The sounds of jazz, blues and funk will once again fill Columbia Park this fall as the Highland Area Partnership prepares for the 22nd Annual Highland Jazz & Blues Festival.
Scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, in Shreveport’s Historic Highland Neighborhood, the free festival will bring together musicians, artists, food vendors and community organizations for a full day of entertainment and activities.
Over the years, the event has grown into one of the region’s most anticipated cultural celebrations, drawing thousands of visitors to enjoy live music across multiple stages while experiencing the neighborhood’s creative spirit.
Leading this year’s lineup is New Orleans funk powerhouse Dumpstaphunk. For nearly two decades, the band has built a reputation as a cornerstone of the city’s music scene, blending the musical legacy of the Neville family and The Meters with its own high-energy sound. Their performances have featured appearances by legendary artists including Carlos Santana, Bob Weir, George Clinton, Dave Matthews and members of Phish. The group has also opened for the Rolling Stones in New Orleans and toured with the Dave Matthews Band.
Festival organizers have assembled a diverse lineup across the event’s stages. The Pavilion Stage will feature The Good Dudes, Sweet Magnolia, the Shreveport Regional Jazz Ensemble and a special tribute to the late Buddy Flett with surprise guests.
The Gazebo Stage will host performances by the Bossier City Big Band, River City Groove, Snake Doctors, The Eric Craig Band and Loose Association.
The Inspiration Stage returns this year with performances from young musicians representing the Bossier Parish Schools Talented Arts Program, Caddo Parish Schools Talented Arts Program and North Desoto Middle School Jazz Band.
The stage will also feature an interactive performance by Lady Chops, the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council’s 2024 Performing Artist of the Year and a former cast member of the Off-Broadway production “STOMP.”
Beyond the music, visitors can explore more than 70 food and artisan vendors throughout the park, enjoy hands-on art activities in the Children’s Area and visit the Pet Area. A free shuttle service will operate continuously throughout the day, and official festival merchandise and posters will be available near the Pavilion Stage.
2026 Poster Winner
The festival’s official poster was selected through a design competition open to junior and senior students in Caddo, Bossier and DeSoto parishes. This year, the contest received 26 submissions, which were evaluated by local artists and cultural bearers.
The winning design was created by Sara Villarrial, a BPSTIL Graphic Arts student from Haughton High School.
“Sara is an amazing student who consistently goes above and beyond in everything she does. I have been especially impressed by her artistic ability and her willingness to adapt to different art styles and creative challenges. She approaches each project with thoughtfulness and creativity, and she always follows through with strong execution,” said Kyle Hadley, BPSTIL Graphic Arts Teacher. “Her poster artwork was especially impressive in the way everything came together so cohesively. Throughout the process, we created mood boards and had several brainstorming conversations to help develop the overall direction and flow of the piece. The colors and elements she chose worked beautifully together, resulting in a truly unique and visually striking composition. I couldn’t be more proud of the work she created, and I’m so glad she had the opportunity to be part of this experience.”
Villarrial received a $500 award from the Highland Area Partnership for her winning artwork.
Festival organizers say they are eager to welcome music fans back to Columbia Park and are especially excited about this year’s headliner.
“The board of directors and myself are super stoked for the lineup this year, especially Dumpstaphunk,” said Emerie Eck Holtzclaw, Executive Director. “We absolutely love the poster created by the student, Sara Villarrial, because it captures not only our festival but our community vibe.”
Buddy Flett Tribute
The 2026 festival will also include a special moment of remembrance for Grammy-nominated musician Buddy Flett, a longtime friend of the festival who passed away earlier this year.
“Buddy was a dear friend and he never missed a chance to play our festival. Out of the 21 years, he only missed one. He can not be replaced. We will pivot and ensure that in his opening slot we have surprise guests performing a tribute set in his honor.”
Launched in 2003, the Highland Jazz & Blues Festival has grown from a gathering of 500 to 1,000 attendees into a major community event featuring three stages, 15 bands, more than 60 vendors and approximately 10,000 music fans.
Produced by the Highland Area Partnership, a nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating and connecting the community through music, food and the arts, the festival continues its tradition of bringing free live entertainment and cultural experiences to the region.
