The Hampton Jazz & Music Festival stands as one of the longest-running jazz festivals on the American cultural calendar. Since its inception in 1968, this annual celebration has established itself as a vital venue for live music in the Hampton Roads region, consistently drawing major artists across jazz, R&B, gospel, soul, and blues genres.

The 56th annual edition in 2026 continues this legacy with a three-day run at the Hampton Coliseum, showcasing the festival's evolution into a broadly inclusive music event. The 2026 lineup structure reveals the festival's contemporary programming approach: Friday features 'No Skips Friday,' a dedicated R&B night highlighting artists like Jagged Edge, Dru Hill, 702, Next, and Lil' Mo. Saturday's 'Soul Food Saturday' pivots to gospel and soul, with headliners including Kirk Franklin and Jodeci, alongside jazz artists Marion Meadows and Alex Bugnon. The festival concludes Sunday with 'Sunday Dinner,' featuring veterans like The Isley Brothers, El DeBarge, and Charlie Wilson, representing the soul and R&B generations that shaped American popular music.

The festival takes place at the Hampton Coliseum, a major indoor venue in the heart of Hampton, Virginia. The venue's capacity and indoor setting ensure comfortable viewing regardless of weather, with full accessibility and amenities expected at an established venue of this caliber. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster, with pricing varying by night and seating category.