Jacksonville Loves Jazz
May 21 – 24, 2026 | Various Times
The Jacksonville Jazz Festival is back for Memorial Day Weekend in Downtown Jacksonville, Florida — May 21–24, 2026! This free multi-day festival will feature several award-winning artists performing in the heart of Jacksonville, Florida.
For more than four decades, the Jacksonville Jazz Festival has brought people together to celebrate music, community, and good vibes all weekend long! Kick things off Thursday night at the Florida Theatre with the Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition presented by Yamaha, then enjoy three days of FREE live performances at Ford on Bay in the heart of Downtown Jacksonville — filled with incredible food, drinks, and unforgettable moments.
What began as the humble Mayport and All That Jazz Festival is now one of the largest free jazz festivals in the country, boasting an all-star lineup of jazz legends such as Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Branford Marsalis, Buddy Guy, Harry Connick, Jr., Mavis Staples, and many more. Check out the festival history for more on the legacy of the event. This year, expect awesome headliners such as Andra Day, Parliament Funkadelic, Nile Rodgers & Chic, and more!
Although the event has changed locations several times during its storied history, one important landmark has remained on the scene, keeping a watchful eye over the evolving festival throughout the years — the St. Johns River. This year, we're returning to downtown for an epic street party full of great food, good fun, and plenty of FREE live entertainment. The festival boasts two outdoor stages with state-of-the-art light and sound spread across a walkable footprint!
The Jacksonville Jazz Festival is free to attend — no ticket required! Just bring a lawn chair for the Ford on Bay Stage presented by Publix, comfortable shoes, and good energy for the weekend!
For guests wanting to upgrade their experience, packages for our Premium Experience areas presented by JAA at the Ford on Bay Stage presented by Publix are available for purchase! Information regarding package pricing and inclusions can be found on the VIP and Preferred Seating pages. Quantities are extremely limited, so don't wait!
Please note: All Premium Experience packages are non-refundable. This is a rain or shine event, and all performers are subject to time change or cancellation. The Jacksonville Jazz Festival will not facilitate the transfer or reselling of any packages.
Don't miss all that the Jacksonville Jazz Festival has to offer, including Jazz in the Plaza — a brand-new stage experience set right in the heart of Riverfront Plaza. All weekend, local jazz and R&B artists take the stage, delivering the authentic sound and soul of Northeast Florida's music community. With additional food vendors on-site and a free, all-ages atmosphere, Jazz in the Plaza is the perfect complement to the Ford on Bay headliner stage. Catch it all May 22–24, 2026, in Downtown Jacksonville. Plus, enjoy jazz eats and drinks, the Piano Competition, Jazz Jam, and more. There's so much to experience that you won't want to miss a single beat!
This is a rain or shine event. All performers listed are subject to change or cancellation.
