When does Jax Jazz Fest take place?

Jax Jazz Fest takes place in Jacksonville in memorial day weekend, late may. The exact dates for each edition can vary, so it's worth confirming them on the official website.

Where is Jax Jazz Fest held?

It takes place in Jacksonville (Jacksonville, Florida).

How do I follow the program and get tickets?

At Jazz Live US we publish its shows in our Calendar listings as they are confirmed, and for the full line-up and tickets you can check the festival's official website. If you join Jazz Live US, we'll let you know when the line-up is announced.

Jacksonville Jazz Festival

The Jacksonville Jazz Festival is a free four-day event on the downtown riverfront, and one of the largest free jazz festivals in the United States.

Jax Jazz Fest, jazz festival in Jacksonville — Image: jacksonvillejazzfest.com

City: Jacksonville
Where: Jacksonville, Florida
When: Memorial Day weekend, late May

The festival is produced by the City of Jacksonville's Office of Sports & Entertainment and has run for more than four decades. The 2026 edition takes place May 21 to 24. It opens on the Thursday with the Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition, presented by Yamaha at the Florida Theatre, a competition strand that has been part of the festival's identity since its early years.

From Friday to Sunday the music moves outdoors to Ford on Bay in downtown Jacksonville, where all performances are free and open to all ages. The 2026 edition adds a second outdoor site, Jazz in the Plaza at Riverfront Plaza. Headliners that year include Parliament Funkadelic featuring George Clinton, Nile Rodgers & Chic and Andra Day, which reflects a bill that mixes contemporary jazz with funk and soul acts.

No shows in our listings yet

We don't have any Jax Jazz Fest shows in our listings yet (its program is usually announced shortly before each edition). In the meantime, explore all our live jazz shows.

See all shows →Official website ↗

Where to stay for Jax Jazz Fest

Hotels and apartments around Jacksonville. Prices shown are for one night; you can widen the dates on the map.

Frequently asked questions

When does Jax Jazz Fest take place?: Jax Jazz Fest takes place in Jacksonville in memorial day weekend, late may. The exact dates for each edition can vary, so it's worth confirming them on the official website.
Where is Jax Jazz Fest held?: It takes place in Jacksonville (Jacksonville, Florida).
How do I follow the program and get tickets?: At Jazz Live US we publish its shows in our Calendar listings as they are confirmed, and for the full line-up and tickets you can check the festival's official website. If you join Jazz Live US, we'll let you know when the line-up is announced.

The exact dates for each edition can vary. Check the festival's official website to confirm the line-up and tickets.