The Jacksonville Jazz Festival is a three-day jazz party on Memorial Day Weekend against the backdrop of the St. Johns River in downtown Jacksonville, Fla.
The fest is a free and spread across two locations, Metropolitan Park and Daily’s Place Amphitheater. This year’s lineup — the fest typically hosts big names and rising stars — has not been released at the time of this writing, but established legends like Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis and Branford Marsalis have graced the stage in years past. You can sprawl out on a grassy knoll at Metropolitan Park as the smooth sounds of jazz fill the humid air, or head to Daily’s Place Amphitheater for an energetic concert. If you’d prefer not to stand, feel free to bring a chair or blanket; there are no other seating options.
Beyond the music, the Jacksonville Jazz Festival is a chance to explore Jacksonville’s culture. Downtown has a plethora of restaurants, bars and shops to check out before or after enjoying the music, and many local vendors have booths at the festival. Moreover, events at the festival include the Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition, pitting five rising pianists against one another, and an improvisational Jazz Jam in the late evening. Aspiring musicians can also attend a selection of jazz clinics during the day.
The Specs
- The free, four-day Jacksonville Jazz Festival draws a reported 130,000 guests each year.
- The event is free. Last year, VIP tickets that ensured seating were available for $199.
- There are loads of great things to explore in Jacksonville, while you’re there.
FAQs
What is the closest airport to the Jacksonville Jazz Festival?
Jacksonville International Airport is right in town.
What’s the bag policy?
No bag policy is found on their website. It seems that in prior years, you could expect a bag to be checked on the way in, and no coolers or large hauls were permitted.
Where should I stay?
Local hotels and home rentals are the way to go.
Which artists are on the Jacksonville Jazz Festival lineup?
The complete lineup has not yet been released, but current artists include The Brian McKnight 4, The Kenny Barron Trio, Lee Ritenour and Dave Grusin, Nicholas Payton, Jamison Ross, Brian Culbertson, Gregory Porter, Huntertones, Lakecia Benjamin, Josh Vietti, Joss Stone, The Baylor Project, Chucho Valdés Royal Quartet, Keiko Matsui, and Jeff Ryan.
