News Summary
The Jacksonville Jazz Festival is returning with an impressive lineup of artists from May 22 to May 25. Taking place at Tailgaters Parking, the festival’s new location enhances the audience’s experience with streamlined performances. Major artists like Kool & The Gang and Janelle Monáe will entertain attendees, while the festival offers VIP experiences and aims for a vibrant community atmosphere. Admission is free with a cashless payment system, making it accessible for jazz fans of all ages.
Jacksonville will host the Jacksonville Jazz Festival from Thursday, May 22, to Sunday, May 25, 2025. The festival, which celebrates over four decades of jazz music, will take place at a new location—Tailgaters Parking at 225 Talleyrand Avenue. With an exciting lineup of major artists and a variety of performances, this year’s festival promises to be a remarkable experience for attendees.
The festival kicks off on Thursday evening at 7 p.m. with a jazz piano competition at the Florida Theatre. Following the competition, music will begin at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, 3:45 p.m. on Saturday, and 3:15 p.m. on Sunday, with performances concluding before 11 p.m. each night. This year, all jazz performances will be staged on a single platform, enhancing the festival’s focus on the artists and their music.
Among the notable performers are renowned groups and artists such as Kool & The Gang, Janelle Monáe, Branford Marsalis, Boney James, and The Roots. In addition to the main performances, the festival will include a Late Night Jazz Jam from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at various downtown venues, featuring artists like Eric Carter, Mercy Mercy, and Groove Coalition.
Admission to the Jacksonville Jazz Festival is free, but it will operate on a cashless system inside the venue. Guests are encouraged to use all major credit cards, along with mobile and tap-to-pay options for purchases throughout the festival. Attendees can also bring one factory-sealed water bottle and one collapsible chair to enhance their experience.
For those seeking a premium experience, the festival offers VIP Experiences available for $249 per day or $549 for the entire festival. These packages come with benefits such as up-front seating and access to a VIP lounge. Additionally, a Preferred Seating Experience ticket is available for $129 per day.
Some items will be permitted at the festival, including baby formula, wheelchairs, medical scooters, strollers, and personal umbrellas. However, attendees are not allowed to bring hard-side coolers, outside alcohol, tents, or weapons, ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for all guests. The festival is assured to happen rain or shine, and no refunds will be issued for VIP or Preferred Seating packages due to bad weather or performer cancellations.
The Jacksonville Jazz Festival, which began in 1980, has hosted legendary artists such as Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, and Tony Bennett over its 40-year history. This year marks the festival’s first time at the Tailgaters Parking location, with previous editions taking place at sites such as Metropolitan Park and the Jacksonville Landing. As part of the festival experience, attendees can also admire the event’s poster, designed by Canadian artist Stin Hrycajkiw, a recent transplant to Jacksonville.
As the festival returns, jazz enthusiasts and newcomers alike are eagerly anticipating what promises to be an unforgettable weekend filled with music and community. The Jacksonville Jazz Festival continues to uphold its tradition of bringing together music lovers from all over to celebrate the rich tapestry of jazz music.
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Additional Resources
- Jacksonville.com: Jazz Festival 2025 Lineup
- Action News Jax: What to Know Before You Go
- Jacksonville.com: Jazz Festival 2025 Memorial Day Weekend
- MSN: Jacksonville Jazz Festival Guide
- 904 Happy Hour: Weekend Guide
- Wikipedia: Jazz Festival
- Google Search: Jacksonville Jazz Festival 2025
- Google Scholar: Jacksonville Jazz Festival
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jazz Festivals
- Google News: Jacksonville Jazz Festival
