Lloyd Joins Erykah Badu at Richmond Jazz & Music Festival – Here's Why This Is the Mid-Atlantic's Can't-Miss Summer Getaway

There’s a moment in August when the Virginia heat feels just right—warm enough to remind you it’s still summer, but with a hint of that late-season breeze that makes outdoor festivals absolutely magical. That’s when the Richmond Jazz and Music Festival returns to Maymont, and this year, the lineup just got even hotter.

Organizers have added platinum-selling R&B star Lloyd to an already stacked 2026 roster, making this two-day celebration of sound, culture, and community one of the most exciting music weekends in the Mid-Atlantic. And with passes already on sale, now’s the time to start planning your trip.

The Lineup: A Weekend of Legends and Rising Stars

Let’s talk about the music, because this is a festival that doesn’t mess around.

Lloyd, whose chart-topping hits like “You,” “Get It Shawty,” “Lay It Down,” and “Dedication to My Ex (Miss That)” helped define a generation of R&B, will headline Saturday night’s performances. His smooth vocals and undeniable stage presence are guaranteed to get the crowd moving.

But Saturday is just the warm-up. Sunday belongs to neo-soul icon and Grammy Award winner Erykah Badu, a festival favorite returning to Richmond for what promises to be a transcendent set.

LLOYD

Samara Joy

The Blackbyrds

Alex Isley

Leon Thomas

Free Nationals

Doug E. Fresh

Talib Kweli

Down to the Bone

Noname

Johnny Gill

Lupe Fiasco

Peter White

Tiana Major9

Plunky & Oneness

Victor Wooten and the Wooten Brothers

Hot Like Mars

And the rest of the lineup? It’s a who’s who of jazz, hip-hop, and R&B excellence: Samara Joy, the 2023 Grammy winner for Best New Artist, brings her stunning jazz vocals. Johnny Gill delivers classic R&B soul. Lupe Fiasco and Talib Kweli bring the hip-hop heat. Doug E. Fresh keeps the old-school vibe alive. Victor Wooten & The Wooten Brothers showcase virtuosic musicianship. And The Blackbyrds, Noname, Tiana Major9, The Main Squeeze, Hot Like Mars, and more round out a weekend that truly has something for everyone.

A Festival Built for the Fans

Here’s what makes RJMF special: the organizers actually listened to feedback. Last year’s updates—a more compact footprint that makes it easier to move between stages and a schedule designed with no overlapping performances—are back. That means you never have to choose between artists. You can catch every single set, from the opening notes to the final encore.

And the experience goes beyond the music. Curated food and beverage offerings, local artisans, premium hospitality experiences, and upgraded ticketing options ensure that every moment feels special. Whether you’re a jazz purist or a casual listener, this festival was designed with you in mind.

Beyond the Festival: The Richmond Vibe

Richmond in August is a city alive with energy. The festival takes place at Maymont, a stunning 100-acre estate with gardens, wildlife exhibits, and panoramic views of the James River. It’s the kind of setting that makes you forget you’re at a music festival—until the next artist takes the stage and reminds you why you came.

Before the main event, the festival kicks off with Straight No Chaser, a week-long series of straight-ahead jazz performances at restaurants and venues across the Richmond region. It’s the perfect way to ease into the weekend, discovering local spots and soaking up the city’s vibrant music scene.