Erykah Badu performing at Jazz in the Gardens on March 22, 2015.
Photo by Aaron Davidson/Getty Images for Jazz in the Gardens
One of South Florida’s most beloved and culturally significant music festivals is back. Jazz in the Gardens (JITG) Music Festival returns to Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on March 7-8, 2026, bringing together R&B, hip-hop, soul, and contemporary Black culture for a weekend that consistently ranks among the nation’s best live-music experiences.
Now in its 19th year, Jazz in the Gardens has evolved far beyond its jazz roots, becoming a multigenerational celebration of Black music, community, and legacy. Hosted by the City of Miami Gardens and produced by the Black Promoters Collective, JITG has earned national recognition from outlets and music fans alike, while also taking home Miami New Times’ Best Music Festival honor for 2025.
This year’s headliners reflect the festival’s signature blend of nostalgia and now. Jhené Aiko will headline Saturday night, bringing her ethereal vocals and soul-baring songwriting to Miami Gardens after a buzzworthy fall tour with Chris Brown and Bryson Tiller. On Sunday, Ludacris takes the stage with a special 25th anniversary set, celebrating a catalog packed with era-defining hits and the kind of high-energy performance that’s made him a festival favorite for decades.
Also topping the bill are Nelly and Ashanti, whose early-2000s run shaped a generation of hip-hop and R&B. Together, their joint appearance promises a hit-filled, nostalgia-soaked set that taps directly into the Y2K revival currently sweeping pop culture.
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The undercard is equally stacked. Glorilla, Ella Mai, Mýa, Joe, Pastor Mike Jr., Tonio Armani, King George, Boney James, and Damien Escobar are all set to perform, alongside D-Nice & Friends featuring SWV, Robin Thicke, Case, Sunshine Anderson, and Kenny Burns. One additional major surprise guest is still to be announced.
Beyond the music, Jazz in the Gardens remains a point of pride for Miami Gardens — Florida’s largest predominantly Black city — bringing together local vendors, community leaders, and music lovers from across the country. More than a festival, JITG is a yearly homecoming rooted in culture, connection, and celebration.
Jazz in the Gardens. Saturday, March 7, and Sunday, March 8, at Hard Rock Stadium, 347 Don Shula Dr., Miami Gardens; 305-943-8000; hardrockstadium.com. Tickets cost $199 for a two-day general admission pass to $1,275 for a two-day Titanium pass and are on sale now via ticketmaster.com.
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