The annual Jacksonville Jazz Festival returns this Memorial Day weekend, bringing a star-studded lineup to the city’s downtown area. The festival, which runs from Thursday, May 22, to Sunday, May 25, will feature performances from renowned artists such as Kool & The Gang, Janelle Monae, Branford Marsalis, Boney James, and The Roots. The festivities kick off on Thursday at 7 p.m. with a jazz piano competition at the Florida Theatre.
Following the competition, the action moves to Tailgaters Parking at 225 Talleyrand Avenue, where a single stage will host the main performances throughout the weekend. Admission to the festival is free, and the event will be cashless inside the festival grounds. Attendees can use major credit cards, mobile, and tap-to-pay options for purchases.
Several road closures will be in effect during the festival.
Star-studded weekend of jazz
Talleyrand Ave., from Gator Bowl Blvd.
to Duval St., will be closed from May 21 at 8 a.m. to May 26 at noon. Bryan St., from Beaver St to Adam St., and Duval St., from Talleyrand Ave to Bryan St., will be closed on May 23, 24, and 25 from 8 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Paid public parking is available at several locations surrounding Tailgaters Parking, with fees starting at $25 plus tax. Festival lots, including Lot A, Lot B (ADA Only), Lot C, Lot D, Lot J, Lot Z, Extra Point Lot, VIP North, and VIP South, will be operational during the event.
Parking lots will open 2 hours before festival gates each day and close 30 minutes before the festival ends. On Thursday, lots will open at 2:00 p.m. and close at 10:30 p.m. On Friday and Saturday, lots will open at 1:00 p.m. and close at 10:30 p.m. On Sunday, lots will open at 1:00 p.m. and close at 10:00 p.m.
The Jacksonville Jazz Festival has been a beloved tradition since 1980, attracting jazz enthusiasts from all over to enjoy a weekend of music and culture. In addition to the main festival, Jazz Fest After Dark events will keep the party going into the early morning hours at various Downtown venues, with most performances being free.
For more information about the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, visit the official website.
