Jazz Fest Pompano Beach returns to the Florida shoreline with a major celebration of world class jazz and funk performers

Pompano Beach, Florida – The sound of smooth saxophones, lively funk rhythms, and ocean waves will soon blend together once again as Jazz Fest Pompano Beach prepares to celebrate a special milestone. The popular seaside music event is returning this spring for its fifth anniversary, promising a weekend packed with world-class performances, local talent, and coastal energy.

Set against the scenic shoreline of Pompano Beach, the festival will take place Saturday, April 18, and Sunday, April 19, 2026. Organizers expect thousands of music fans to gather along the waterfront for the free event, which has quickly grown into one of the region’s most anticipated cultural gatherings.

“Jazz Fest Pompano Beach is set to hit all the right notes as world-class musicians take the stage for our milestone 5th anniversary festival.”

The event has built a reputation for pairing globally recognized performers with rising regional artists, creating a dynamic atmosphere that celebrates the diversity of jazz and related genres. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets, transforming the beachfront into a relaxed outdoor concert venue where audiences can sit back and enjoy the music as the sun sets over the Atlantic.

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This year’s lineup is designed to showcase a wide range of musical styles while maintaining the soulful foundation that defines jazz. Across two stages, audiences will experience everything from smooth jazz and funk fusion to inventive reinterpretations of classic music.

The festival begins Saturday evening on the Beach Mainstage with the graceful and melodic performance of flutist Kim Scott. Known for her expressive sound and elegant stage presence, Scott will set the tone for the night with a performance that blends contemporary jazz with soul influences.

Following her set, the energy will rise as legendary saxophonist Richard Elliot takes the stage. Elliot’s dynamic playing style and decades-long career have made him a fixture in the smooth jazz world, and festival organizers expect his performance to be one of the weekend’s highlights.

Saturday night will culminate with a headline performance from Brian Culbertson, a multi-instrumentalist widely recognized for blending jazz, funk, and R&B into an energetic live show. His performance is expected to bring the evening to a powerful crescendo as the festival celebrates its anniversary under the coastal night sky.

Sunday’s program continues the musical momentum with a tribute project that revisits the legacy of Prince. The performance, titled The Purple Project: Reimagining the Music of Prince, will be led by Latin Grammy-nominated pianist Martin Bejerano. The set aims to reinterpret Prince’s iconic music through a jazz lens, blending familiar melodies with improvisational creativity.

Later in the evening, audiences will hear the smooth contemporary sounds of saxophonist Walter Beasley before the festival reaches its grand finale. That closing performance belongs to Ghost-Note, the internationally acclaimed group known for its explosive mix of funk, jazz, and rhythm-driven grooves.

While international artists draw much of the spotlight, the festival also dedicates an entire stage to musicians from the local scene. The Local Stage ensures that the vibrant musical spirit of South Florida remains an essential part of the celebration.

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On Saturday afternoon, audiences can enjoy performances by Haley Cove, Garçon de Kilimanjaro, and Nicole Kidd from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The showcase continues Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. with additional sets by The Fella Band, Kizie The Violist, and Inner Court. These performances offer festivalgoers a chance to discover emerging talent while enjoying the laid-back atmosphere of the beach.

Beyond the music itself, the festival also highlights the area’s culinary scene through a food experience known as the Beachside Taste of Pompano. The curated food village will feature dishes and drinks from several well-known local establishments. Visitors can sample offerings from restaurants such as Lucky Fish, Oceanic, The Beach House, Baresco, and How You Brewin?.

Additional food vendors—including Falafal Beach Grill, The Briny Pub, Taco Station, Carlucci’s, Lola’s on the Water, Zoe’s Beachside Grill, and Stingers—will serve everything from casual beach bites to more refined coastal cuisine. The diverse food options aim to complement the music while showcasing the flavors of the region.

The success of the festival is supported by partnerships across the community. The City of Pompano Beach, along with sponsors such as the Broward Cultural Division, Champion Porsche, and the Judith Ann Linnell Foundation, play key roles in making the event accessible to the public.

To keep the weekend running smoothly, the festival will be hosted by popular South Florida radio personality Drew Heyman, who will serve as master of ceremonies and guide audiences through the performances.

Admission to Jazz Fest Pompano Beach remains free, but organizers encourage attendees to register online to help with planning for safety, crowd management, and concessions. Visitors are also advised to consider using ride-share services due to the large number of expected guests.

For those seeking a more elevated experience, a limited number of VIP passes will be available for Sunday’s performances. The premium option includes front-of-stage seating on portable flooring, access to a private VIP bar, and a commemorative Jazz Fest 2026 gift bag.

As the festival celebrates its fifth anniversary, organizers hope the event will continue to strengthen Pompano Beach’s reputation as a cultural hub where music, community, and oceanfront atmosphere come together in perfect harmony.