News Summary
Jacksonville is gearing up for a weekend packed with sports, music, and festivals. Highlights include significant football games, a symphony performance, and cultural festivities, ensuring a memorable time for attendees. With events ranging from the Women’s Professional Football League matchup to Mozart’s Requiem, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Additionally, the launch of Decca Live and the upcoming Jacksonville Jazz Festival add to the vibrant atmosphere, showcasing the city’s commitment to diverse cultural experiences.
Jacksonville is set to host an exciting weekend filled with sports, music, and festivals, providing a range of activities for both residents and visitors. With two football games, a renowned symphony performance, and various cultural festivities, this weekend promises to be eventful.
The Jacksonville Jaguars will not have a home game for about four months, making this weekend’s sporting events particularly noteworthy. Two significant football games are scheduled for Saturday, May 17. The Jacksonville Dixie Blues will compete against the Orlando Anarchy at Andrew Jackson High School, with the game starting at 7 p.m. Tickets for this Women’s Professional Football League matchup are priced at $10. Meanwhile, the Jacksonville Sharks will face off against the Fishers Freights at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, beginning at 7:05 p.m. Ticket prices for this arena event range from $15 to $150, offering a variety of seating options for fans.
In addition to football, the Jacksonville Symphony will perform Mozart’s celebrated Requiem at Jacoby Symphony Hall on Friday and Saturday evenings. Tickets for this classical music event are available between $30 and $88, making it accessible for those looking to enjoy high-quality performance art in a beautiful setting.
Furthermore, local music fans can look forward to a performance by Forrest Frank, a popular Christian music artist known for his album Child of God. He will take the stage at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on Friday, May 16, at 7 p.m., with ticket prices ranging from $29.50 to $159.
For those interested in outdoor activities, Fernandina Beach will host a nature festival at Main Beach Park on Saturday. This event will feature interactive exhibits and a Children’s Entrepreneur Market, with free admission, allowing families to enjoy a day outdoors without any cost. Additionally, an emancipation celebration will take place on the same day at Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park beginning at 5 p.m. This community gathering will include live music, food trucks, kids’ activities, and offers free entry for attendees.
Jacksonville’s cultural scene continues to evolve with the anticipated grand opening of Decca Live, a new music venue in Downtown Jacksonville. After its ribbon-cutting ceremony on January 23, this venue is expected to officially launch on January 31, 2024, with a performance by DJ Kaskade. Located at 323 East Bay Street, Decca Live can accommodate approximately 1,000 guests and features a rooftop bar that provides stunning city views.
Looking ahead, Jacksonville will also host the Jacksonville Jazz Festival from May 23 to May 25. This beloved annual event will feature performances from notable artists like Kool & the Gang and Janelle Monáe, promising to attract music enthusiasts from across the region. General admission to the festival will be free, while VIP packages will also be available for those looking for an enhanced experience. Late Night Jazz Jams during the festival weekend will offer free concerts at various downtown venues, further enriching the jazz experience.
Additionally, the Memorial and Veterans Recognition Ceremony is scheduled for May 26 in Green Cove Springs. This ceremony will feature a military flyover and various family-friendly activities, all available at no cost to attendees.
As Jacksonville gears up for a vibrant weekend of sports, music, and community events, it highlights the city’s ongoing commitment to hosting diverse cultural activities. The combination of sports games, concerts, and festivals ensures there is something for everyone to enjoy as summer approaches in Northeast Florida.
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Additional Resources
- Jacksonville Weekend Events
- Jacksonville Jazz Festival 2025
- Fun Things to Do in Jacksonville – May 2025
- New Entertainment Venue in Downtown Jacksonville
- Five Fun Weekend Activities in Jacksonville
- Wikipedia: Jacksonville
- Google Search: Jacksonville events
- Google Scholar: Jacksonville music events
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jacksonville
- Google News: Jacksonville
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
