Where and when is the 2026 Jacksonville Jazz Festival?
The 2026 Jacksonville Jazz Festival takes place over Memorial Day Weekend, from May 21–24, 2026. Events are scheduled across multiple days and locations:
Thursday, May 21:
- The Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition presented by Yamaha at the Florida Theatre will showcase five talented finalists competing for prizes, including the opportunity to perform at the 2026 Jacksonville Jazz Festival.
- Florida Theatre: 128 E Forsyth St #300, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Friday, May 22 – Sunday, May 24:
- Ford on Bay Stage presented by Publix, located at the Ford on Bay, will feature three days of live performances and unforgettable music experiences. The event is free to attend with no general admission ticket required.
- Ford on Bay: 288 E Bay St, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Stay tuned for more information!
Do I need a ticket to attend?
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, located at the Ford on Bay, comfortable shoes and good energy for the weekend! For guests wanting to upgrade their time at the festival, packages for our Premium Experience areas presented by JAA for the 2026 Jacksonville Jazz Festival will be announced soon!
Please note: All Premium Experience packages are non-refundable. This festival 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.
Is there a guest code of conduct?
The City of Jacksonville is committed to creating a safe and enjoyable event experience for all. When attending a City of Jacksonville Event produced by the Office of Sports and Entertainment, please refrain from the following:
- Behavior that is unruly, disruptive, threatening or illegal in nature, including fighting and physical harassment
- Foul, harassing or abusive language towards other attendees or staff
- Unreasonably obstructing the view or pathways to areas within the event walkways
- Smoking (including e-cigarettes)
- Intoxication or other signs of alcohol or substance impairment
- Obscene or offensive gestures, signage or clothing, including the use of such language or gestures concerning a person's race, ethnicity, color, gender, religion, creed, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or national origin; or to instigate, incite or encourage a confrontation or physical assault.
- Interference with the attendee event experience
- Being in possession of forbidden items (see list of event’s Prohibited Items), outside alcohol, and/ or illegal substances within the event perimeter.
- Conduct that results in damage to the event venue or other real or personal property.
Attendees are expected to follow all safety instructions from event staff, law enforcement, and security personnel. Please report any concerns or suspicious activity immediately. Violating this Code of Conduct may result in removal without refund and a ban prohibiting attendance at future events. Event organizers reserve the right to change this Code of Conduct at any time, so please check for updates before attending.
We hope you have an enjoyable and memorable event experience. Thank you for doing your part to support a positive & safe environment for everyone!
What if it rains?
The Jacksonville Jazz Festival is a rain or shine event. However, in the case of inclement weather, as determined by the festival’s Emergency Operations Command, performances may be rescheduled or cancelled. The safety of all attendees and performers is our top priority.
If weather conditions require an evacuation, attendees are encouraged to seek shelter in their vehicles until it is safe to return.
Stay tuned to official festival social media channels for real-time updates during the event.
How can I perform at the 2026 festival?
The City of Jacksonville is seeking outstanding local and regional artists to be featured on our Jazz in the Plaza stage. This is a dedicated stage located at Riverfront Plaza and designed to showcase the incredible talent within our community. Performance opportunities for this stage are limited and highly competitive, and selections will be made with the goal of highlighting artists who reflect the spirit, diversity, and energy of Jacksonville’s music scene and surrounding areas.
Travel accommodations will not be provided to artists performing on this stage.
By completing the application, you will be considered for a performance at the festival. Inquiries made by any other method, including phone, email, snail-mail, and social media will not be reviewed or considered. All performer applications must be submitted online through this form during the application period.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 11:59PM at Saturday, February 28, 2026
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HOW TO GET NOTIFIED IN THE FUTURE: If you are a musician or represent a musician interested in performing in the future, please signup to be notified when the performer application is open for 2026 and beyond.
By signing up, you are not applying to become a performer at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival. This sign-up list is only to receive notification of when the performer application is open.
How can I become a vendor at the 2026 festival?
Thank you for your interest in becoming one of our Jacksonville Jazz Festival vendors!
Applications have not opened yet for the 2026 Jacksonville Jazz Festival. Once available, applications will be announced via official Jacksonville Jazz Festival social media pages + emailed out to subscribers (sign up below).
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HOW TO GET NOTIFIED IN THE FUTURE: Food vendors and Marketplace vendors will not receive the same emails. To ensure you receive relevant updates and opportunities, please select the correct email notification list:
- If you are interested in becoming a vendor within the Jazz Marketplace, please CLICK HERE to receive email notifications for future opportunities.
- If you are interested in becoming a Food Vendor at one of the many events produced by the City of Jacksonville's Office of Sports and Entertainment, including the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, please CLICK HERE to receive email notifications for future opportunities.
My company would like to become a Sponsor, Who do I contact?
Thank you for your interest in becoming a sponsor for the Jacksonville Jazz Festival. For available opportunities, please email JaxJazzFest@coj.net.
How can I get a Media Credential to cover the festival?
Thank you for your interest in covering the 2026 Jacksonville Jazz Festival!
Media Credential applications will open from March 16, 2026 through 11:59pm on April 30, 2026.
Please visit the Get Involved page for Media Credential requirements, guidelines and information for future years.
I have additional questions about the Jax Jazz Festival, Who do I contact?
For additional assistance and information, please email us at JaxJazzFest@coj.net.
I collect the annual Jazz Fest posters, how may I reserve a poster this year?
We’re glad to know you love our commemorative posters just as much as we do! The 2026 commemorative poster will be announced soon.
Visit the Commemorative Poster page to check out our 2025 poster design featuring the iconic Gatorland Gator statue, currently residing in Met Park.
I would like to be considered as a future commemorative poster designer, how do I sign up?
Thank you for your interest in designing a future Jacksonville Jazz Festival commemorative poster!
Please complete this FORM to be considered in the future.
How do I become a volunteer for the Jacksonville Jazz Festival?
Thank you for your interest in volunteering! Please register to volunteer for this year’s Jacksonville Jazz Festival at https://cityofjacksonville.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/ and if you have any questions, please email us at JaxJazzFest@coj.net.
Where and When is the 2025 Jacksonville Jazz Festival?
The 2025 Jacksonville Jazz Festival takes place over Memorial Day Weekend, from May 22–25, 2025. Events are scheduled across multiple days and locations:
Thursday, May 22:
- The Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition presented by Yamaha at the Florida Theatre will showcase five talented finalists competing for prizes, including the opportunity to perform at the 2025 Jacksonville Jazz Festival.
- Florida Theatre: 128 E Forsyth St #300, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Friday, May 23 – Sunday, May 25:
- The Hart Bridge Stage presented by Publix at Tailgaters Parking will feature three days of live performances and unforgettable music experiences. The event is free to attend with no general admission ticket required; however, capacity is limited. To guarantee entry, guests are encouraged to purchase an available VIP or Preferred Seating package presented by JAA.
- Tailgaters Parking: 225 Talleyrand Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Saturday, May 24:
- Jazz Clinic: A Conversation With Branford Marsalis will take place Saturday morning at Intuition Bier Hall. This educational session is free to attend, but pre-registration is required and space is limited. Register today so that you don't miss out on this unique opportunity!
- Jazz Jam presented by Hot 106.5 will take place Saturday evening at Intuition Bier Hall. This open improv session invites musicians to come together and create spontaneous, unforgettable performances. This is a free event—no ticket or registration required. The 2025 host band is the John Lumpkin Trio featuring Ryan Devlin.
- Intuition Bier Hall: 929 E Bay Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
CLICK MAP TO EXPAND
For full event details, visit the schedule page on our website.
Do I need a ticket to attend?
The Jacksonville Jazz Festival is free to attend, no ticket required! Just bring a lawn chair for the Hart Bridge Stage presented by Publix, located at Tailgaters Parking, comfortable shoes and good energy for the weekend! For guests wanting to upgrade their time at the festival, packages for our Premium Experience areas presented by JAA for the 2025 Jacksonville Jazz Festival will be on sale beginning Friday, February 7th! Information regarding package pricing and inclusions can be found on the VIP and Preferred Seating pages. Quantities will be extremely limited, so don't wait!
Please note: All Premium Experience packages are non-refundable. This festival 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. For additional FAQ's regarding packages, please visit the VIP and Preferred Seating pages.
Is there a guest code of conduct?
The City of Jacksonville is committed to creating a safe and enjoyable event experience for all. When attending a City of Jacksonville Event produced by the Office of Sports and Entertainment, please refrain from the following:
- Behavior that is unruly, disruptive, threatening or illegal in nature, including fighting and physical harassment
- Foul, harassing or abusive language towards other attendees or staff
- Unreasonably obstructing the view or pathways to areas within the event walkways
- Smoking (including e-cigarettes)
- Intoxication or other signs of alcohol or substance impairment
- Obscene or offensive gestures, signage or clothing, including the use of such language or gestures concerning a person's race, ethnicity, color, gender, religion, creed, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or national origin; or to instigate, incite or encourage a confrontation or physical assault.
- Interference with the attendee event experience
- Being in possession of forbidden items (see list of event’s Prohibited Items), outside alcohol, and/ or illegal substances within the event perimeter.
- Conduct that results in damage to the event venue or other real or personal property.
Attendees are expected to follow all safety instructions from event staff, law enforcement, and security personnel. Please report any concerns or suspicious activity immediately. Violating this Code of Conduct may result in removal without refund and a ban prohibiting attendance at future events. Event organizers reserve the right to change this Code of Conduct at any time, so please check for updates before attending.
We hope you have an enjoyable and memorable event experience. Thank you for doing your part to support a positive & safe environment for everyone!
What if it rains?
The Jacksonville Jazz Festival is a rain or shine event. However, in the case of inclement weather, as determined by the festival’s Emergency Operations Command, performances may be rescheduled or cancelled. The safety of all attendees and performers is our top priority.
If weather conditions require an evacuation, attendees are encouraged to seek shelter in their vehicles until it is safe to return.
Stay tuned to official festival social media channels for real-time updates during the event.
How many stages will the 2025 Jacksonville Jazz Festival have?
The 2025 Jacksonville Jazz Festival will feature one incredible stage presented by Publix, located inside Tailgaters Parking! This stage will operate during specific hours, Friday–Sunday, bringing the music to life in the heart of Jacksonville!
How can I become a vendor at the 2026 festival?
Thank you for your interest in becoming one of our Jacksonville Jazz Festival vendors!
Applications have not opened yet for the 2026 Jacksonville Jazz Festival. Once available, applications will be announced via official Jacksonville Jazz Festival social media pages + emailed out to subscribers (sign up below).
_______
HOW TO GET NOTIFIED IN THE FUTURE: Food vendors and Marketplace vendors will not receive the same emails. To ensure you receive relevant updates and opportunities, please select the correct email notification list:
- If you are interested in becoming a vendor within the Jazz Marketplace, please CLICK HERE to receive email notifications for future opportunities.
- If you are interested in becoming a Food Vendor at one of the many events produced by the City of Jacksonville's Office of Sports and Entertainment, including the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, please CLICK HERE to receive email notifications for future opportunities.
My company would like to become a Sponsor, Who do I contact?
Thank you for your interest in becoming a sponsor for the Jacksonville Jazz Festival. For available opportunities, please email JaxJazzFest@coj.net.
How can I get a Media Credential to cover the festival?
Thank you for your interest in covering the 2026 Jacksonville Jazz Festival!
Media Credential applications will open from March 16, 2026 through 11:59pm on April 30, 2026.
Please visit the Get Involved page for Media Credential requirements, guidelines and information for future years.
I have additional questions about the Jax Jazz Festival, Who do I contact?
For additional assistance and information, please email us at JaxJazzFest@coj.net.
I collect the annual Jazz Fest posters, how may I reserve a poster this year?
We’re glad to know you love our commemorative posters just as much as we do! The 2025 commemorative poster designed by Stin Hrycajkiw is available for pre-order now from the Official Jacksonville Jazz Festival Store.
Visit the Commemorative Poster page to check out her awesome design featuring the iconic Gatorland Gator statue, currently residing in Met Park.
I would like to be considered as a future commemorative poster designer, how do I sign up?
Thank you for your interest in designing a future Jacksonville Jazz Festival commemorative poster!
Please complete this FORM to be considered in the future.
How do I become a volunteer for the Jacksonville Jazz Festival?
Thank you for your interest in volunteering! Please register to volunteer for this year’s Jacksonville Jazz Festival at https://cityofjacksonville.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/ and if you have any questions, please email us at JaxJazzFest@coj.net.
