats called the Red Hot Chili Peppers — but Flea is tapping into his roots as a hardcore jazz/funk aficionado with his latest solo project that features some incredible players. You can catch them at the Fort Stage on Sunday, August 2, at 3:20 p.m.

Thundercat

Thundercat brings low end to the forefront, fusing prog, funk, and hip hop with jazz with his trio. Thundercat started his career as a member of thrash giants Suicidal Tendencies before carving out his own path as an artist. You can catch him on Sunday at the Fort Stage at 4:55 p.m.

Herbie Hancock

There’s not a lot to be said about Herbie Hancock that hasn’t been said before. Hancock has constantly reinvented himself throughout his career, innovating the genre and music as a whole over and over again. You can catch him and his band closing out the weekend on Sunday at the Fort Stage at 6:35 p.m.

For more info, visit newportjazz.org.

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