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For more than five decades, Hampton Jazz & Music Festival has brought the best of jazz, soul, blues, pop and R&B in one wonderful weekend of music. Each year, it’s gotten bigger and more exciting than the last.
In 1968, the first Hampton Jazz Festival was held to celebrate Hampton University’s 100th anniversary. Headliners included Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie Quintet, Thelonius Monk Quintet, Cannonball Adderly, Dionne Warwick, Muddy Waters & His Blues Band, Ramsey Lewis and Herbie Mann Quintet.
The popular event was held again in 1969 and has since become an annual tradition on the last weekend in June.
The Hampton Jazz Festival has traditionally featured major jazz, gospel, R&B, blues, pop and crossover stars. The lineup is known for having a mix of talent. Local musicians from the Hampton Roads area act as openers to nationally recognized headliners.
Music icons like Aretha Franklin, B.B. King, Duke Ellington and Ray Charles have appeared at the festival. Newer artists, such as David Sanborn, Kenny G and Dave Koz followed closely in their wake.
The Hampton Jazz & Music Festival commemorated its 50th anniversary in 2017 with a special performance from jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis who performed in the inaugural lineup. Frankie Beverly holds the record for the most Hampton Jazz Festival performances with his 17 appearances.
Each year, thousands of people travel from across the country to celebrate an annual reunion with friends, family members and Hampton University alumni. The three day festival is co-produced by Hampton University, the city of Hampton, Virginia and the Santangelo Group, Inc.
The 56th Annual Hampton Jazz & Music Festival will be happening on June 26, 27 and 28, 2026, at the Hampton Coliseum. It continues a legacy that has defined the tradition, community, culture and music for over five decades.
Festival Schedule
Friday, June 26 – No Skips Friday
7:30 PM
- Jagged Edge
- Dru Hill
- 702
- Next
- Lil’ Mo
Saturday, June 27 – Soul Food Saturday
7:00 PM
- Kirk Franklin
- Jodeci
- Tonio Armani
- Pokey Bear
- Marcus Anderson
Sunday, June 28 – Sunday Dinner
- Charlie Wilson
- The Isley Brothers
- El Debarge
- Marion Meadows
- Alex Bugnon
Coupon
The best way to save money on the Hampton Jazz & Music Festival is to purchase a 3 Day Pass instead of buying each individual day ticket. I’ve see 3 Day Passes going for as much as $347 for one Pass online. Book your 3 Day Pass here and you can save $117 on each Pass.
If you need to buy individual tickets, purchase them here and you can save
- $87 on a Friday Ticket
- $87 on a Saturday Ticket
- $86 on a Sunday Ticket
