Richmond Jazz and Music Festival Returns to Maymont in Virginia

The 16th annual Richmond Jazz and Music Festival returns to the historic Maymont estate on August 8-9, 2026, featuring headliners Erykah Badu and Lupe Fiasco.

Live entertainment and summer cultural events are drawing travelers to the capital of Virginia. The 16th annual Richmond Jazz and Music Festival returns to the historic Maymont estate on August 8 and 9, 2026, showcasing a lineup of jazz, R&B, soul, hip-hop, and funk artists.

The two-day outdoor music festival brings together performers including Erykah Badu, Lupe Fiasco, Samara Joy, and Leon Thomas, establishing Richmond as a primary destination for music tourism in the mid-Atlantic region.

Festival Schedule and Transit Parameters

Coordinating travel to major outdoor events requires planning transport links and gate access. The following table provides the event dates, headliners, supporting performers, venue locations, shuttle access points, and ticket guidelines.

Festival Date (2026)	Performance Headliners	Supporting Artist Highlights	Event Venue / Address	Primary Transit / Shuttle Stop	Ground Ticket Policy
Saturday, August 8	Lupe Fiasco, Free Nationals	Doug E. Fresh, Noname, Victor Wooten	Maymont (1700 Hampton St, Richmond)	Lower Hampton Street Entrance	Cashless (Cards only), rain/shine
Sunday, August 9	Erykah Badu, Johnny Gill	Samara Joy, Leon Thomas, Talib Kweli	Maymont (1700 Hampton St, Richmond)	Lower Hampton Street Entrance	Cashless (Cards only), rain/shine

Festival schedules and city transportation plans compiled in coordination with the Virginia Tourism Corporation and Richmond City Transit Authority.

Traveler Logistics and Richmond Transit Guide

From a ground-level perspective, the best way to navigate this is to arrive via Amtrak to the Richmond Main Street Station (RVM) in downtown Richmond, as it is located just three miles from Maymont and eliminates the need to navigate congested event parking gates. Coordinating local shuttles and airport links is recommended.

To manage your festival weekend:

Amtrak Connections: Richmond is served by two Amtrak stations: Main Street Station (RVM) in downtown and Staples Mill Road Station (RVR) in the suburbs. RVM is the closest to the festival venue.
Complimentary Shuttles: Organizers run free shuttle services to carry ticket holders to the Lower Hampton Street entrance of Maymont. Check local signage for pickup points.
Gate Entry Rules: The event operates cashless gates. Bring major credit or debit cards for food, beverages, and artisan market purchases.
Double-Event Weekend: The Carytown Watermelon Festival also takes place in Richmond on Sunday, August 9, creating higher traffic volumes. Plan extra travel time when moving between Carytown and Maymont.

Regional Tourism and Economic Impact

The two-day format of the festival encourages overnight stays, driving occupancy at hotels across the Richmond metropolitan area. Beyond the performances, visitors explore Richmond's culinary scene, craft breweries, and historic neighborhoods.

By combining live music with local food vendors, artisan booths, and premium cabana packages, the event serves as a key driver of summer tourism. Integrating music events with city attractions helps support local businesses, highlighting the role of cultural events in regional tourism growth.