Jacksonville Jazz Festival Begins May 23-26
- by Joseph Cartolano
- May 20, 2019
- 1973 views
Each Memorial Day weekend, local enthusiasts and aficionados from around the world unite at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival to celebrate the music, art, and culture of America’s music!
What began three decades ago 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.
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. John’s River. This year, we're taking it back to the core, 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, open container footprint covering 10 city blocks!
Expect exciting new additions to this year’s festival program like the Jazz Marketplace where artists and makers showcase their original wares in a unique shopping experience and Jazz Eats and Drinks, a consolidated strip full of the city’s best al fresco dining options, along with ever popular signature events such as the Piano Competition, Jazz Jam, Omni Sacred Jazz Brunch and more.
Enhance your festival experience with VIP packages for 2019 that put you up close and personal with today’s top jazz performers. Enjoy exclusive access to stage front seating, dedicated bar service, reserved parking, complimentary nightly dinner and Coca-Cola products and more!
There’s so much to experience at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival but you won’t want to miss a single beat.