Jazz Fest returned to Ford on Bay for 2026, but that lot may not be available in the future if a new building with a culinary institute is constructed.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The swinging sounds of jazz have swung into Downtown Jacksonville.

Jazz Fest returned to the lot next to the Hyatt, Ford on Bay, and Riverfront Plaza for the first time since 2023.

From Ford on Bay, to Metro Park, to the tailgater lot and back to Ford on Bay. As much as the music moves the fans, Jazz Fest itself is seemingly always on the move.



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With a plan to develop Ford on Bay in the near future, Jazz Fest could be on the move again.

“It’s actually relaxing and soothing,” said Narkarsha while standing by the main stage. “It’s the thing to do after a long day’s work.”

Narkarsha made the trek from Charleston for her first Jazz Fest in Jacksonville.

“I think it’s beautiful,” said Narkarsha. “The breeze, everything feels awesome. It’s perfect.”

The venue may not be available much longer.

The Jacksonville City Council will meet Tuesday to discuss an incentive package of up to $35 million to bring the Culinary Institute of America to downtown, with a possible location at Ford on Bay, where the main Jazz Fest stage was set up.

“There’s only going to be five in the world, of which one will be here in Jacksonville,” said Jacksonville City Council Member Raul Arias. “It’s a big deal. Most of these graduates, not only do they go into larger kitchens to become world-renowned chefs, but some will stay in Jacksonville to open up amazing businesses, amazing restaurants, cafes and bars.”

Arias says the lot could also be home to a hotel and restaurant space.

Arias says he expects Jazz Fest will eventually move to Metro Park near the Jaguars Stadium, which is expected to go under construction by the end of the year to feature a redesigned performance lawn for more visibility. 

“Metro Park is the last key to all the parks in downtown,” said Arias. “We saved the best for last, and that’s where we’re going to hopefully have the different events the city puts on moving forward.”

Metro Park is no stranger to Jazz Fest; it was held there for most of the 80s, 90s and early 2000s.

“They kind of mix it around a little bit, but this is great, this is great,” Keva Martin said.

It’s Martin’s third trip to Jazz Fest from Philadelphia, and she says she could get on board with a move to Metro Park if it means bringing the two stages closer together.

“Not so much walking for the older and elderly,” Martin said.

Martin will be content so long as the festival keeps swinging into the River City each year.

“People are nice, everybody is in good spirits and I pray that it keeps coming back to Jacksonville,” said Martin.

Arias mentioned that, on the current timeline, construction may not start at Ford on Bay by the time Jazz Fest rolls around in 2027, so it may be back at Ford on Bay for one more year.

Then, hopefully, by the time it comes around for 2028, Metro Park will be ready to host it.

The free festival will continue through Sunday, May 24th.