After a weather-related cancellation in 2025, the Duck Jazz Festival returns October 10–11, 2026, with renewed energy, a dynamic lineup of artists, and a community-wide celebration of jazz. Presented by PNC Bank, the 17th annual festival will fill Duck Town Park (1200 Duck Road) with free, live performances on the Town Green and Amphitheater stages, along with opportunities for musicians and attendees to connect through meet-and-greets and special events throughout the weekend. The festival is free, non-ticketed, and open to the public.
The festival is made possible through the support of presenting sponsor PNC Bank, grant support from the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau and North Carolina Arts Council, and sponsors including Nags Head Hammocks, Barrier Island Station, The Blue Point, Urban Cottage, and Shoreline OBX Vacation Rentals.
The 2026 artistic vision, “Jazz Reignited,” celebrates the past, present and future of jazz while marking the festival’s return following the 2025 cancellation. The theme honors the traditions that have shaped jazz while embracing fresh energy, creative expression and community. The celebration begins before the main festival weekend with a series of jazz-themed community events throughout the Town of Duck.
Wednesday, October 7
The festival weekend gets an early start at 6:00 p.m. at the Duck Amphitheater with Duck Unplugged: An Acoustic Jazz Evening, featuring the soulful sounds of Devin Frazier and Laura Martier. Guests can enjoy an intimate evening of smooth melodies and rich vocals while relaxing with friends and enjoying music under the stars.
Thursday, October 8
Thursday morning begins at 8:00 a.m. in the Duck Town Park with the return of Jazzy Yoga on the Green. Offered both in person and virtually, this free outdoor class combines the rhythm of jazz with the serenity of yoga, with poses inspired by the soulful sounds of jazz music. All levels are welcome; participants are encouraged to bring a mat or towel, a friend, and their love for jazz.
At 6:00 p.m. in the Duck Amphitheater, Latin Dancing with Celeste will get festivalgoers ready for the weekend with a fun, beginner-friendly Latin dancing class inspired by the rhythms of Tito Puente Jr. and Latin jazz culture. Participants will learn basic steps, explore the cultural roots of Latin jazz, and gain confidence dancing along during festival weekend. No experience or partner is necessary!
Friday, October 9
At 9:00 a.m., families are invited to the Paul F. Keller Meeting Hall for Be-Bop-a-Looza! Join Barefoot Music Academy for an hour of fun, interactive, hands-on music-making designed for young children and their families. Participants will sing songs, move to jazzy beats, and make music together with a variety of groovy instruments.
At sunset, Carolina Designs Realty presents the Movie on the Green featuring the movie Sing on the lawn. Families and festivalgoers are invited to bring a blanket, settle in, and enjoy an outdoor movie under the stars.
Saturday, October 10
The festival weekend officially kicks off at 4:00 p.m. on the Town Green with a concert featuring celebrated guitarist, producer, and composer Adam Hawley. With more than 17 Billboard hits and a performance résumé that includes collaborations with Jennifer Lopez, Natalie Cole, Lalah Hathaway, and others, Hawley brings his contemporary jazz sound to Duck for an afternoon of live music.
Following the kickoff concert, the celebration continues at 7:00 p.m. at The Back Bar at The Blue Point (1240 Duck Road), with a Live Jam featuring festival musicians. The evening will offer festivalgoers, musicians, and members of the local community an opportunity to come together while supporting a local restaurant and enjoying the sounds of a local jazz ensemble serving as the house band.
Sunday, October 11
The main festival day begins when gates open at 10:00 a.m., with music beginning at 11:00 a.m. Performances will take place throughout the day on both the Main Stage and Amphitheater Stage.
Main Stage
11:00 a.m. — Shayna Steele
Powerhouse vocalist Shayna Steele brings her seamless blend of soul, jazz, and blues to the Main Stage. Known for her dynamic vocals and commanding stage presence, Steele will bring a high-energy performance to the festival.
1:10 p.m. — Gerald Veasley
Festival alumnus Gerald Veasley returns to Duck with his genre-defying approach to contemporary jazz. The acclaimed bassist, composer, bandleader, and educator blends jazz, soul, gospel, and funk and has collaborated with artists including Kirk Whalum, McCoy Tyner, and The Jaco Pastorius Big Band.
3:25 p.m. — Brass Queens
Back by popular demand, Brass Queens returns to the Duck Jazz Festival following their unforgettable 2023 debut in the Amphitheater. This electrifying all-female brass band from New York City blends the traditions of New Orleans brass with the energy and edge of New York City. Their genre-blending sound, infectious energy, and crowd-engaging performances have made them a standout live act.
5:25 p.m. — Tito Puente Jr.
The festival concludes with Tito Puente Jr., son of Latin jazz legend Tito Puente. Puente brings his father’s iconic mambo legacy to the stage with a contemporary Latin jazz approach, combining the timeless sounds of mambo with energetic performances and modern flair.
Amphitheater Stage
12:10 p.m. — First Flight High School Honors Jazz Band
The next generation of local musicians will take the stage as the First Flight High School Honors Jazz Band showcases the exceptional young talent of the Outer Banks community. This year marks the ensemble’s first Duck Jazz Festival performance under the direction of new band director David Lee.
2:20 p.m. — David Esleck Trio featuring Jordan Garrett
Led by GRAMMY-recognized pianist and educator Dr. David L. Esleck, the David Esleck Trio features award-winning bassist Joe Sarver and multi-instrumentalist Keith Willingham, with special guest Jordan Garrett, an expressive vocalist, pianist, and educator.
4:30 p.m. — The Hot Lanes with Bobby Jasinski
Festival alumnus The Hot Lanes with Bobby Jasinski returns following the group’s memorable 2023 appearance. Led by award-winning composer and pianist Bobby Jasinski, the 16-piece big band blends Latin rhythms, classical influences, and jazz traditions into a bold sound inspired by legends such as Count Basie.
The Duck Jazz Festival’s music education programming continues after the festival weekend with the annual jazz workshop for First Flight High School students on Monday, October 12. This workshop will be led by Tito Puente Jr. and members of his band, giving local students an opportunity to learn directly from professional musicians and expand their skills as young artists.
From yoga and salsa dancing to children’s programming, an outdoor movie, live jams, educational opportunities, and two days of live performances, the Duck Jazz Festival offers a variety of ways for residents and visitors to experience jazz throughout the Town of Duck.
Follow us on social media and at www.duckjazz.com to learn about jazz-themed events and promotions held by local businesses both before and after the festival. Be sure to make your plans now for the Duck Jazz Festival!
