Ninth Annual Riverfront Jazz Festival takes center stage in Dallas

Labor Day is quickly approaching, so if you were looking for a way to enjoy the long weekend, there's The Black Academy of Arts and Letters (TBAAL) Riverfront Jazz Festival happening September 4-6 at Fair Park.

The Riverfront Jazz Festival first began in 2017 after TBAAL President and Founder Curtis King attended a number of jazz festivals across the U.S., including Capital Jazz Festival and a festival in Richmond, Virginia.

After some years passed, King says the Visit Dallas office asked him to host a similar music and cultural event.

"About 15 or 16 years ago was when the idea started, and Visit Dallas came to me and asked me, "Why don't you do something for Labor Day weekend?'" King says. "So I pitched the idea to the Visit Dallas and they bought into the idea, and the rest is history."

I had a chance to speak one-on-one with King about why this year's event has some improvements from last year and remains a destination event to kick off September in DFW.

It's more than just jazz, it's also R&B, pop, blues, neo-soul, and other music genres.

"They're favorite selected artists because they all bring something very different— I'm excited about all the artists who are performing," King says. "We have something for everybody."

Featured artists include the legendary Gladys Knight, Samara Joy, Bilal, and Rose Royce. However, there are also some controversial artists on the list, such as Brian McKnight, whose family drama reached the media at viral levels a couple years ago. I asked about this.

Article continues below interview video.

https://youtu.be/Yu4sxQI4iAE?si=YGU8BNz3-yWhXCMJ

"We had push back about two years ago where we booked [McKinght] where we booked him but then canceled him, but we had a lot of people who wanted to see him, so we booked him again," King says. "I don't know anything about this man's personal business...it's not my business to know about his personal business because I have enough personal business of my own that I need to be trying to deal with."

"People like him, they like his music, and the people doing the most talking are the ones who haven't purchased a ticket, so they don't matter to me."

Though the first year the festival was held at Fair Park was rough, according to King, he says there'll be improvements since there's a lot more coordination with the Parks and Recreation department and the City taking over the park.

To wrap it all up in celebration, there are hotel after parties spread across 3 hotels: ALoft, Marriott, and The Omni Dallas. Plus, there will be a fireworks show opening night, vendors, food, and other activities all weekend.

Overall, the theme and tone for the weekend is one of joy, celebration, and "human revival".

"I hope people are already energized the moment they come through the gates, that they just feel the spirit," King says. "When you get here, eveything is moving and vibing, almost like a big human revival."

Security isn't a concern because they have security check in and guards posted at all corners who come at the first mention.

You can find out more about the Riverfront Jazz Festival, lineup, and more at https://www.tbaalriverfrontjazzfestival.org/artists-2026