Rosslyn Jazz Fest Unveils 2026 Lineup With Puerto Rican, Afrobeat, Soul Acts

ARLINGTON, VA — Rosslyn's largest free outdoor music festival is returning this fall with a lineup that spans Puerto Rican rhythms, New Orleans jazz, soul, funk and Afrobeat.

The Rosslyn Business Improvement District and Arlington Arts announced the performers for the 2026 Rosslyn Jazz Fest, which will take place from 1 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12, at Gateway Park, 1300 Langston Blvd. in Arlington.

Puerto Rican ensemble Plena Libre will headline the festival. The Grammy-nominated group has spent more than three decades performing contemporary interpretations of the traditional Puerto Rican musical styles of plena and bomba, blending them with Afro-Caribbean influences and jazz.

Music From Around The World

The festival's lineup also includes:

• Sally Baby's Silver Dollars, a New Orleans-inspired group that blends jazz, blues, roots music and vintage swing.
• Parlor Greens, an instrumental trio featuring guitar, organ and drums that performs soul jazz, funk and blues-inspired music.
• Dogo du Togo & The Alagaa Beat Band, a collective of Togolese musicians whose "Alagaa Beat" combines Afrobeat, psychedelic rock and traditional West African rhythms.

Local media personality Tommy McFly will return as emcee for the event.

"Rosslyn Jazz Fest is more than just your average neighborhood music festival — it's a celebration of culture, creativity and community," Rosslyn BID President Mary-Claire Burick said in a statement. "We're excited to welcome people from across the DMV and beyond for an unforgettable afternoon of lively performances, lots of dancing, and fun activities for all ages."

According to organizers, this year's festival marks the 34th edition of Rosslyn Jazz Fest.

"Now in its 34th year, Rosslyn Jazz Fest continues to be a cultural cornerstone in Arlington and the broader DMV," Josh Stoltzfus, deputy director of Arlington Cultural Affairs, said in a statement. "The festival features eclectic programming, spotlighting artists whose work draws from jazz's rich traditions, and this year's lineup celebrates music from Africa to the Americas, with plena, funk, swing and afrobeat."

Food, Activities And Free Admission

In addition to live performances, attendees can enjoy food trucks, outdoor bars, lawn games and family-friendly activities throughout the afternoon.

Admission is free. Organizers said tickets will become available beginning Aug. 1 through the Rosslyn BID website.

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