The Atlanta Jazz Festival is returning to Piedmont Park for Memorial Day weekend, and it’s bringing some big names.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens helped reveal the lineup for the festival, which is celebrating its 49th year of music.

“The Atlanta Jazz Festival is one of our city’s great traditions, where Atlanta comes together with friends and visitors across the country and around the world to celebrate music, culture, and community in the heart of the city,” Dickens said.

Headlining the festival will be composer and saxophonist Kamasi Washington, hip-hop band The Roots, and singer PJ Morton. Other notable acts include Grammy-winners Esperanza Spalding, Christian McBride & Ursa Major, and Nate Smith, as well as lyricist Aja Monet and jazz quintet Butcher Brown.

“This year’s festival features an exciting mix of national and local talent spanning traditional, smooth, contemporary, hip-hop, R&B, soul, funk, and modern jazz,” said Adriane Jefferson, the executive director of the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs. “The festival represents a true full-circle moment for our city. We open with an Atlanta artist, and we close with an artist whose career first blossomed here in Atlanta—celebrating the extraordinary talent that is born, raised, and amplified right here in Georgia.”

Along with the festival, the city will host 31 days of jazz events throughout the metro area beginning on May 1.

The free event takes place from May 23 through 25 with live performances from 1 to 11 p.m.

You can see the full lineup here.

ATLANTA – A man accused of beheading a dog on the front porch of his Fulton County home on Wednesday has been arrested after an hours-long SWAT standoff.

What we know:

Jalen Wade was charged with aggravated cruelty to animals, felony obstruction, and two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

According to the Fulton County Police Department, Wade was taken into custody around 8:30 p.m. after he spent hours barricaded inside a back room of his home, located on Illinois Avenue, near the intersection of Joseph E. Boone Boulevard.

Fulton County Police vehicles line a residential street during a SWAT standoff following an alleged animal beheading on Illinois Avenue on Feb. 11, 2026. (FOX 5 Atlanta)

Neighbors called 911 around 2:30 p.m. after witnessing the beheading on his front porch. When officers arrived, they found a dead dog outside with a machete lying nearby.

When Wade refused to come to the door, investigators obtained a search warrant. Attempts to serve that warrant failed, prompting the SWAT team to be called in to assist.

After a three-hour standoff, SWAT units successfully took Wade into custody. 

Fulton County Police vehicles line a residential street during a SWAT standoff following an alleged animal beheading on Illinois Avenue on Feb. 11, 2026. (FOX 5 Atlanta)

Police reported no injuries during the arrest.

What we don’t know:

Fulton County Police have not released information regarding a possible motive for the attack or if Wade has a history of mental health concerns or prior animal cruelty complaints.

Authorities have not confirmed whether the dog belonged to Wade or if it was a neighbor’s pet or a stray.

Fulton County Police vehicles line a residential street during a SWAT standoff following an alleged animal beheading on Illinois Avenue on Feb. 11, 2026. (FOX 5 Atlanta)

Although Wade faces two counts of firearm possession during the commission of a felony, police have not specified if shots were fired or if the weapons were used to threaten neighbors or responding officers.

It is unknown if police had been called to the Illinois Avenue residence for domestic or noise complaints prior to Wednesday.

Atlanta – Here are the guests and segments from Good Day Atlanta for Feb. 11, 2026:

Alvin Ailey Dance Theater: It may be a new era for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, but audience can expect the same powerful and passionate storytelling as the company returns to Atlanta’s Fox Theatre this week. 

Casting Call with Tess Hammock: There’s a documentary releasing, and it’s all about Peanut M&M’s. There could be an opportunity for you to show off your collection. Plus, there’s a new dating show in the works with the Bachelor’s Chris Harrison. 

Dr. Carrie Mackensen on social media trials & what parents should do now: The world’s biggest social media companies, like Meta and Google, are facing several landmark trials in Los Angeles. The companies are accused of causing young users to become addicted to their platforms. We spoke to a clinical psychologist, Dr. Carrie Mackensen, about the ways parents can protect their children’s mental health surrounding social media. 

Good Day Atlanta Guess WhoWeek 4:  It’s another week of the anchors trying to guess who’s behind the mask. Click the video player to check out the clues and see who it was. 

Niecey Shaw has the latest in entertainment headlines: It’s been reported that Britney Spears sold her iconic music catalog in ‘landmark’ 9-figure deal, and Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance broke records. Niecey Shaw has the details, and you can listen to her at midday on Classix 1029.

Pet of the Day: Atlanta Humane Society brings in Veronica. Click here for more information on adoption.