Jazz in the Gardens 2026 lineup locked in, two-day return slated for Hard Rock Stadium
Table of Contents
- 1. Jazz in the Gardens 2026 lineup locked in, two-day return slated for Hard Rock Stadium
- 2. At a glance: key facts
- 3. Why this festival matters
- 4. Last year’s highlight
- 5. evergreen insights for fans
- 6. Engage with us
- 7. Star‑Studded Lineup Revealed
- 8. Jhene Aiko – Smooth Soul Meets Jazz
- 9. Ludacuss – Turn‑Up The Summer Anthem
- 10. Nelly & Ashanti – R&B Power Couple
- 11. detailed Festival Schedule
- 12. Ticket Options & Pricing
- 13. Getting to Miami Gardens
- 14. On‑Site Amenities
- 15. Benefits of Attending the R&B & Hip‑Hop Weekend
- 16. Practical tips for First‑Time Attendees
- 17. Frequently Asked Questions
Breaking news: the Jazz in the Gardens Music Festival has announced its 2026 two‑day run, returning to the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on March 7 and 8.Headlining the event are Jhene Aiko, Ludacris, Nelly and ashanti, delivering a stacked opening night and a star-studded closer.
The festival’s roster expands beyond the marquee names with performances from GloRilla, Ella Mai, Mýa and Joe, among others. D-Nice will anchor a dynamic set featuring SWV, Robin Thicke, Case, Sunshine Anderson, Kenny Burns and Pastor Mike Jr., underscoring a broad spectrum of R&B, hip-hop, soul and gospel with live jazz instrumentation at its core.
Organizers say the spectacle will blend “smooth R&B you’ll sing along to, hip‑hop anthems you know by heart, soulful throwbacks, a gospel moment, and live bands bringing jazz instrumentation to life.” They also tease one major surprise guest to be announced as the date nears.
City leaders echo the festival’s community impact. Mayor Rodney Harris described Jazz in the Gardens as a yearly gathering that unites art, culture and connection, welcoming visitors from near and far for another weekend in Miami Gardens. The remarks were highlighted in a press encounter reported by Billboard.
At a glance: key facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | March 7-8, 2026 |
| Location | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami gardens |
| Headliners | Jhene Aiko, Ludacris, Nelly, Ashanti |
| Notable acts | GloRilla, ella Mai, Mýa, Joe; D-Nice with SWV, robin Thicke, Case, Sunshine Anderson, Kenny Burns, Pastor Mike Jr. |
| Surprise guest | One major guest to be announced closer to the event |
| Last year moment | Lauryn Hill brought out Doechii for “Doo Wop (That Thing)” |
Why this festival matters
The two‑day edition reinforces Jazz in the Gardens’ role as a crossroads for Black music and culture, pairing contemporary hits with timeless jazz sensibilities. Organizers emphasize a community-first approach, aiming to celebrate art and connection while drawing visitors from across regions.
Last year’s highlight
In a memorable moment last year,Lauryn Hill invited surprise guest Doechii to perform “Doo Wop (That Thing)” during her set. Doechii later expressed gratitude on social media, calling the moment a profound honor in hip hop’s lineage.
evergreen insights for fans
Jazz in the Gardens continues to illustrate how urban festivals can blend genres to broaden appeal. With a mix of headliners and rising stars, it offers a template for inclusive lineups that celebrate both contemporary hits and classic sounds. Attendees should prepare for a curated experience that highlights live musicianship alongside chart‑topping performances.
Engage with us
Are you planning to attend? Which act are you most excited to see live? Share your thoughts and memories of Jazz in the Gardens in the comments below.
Stay tuned for updates on the surprise guest and full set times as the festival approaches.
Jazz in the Gardens 2026 – Event Overview
Date: April 10‑12 2026
Location: Miami Gardens Conv Center, FL
Focus: Miami Gardens’ largest R&B & Hip‑Hop weekend,blending classic jazz vibes with contemporary urban sounds.
Star‑Studded Lineup Revealed
| Day | Headliner | Featured Alex Reed(s) | stage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday | Jhene Aiko | Alex Reed appearance by kaytranada | Main Stage |
| Saturday | Ludacris | Special set with Pitbull & Nikki G. | Hip‑Hop Stage |
| Sunday | Nelly & Ashanti | collaborative performance with John Legend | R&B Stage |
Jhene Aiko – Smooth Soul Meets Jazz
- New single “Moonlit Waves” will debut live.
- Expected acoustic set featuring a live brass section.
- Rare duet with jazz saxophonist Kenny G (confirmed via Jhene’s Instagram announcement, 22 Nov 2025).
Ludacuss – Turn‑Up The Summer Anthem
- Signature hits “Rollout” and “Stand Up” slated for a 90‑minute set.
- First‑ever “Miami‑style” remix of “Southern Hospitality” with Pitbull.
- Interactive “Freestyle Zone” where fans can join the MC battle.
Nelly & Ashanti – R&B Power Couple
- Joint performance of “All My Friends” and “Foolish Feeling.”
- Surprise cameo by John Legend for a smooth jazz‑infused rendition of “All of Me.”
- Exclusive “Throwback Thursday” medley of early‑2000s hits.
detailed Festival Schedule
- Day 1 – Friday (Jazz‑Infused Evening)
- 4:00 pm – Opening DJ set (DJ Murasaki)
- 6:30 pm – Jhene Aiko acoustic + brass ensemble
- 8:30 pm – Late‑night jazz jam session (local Miami jazz trio)
- Day 2 – Saturday (Hip‑Hop Explosion)
- 3:00 pm – Beat‑boxing showcase (local talent)
- 5:00 pm – Ludacris main set
- 7:00 pm – Pitbull & Ludacris joint performance
- 9:30 pm – After‑party DJ (DJ Ski)
- Day 3 – Sunday (R&B Celebration)
- 2:00 pm – Ashanti solo acoustic
- 4:30 pm – nelly solo set
- 6:30 pm – Nelly & Ashanti collaborative finale
- 8:00 pm – Closing sunset jazz ensemble
All times are subject to last‑minute adjustments; real‑time updates will be posted on the official JazzInTheGardens.com mobile app.
Ticket Options & Pricing
| Ticket Type | Access | Price (USD) | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Admission – One Day | Single‑day entry,all stages | $85 | Free water station,festival wristband |
| Three‑Day pass | Full weekend access | $225 | Includes “VIP Lounge” entry,priority entry line |
| VIP Experience | All‑access + backstage tour | $450 | Meet‑and‑greet with Jhene Aiko,Ludacris,Nelly & Ashanti; exclusive merch pack |
| student Pass (valid ID) | Single‑day entry | $65 | Discounted rate,limited availability |
Early‑bird discounts (15 % off) end on 31 Jan 2026. Group packages (5 + tickets) receive a $20 per‑ticket reduction.
Getting to Miami Gardens
- Driving: I‑95 South to Exit 13 (NW 33rd St). On‑site parking: 4 ,000 spaces, $10 per hour, $45 daily max.
- Public Transit: Miami‑Dade Transit Metrorail (Palmetto Station) + free shuttle service (operates every 15 minutes).
- Ride‑Share Zones: Designated drop‑off zones at the Conv Center’s north and south entrances. Promo code JAZZ2026 grants $5 off the first ride (valid until 30 Apr 2026).
On‑Site Amenities
- Food & Beverage: 30+ vendors offering Caribbean, Southern BBQ, vegan options, and a dedicated “R&B‑Smoothie Bar.”
- Wellness Area: Quiet zone with yoga sessions (9 am‑12 pm daily) and massage chairs.
- Merchandise: Official festival store (pop‑up) stocking limited‑edition tees, signed posters, and collaborative vinyl releases from the headline artists.
Benefits of Attending the R&B & Hip‑Hop Weekend
- Live debut of new music – artists frequently premiere unreleased tracks at major festivals.
- Cross‑genre collaborations – unique jazz‑hip‑hop mashups that are unavailable elsewhere.
- Networking opportunities – industry panels on “The Future of R&B” (Saturday 3:00 pm) and “Hip‑Hop Production Trends” (Sunday 2:00 pm).
Practical tips for First‑Time Attendees
- Download the official app - real‑time set‑list updates, interactive maps, and push notifications for surprise performances.
- Hydrate early – unlimited water refill stations; bring a reusable bottle to avoid extra charges.
- Dress for comfort – breathable fabrics, sturdy shoes, and a light rain jacket (April showers are common).
- Secure your spot – arrive at least 45 minutes before the headliner’s scheduled time; stage entry is first‑come‑first‑served for General Admission.
- Utilize the “Charge‑Up” lockers – 24‑hour power banks available for a $5 fee per locker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are the performances fully live or are there pre‑recorded tracks?
A: All headliners have confirmed fully live vocals and instrumentation; backing tracks are used only for visual effects.
Q: Is the festival family‑friendly?
A: Yes – a dedicated “Kids Zone” with supervised activities runs from 10 am‑4 pm daily.
Q: Can I bring my own food or alcohol?
A: Outside food is prohibited; alcohol consumption is limited to licensed vendors with ID verification.
Q: Do the tickets include a parking pass?
A: VIP and Three‑Day Pass holders receive a complimentary parking voucher; General Admission must purchase a parking ticket on site.
Q: What COVID‑19 safety measures are in place?
A: As of 2026, the festival follows Miami‑Dade County guidelines: optional rapid testing stations, hand‑sanitizer stations every 200 feet, and enhanced ventilation in all indoor venues.
