Duck Jazz Festival 2026: Schedule and Visitor Guide
The Duck Jazz Festival returns to Duck Town Park on October 10 and 11, 2026, with a Saturday kickoff concert and a full Sunday of music on two stages. The 16th annual event is free, non-ticketed, and held rain or shine, making it one of the Outer Banks’ most welcoming fall traditions.
This year’s theme, “Jazz Reignited,” marks the festival’s return after its 2025 cancellation. The program brings nationally known performers together with regional musicians and the First Flight High School Honors Jazz Band, all in a compact soundfront park in the heart of Duck.
When and Where
The main festival takes place at Duck Town Park, 1200 Duck Road, Duck, NC 27949. On Saturday, October 10, guitarist Adam Hawley opens the weekend with a concert on the Town Green from 4 to 6 p.m. A live jam is scheduled afterward at 7 p.m. at The Back Bar at The Blue Point, 1240 Duck Road.
On Sunday, October 11, the park gates open at 10 a.m. and performances begin at 11 a.m. Admission is free, and no ticket is required. Food and nonalcoholic drinks will be available for purchase from Duck eateries.
The Town has also planned jazz-themed activities before the weekend, including an acoustic program, movement and dance activities, children’s music programming, and a movie on the Town Green. Those supporting events begin October 7. Check the current schedule before attending, since individual program details may be adjusted.
Sunday Main Stage Lineup
Sunday’s Main Stage begins with bassist Gerald Veasley at 11 a.m. Vocalist Shayna Steele follows at 1:10 p.m. Brass Queens perform at 3:25 p.m., and Tito Puente Jr. closes the published Main Stage schedule with a 5:25 p.m. set.
The Amphitheater Stage fills the spaces between those performances. The First Flight High School Honors Jazz Band plays at 12:10 p.m., followed by the David Esleck Trio featuring Jordan Garrett at 2:20 p.m. The Hot Lanes with Bobby Jasinski perform at 4:30 p.m.
Because the stages alternate, visitors can hear nearly continuous music without having to choose between overlapping headliners. The park is walkable, but a favorite lawn spot may be worth keeping while members of your group explore the boardwalk or pick up food.
What You Can Bring
Guests may bring food, coolers, chairs, blankets, and well-behaved dogs. Chairs are also available to rent on site. Umbrellas and tents are not permitted during the festival because they can obstruct views, and the Town Park is smoke-free.
Pack for a long outdoor day. A low chair or blanket, refillable water bottle, sunscreen, and a light rain layer cover most October possibilities. The Town provides recycling options and encourages visitors to reduce single-use waste. Glass can be recycled on site, although taking it home reduces handling risks for festival volunteers.
Planning Your Festival Day
Arriving when the gates open gives you time to choose a comfortable place before the first set. Duck is especially busy during festival weekend, so allow extra travel time and follow temporary traffic, pedestrian, and parking directions posted by the Town. Once inside the park, the two-stage format makes it easy to settle in for the day.
Families can treat the festival as a picnic with exceptional live music. Dogs should be comfortable around crowds and sound, and owners should be prepared to step away if their pet becomes stressed. Anyone sensitive to sun or rain should remember that tents and beach umbrellas cannot be used in the audience area.
Check the Latest Details
Performance times, supporting events, and weather notices can change. The most reliable source is the Town of Duck’s official Jazz Festival information page, which includes the current schedule and venue policies.
The Duck Jazz Festival works because it stays focused: strong musicians, a beautiful public park, and a format that invites everyone to listen. Come for Saturday’s kickoff, return for the full Sunday program, and leave enough room in the weekend to enjoy the village at a slower fall pace.