3 Reasons Why You Need to Be at the Richmond Jazz and Music Festival
Richmond knows how to do summer—and the Richmond Jazz and Music Festival (RJMF) proves it every time. Happening August 8–10 at Maymont Park, this weekend-long event brings out the best in music, culture, and real community energy. It’s not just big for the city—it’s one of the most anticipated festivals on the East Coast.
This year’s lineup includes T.I., Jodeci, Muni Long, Masego, CeeLo Green, Marsha Ambrosius, Aloe Blacc, Dru Hill and more. It’s stacked with icons, hitmakers and rising voices across jazz, R&B, soul and hip-hop. Whether you’re outside for the classics or showing up for new sounds, the mix is solid.
The festival is produced by Richmond-based agency JMI, with support from longtime partners like Dominion Energy, Altria, and Virginia Tourism. Since it launched in 2010, RJMF has hosted names like Chaka Khan, The Roots, Erykah Badu and Jill Scott.
“The festival is a celebration of music, people, and culture,” said Carlos Brown, president of Dominion Energy Services.
Produced by Richmond-based agency JMI, the festival has been running since 2010 and continues to grow. Past performers include Chaka Khan, The Roots, Herbie Hancock, Erykah Badu and Jill Scott.
“Dominion’s leadership as Presenting Sponsor is helping us reimagine the festival experience in powerful ways,” said Frances Burruss, director of account management at JMI. “We’ve also been fortunate to have the support of many businesses and communities throughout the Mid-Atlantic region for many years.”
But RJMF is more than a concert. It’s a cultural experience with hometown pride and national energy. If you’re still deciding, here are three reasons why you should already be planning your fit.
1. The lineup hits every generation
This is one of those rare lineups that makes sense whether you're there for the vibes or the vocals. You’ve got T.I. and Jodeci bringing the nostalgia, Muni Long and Masego repping today’s wave, and Aloe Blacc, Marsha Ambrosius and CeeLo Green holding it down for the soulful in-between. It’s not just names—it’s songs you know by heart, hooks that still go off, and live moments you won’t get through a screen. This isn’t background music. It’s a live, full-body experience with artists who actually perform.
2. The culture shows up—and shows out
RJMF doesn’t just pull numbers—it pulls the city. From the fashion to the energy, the crowd creates its own lane. Think breezy sets, bold prints, linen looks and unapologetic self-expression. You’ll see creators snapping content, couples dancing, and aunties cutting up like it’s their birthday weekend. It’s multigenerational, rooted in joy and refreshingly unbothered. Whether you’re front row or sprawled out on a blanket with your people, the community vibe is strong.
3. Richmond deserves this kind of moment
This isn’t a traveling festival that drops in and disappears. It’s built by Richmond, for Richmond. Produced by a local agency and powered by city-backed partners, RJMF is proof that our region can host large-scale, culture-forward events with intention. It gives local businesses visibility, puts Black artists on major stages, and brings real tourism dollars to the city. It’s what happens when community, creativity and investment meet. You could wait for a national festival—or you could show up for one that’s already in your backyard doing it right.
🗓 August 8–10
📍 Maymont Park, Richmond, VA
🎟 Tickets + Info: richmondjazzandmusicfestival.com
📲 Follow @rjmfest
