The NoMad Jazz Festival is a free, community-driven celebration of world-class jazz in New York City. Produced by The NoMad Alliance in partnership with The Jazz Gallery, Flatiron NoMad Partnership, and Madison Square Park Conservancy, the festival brings together leading and emerging artists in performances that span generations and styles – rooted in jazz history and focused on what’s next.
NoMad Jazz Festival 2026 takes place August 2–8, with pop-up performances across the neighborhood from August 2–6, and the Mainstage in Madison Square Park on August 7–8.
Events unfold across the NoMad and Flatiron districts, including public spaces, partner venues, and outdoor stages. The Mainstage anchors the festival in Madison Square Park, with additional performances popping up throughout the neighborhood.
No tickets needed for the Mainstage – just show up and enjoy. It’s free and open to all. Some events in the year-round NoMad Jazz Festival Concert Series may be ticketed, with proceeds supporting the festival’s free programming.
Yes. The Mainstage (August 7-8) and many Festival Week (August 2-6) events are completely free, thanks to community partners, local businesses, and supporters who help keep it accessible.
Bring a blanket, a little curiosity, and maybe cancel your other plans. You’ll probably end up staying longer than you expected.
Yes. Food is available in the park from the original Shake Shack in Madison Square Park. Beer and wine is available for purchase, too (for those of age).
Plus, new this year, the Flatiron NoMad Partnership hosts a food market Saturday from 12:00–8:00 PM on Broadway between 23rd and 24th Streets, featuring food and beverages from many of the neighborhood’s favorite restaurants. Check ‘em out.
The 2026 lineup features a mix of globally recognized artists, rising stars, and the next generation of talent. José James, The Jazz Gallery All-Stars featuring special guest Renée Neufville, Ben Wendel, George Cables, Jaleel Shaw with special guest Camille Thurman, Godwin Louis, John Ellis & Double-Wide, Yuhan Su, plus performances by students from the South Bronx Charter School for International Cultures and the Arts and Swing-Along with Allegra Levy & Friends.
Past performers include Lizz Wright, Ravi Coltrane, Roy Hargrove Big Band, Brandee Younger, Michael Mayo, Dabin Ryu, Caracas Trio, Arta Jēkabsone, Asase Yaa, The KongoNola Project, and more.
Very. Expect family programming, cultural performances, and activities designed for all ages alongside the music. including face painting, bubbles, lawn games, and other activities. Plus, Swing-Along with Allegra Levy & Friends.
Past highlights include Lucy Kalantari & the Jazz Cats, ABCirque.
While dogs are allowed to visit Madison Square Park, and they are especially welcome at Jemmy’s Dog Run located just south of the West 25th Street entrance, dogs are not allowed on the lawns.
General admission to the NoMad Jazz Festival is free and open to everyone. Just bring a blanket and enjoy the music—no tickets required. Lawn seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
For those looking for an enhanced VIP experience, a limited number of VIP packages are available, including a chair in a reserved seating section. Every VIP purchase helps keep the NoMad Jazz Festival free and accessible for everyone.
The NoMad Jazz Festival will take place come rain or come shine (unless conditions are dangerous for performers and audience). If rain is in the forecast, stop by the NoMad Jazz Festival merchandise booth near the south end of Madison Square Park, where you’ll find keepsake rain ponchos along with other festival merchandise.
Absolutely! Visit the NoMad Jazz Festival merchandise booth near the south end of Madison Square Park to shop official festival merchandise, including collectible posters, S’well water bottles, tote bags, T-shirts, caps, blankets, scarves, and rain ponchos. Check it out! All proceeds go to keeping the music free for everyone.
The NoMad Jazz Festival Concert Series extends the festival beyond August into a year-round program of performances across NoMad. It includes both ticketed and free events at venues like Baruch Performing Arts Center (ticketed) and The Jazz Gallery’s First Fridays! Series (ticketed), as well as outdoor performances like Jazz on the NoMad Piazza (free).
A mix of pop-up concerts, curated performances, and unexpected moments across the neighborhood. Restaurants, public plazas, and cultural spaces all get in on the action. Then the Mainstage weekend brings it all together in Madison Square Park. Check out the full calendar of events.
The inaugural 2025 festival featured over 170 artists, across 15 venues, and drew 60,000-70,000 daily park visitors, setting attendance records for public programming in Madison Square Park.
NoMad sits on historic ground. It is home to Tin Pan Alley and the roots of the Great American Songbook. The festival taps into that legacy while giving today’s artists a platform to push the music forward.
The NoMad Jazz Festival is created and produced by The NoMad Alliance, in collaboration with The Jazz Gallery, Flatiron NoMad Partnership, and Madison Square Park Conservancy.
Follow @nomadjazzfestival for lineup announcements, schedule updates, and event details. You can also visit NoMadJazzFestival.com for the latest information.
For general inquiries, reach out to the NoMad Jazz Festival team. For press or partnerships, contact Executive Director Miriam Dalaei Fodera at miriam@nomadjazzfestival.com.