The Jazz Festival returns to the downtown area for 2026, as city officials expect an attendance of 30,000 people.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Jazz Festival returns to downtown this Memorial Day weekend with music and family fun. Gates are set to open at 6 p.m. Thursday.
This year’s festival main stage will be held at Ford on Bay at 288 East Bay St. Additionally, a new stage experience will take place at Riverfront Plaza.
The festival will feature dozens of artists with food vendors. It is designed to be a free, all-age atmosphere, however, there are some things to know for those attending.
The following parking garages will open at least an hour before the festival each day:
Yates Garage located at 200 E. Adams St.Jax Annex Garage located at 21 E. Bay St.VyStar Garage located at 28 W. Forsyth St.Water Street Garage located at 541 Water St.Duval Library Garage located at 33 W. Duval St.
Rates vary by location. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and consider using a rideshare service, carpooling, or other alternative transportation option to help arrival and departure smoother.
A few prohibited items inside the festival include outside alcohol, personal tints and grills. You can find the full list here.
As for economic impact, the amount of people in attendance is the sole driver, according to officials. Alex Austin, executive director of the City of Jacksonville’s Office of Sports & Entertainment, said the event is a chance to showcase Jacksonville.
“Now that we’re back at the downtown core, we feel like it’s a great opportunity to showcase Jacksonville,” Austin told First Coast News. “It’s definitely a huge economic drive anytime you have 30K people attending over the weekend… it’s a huge economic impact.”
You can find more information on the jazz festivals website.