New York, NY, February 17, 2026 — Following a record-breaking inaugural year, the NoMad Jazz Festival returns August 2–8, 2026, cementing its place as one of New York City’s most notable and inclusive cultural events. Anchored by free Mainstage performances on Friday, August 7 and Saturday, August 8 in Madison Square Park, the Festival will once again transform NoMad and Flatiron into a weeklong celebration of world-class jazz, family programming, and neighborhood-wide activations.
Produced by The NoMad Alliance (celebrating its 15th anniversary), in partnership with The Jazz Gallery, Flatiron NoMad Partnership, and Madison Square Park Conservancy, the 2026 Festival builds on the extraordinary momentum of its debut – one that broke attendance records for a free public program in Madison Square Park and drew tens of thousands of visitors into the neighborhood.
Center Rio Sakairi Artistic Director NoMad Jazz Festival center
Right Leslie Spira Lopez Founder and President The NoMad Alliance right
Leadership for the Festival continues under Miriam Dalaei Fodera, whose role has been elevated to Executive Director of the NoMad Jazz Festival, alongside Rio Sakairi, Artistic Director of the NoMad Festival and The Jazz Gallery. Together, they lead a creative vision that positions NoMad as a cultural destination for jazz in New York City.
In 2025, the inaugural NoMad Jazz Festival welcomed over 170 artists across 21 free events, activated 15 community venues, and generated a 44% increase in neighborhood foot traffic during Festival Week. Madison Square Park saw 60,000–70,000 daily visitors, with more than 2,500 attendees and 500+ families participating in morning family programming each day, making it one of the most successful public cultural programs in the park’s history and The NoMad Alliance’s most high-profile initiative to date in its 15-year history.
“The inaugural NoMad Jazz Festival exceeded every expectation – artistically, culturally, and in the way it brought people together. Seeing Madison Square Park filled with music, families, and neighbors affirmed what we believed from the start: that NoMad is a cultural destination and the quintessential live-work-play neighborhood” – says Leslie Spira Lopez, Founder and President of The NoMad Alliance. “I was honored to bring together our three founding partners—each deeply committed to building community and helping local businesses thrive. In 2026, we’re expanding that shared vision with deeper partnerships, year-round programming, and an even stronger connection between jazz, place, and people. This Festival is about celebrating culture in public space and creating something lasting for the neighborhood and the city.”
A Festival That Plays All Year Long
New for 2026, the Festival introduces the NoMad Jazz Festival Concert Series, extending its mission beyond Festival Week and into a year-round offering. Leading up to the free summer Festival, the Concert Series will feature a curated mix of free and ticketed performances, with proceeds supporting the free, week-long NoMad Jazz Festival.
Partners and planned venues for the NoMad Jazz Festival Concert Series currently include:
- The Jazz Gallery, amplifying ticketed concerts the First Friday each month starting March 6
- Baruch Performing Arts Center, ticketed concerts on June 1, July 6, August 3
- Jazz on the NoMad Piazza, free public performances in June, July, August, and September
This expansion deepens the Festival’s commitment to accessibility, artist support, and neighborhood activation, bringing established and upcoming jazz artists into the community throughout the year.
Powered by Community, Positioned for Growth
The NoMad Jazz Festival remains one of the few free, open-to-the-public jazz festivals in New York City, welcoming multigenerational audiences and first-time jazz listeners alongside devoted fans. Community collaboration is central to its success, with local businesses, cultural institutions, and nonprofit partners working together to create a joyful, inclusive experience that fuels local economic growth. With proven cultural, social, and economic impact, the NoMad Jazz Festival is now positioned for its next chapter. Limited, exclusive, and bespoke sponsorship opportunities are available for 2026, offering partners a chance to align with one of New York City’s fastest-rising annual traditions. Deskside and phone interviews with Festival leadership are available upon request. For more information, visit nomadjazzfestival.com.
Janet Luhrs, Executive Director, The Jazz Gallery
“Building on last summer’s great success, The Jazz Gallery is eagerly anticipating the second NoMad Jazz Festival to be even more thrilling. We are proud to be a partner in this effort to bring great jazz to the entire community, free of charge, live and in person, under the sun and under the stars.”
James Mettham, President, Flatiron NoMad Partnership
“Building on the extraordinary response to its inaugural year, we look forward to welcoming the NoMad Jazz Festival back to the neighborhood—bringing musical energy to our iconic public spaces, activating local businesses, and creating meaningful opportunities for artists to connect with new audiences. We’re proud to support the Festival’s growth into a year-round series that continues to strengthen Flatiron & NoMad as a destination where culture and community don’t just intersect but truly complement one another.”
Holly Leicht, Executive Director, Madison Square Park Conservancy
“We’re excited to welcome the NoMad Jazz Festival back to Madison Square Park. Last summer, the inaugural festival animated the park with a vibrant energy that drew in regular parkgoers and new visitors alike. We’re proud to once again host this special celebration of music and community, inviting audiences to enjoy live performances within the beautiful backdrop of the park.”
Founding Partners
The NoMad Alliance
The NoMad Alliance is a not-for-profit organization committed to building an ever-better, sustainable community and growing local businesses. NoMad is the quintessential live-work-play-learn neighborhood in New York City. Steeped in rich history and architecture, NoMad offers a unique combination of retail, hospitality, food, nightlife and more. The area is home to an exciting mix of industries – including creative, design, medical, and tech – as well as one-of-a-kind residential buildings. Plus, it boasts the incomparable Madison Square Park. The distinctive neighborhood is truly like no other part of New York City – There’s no place like NoMad. For more information visit The NoMad Alliance or contact Gabriella Ferraro-Michaelson at info@ExperienceNoMad.com. @ExperienceNoMad
The Jazz Gallery
Now in its 31st year of presenting innovative music and imaginative programming, The Jazz Gallery is an intimate performance space, lounge, and home for artists who challenge convention, take creative risks and lead their field as performers, composers and thinkers. Set in the bustling Nomad neighborhood, artists and audiences come together from around the world to explore new ideas, collaborate, and celebrate jazz as a dynamic art form that reflects our ever-changing world. Open four nights a week, Wednesday – Saturday; sets at 7:00pm & 9:00pm. Visit jazzgallery.org and @thejazzgallery.
Flatiron NoMad Partnership
The Flatiron NoMad Partnership, formed in 2006, is a non-profit organization and business improvement district that serves the businesses, people, and places that help make Flatiron and NoMad two of Manhattan’s most iconic and authentic destinations. Home to a range of retailers and employers, cultural and educational institutions, and a thriving residential community, the district is a center of activity. The Partnership serves as a dedicated steward and supporter of public life in the district by maintaining a clean and safe environment; spearheading area improvement projects; and marketing and championing the diverse business and retail options in this vibrant and historic neighborhood. To learn more about the Flatiron NoMad Partnership, visit FlatironNoMad.nyc or contact flatironnomad@berlinrosen.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @FlatironNY.
Madison Square Park Conservancy
Madison Square Park Conservancy is the nonprofit entrusted by the City of New York to operate Madison Square Park, a 6.2-acre public space in the heart of Manhattan. Our mission is to conserve, maintain, and program this ever-evolving historic green space, including raising 100% of the park’s operating budget. Our dedicated team takes great pride in caring for and shaping an urban oasis for all to enjoy.
Anchoring a diverse and vibrant live-work community, Madison Square Park is both an intimate neighborhood park and an international destination for 60,000 daily visitors. A public space since 1686, the park has been a gathering place for people from all walks of life for centuries. Today, it is also a public garden, urban forest, wildlife habitat, public art exhibition space, a haven for children and pets to play, and one of New York City’s most transcendent and welcoming places. Visit us at madisonsquarepark.org or on Instagram @madsqparknyc.
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