In light of all the exciting developments downtown and throughout the city, this year’s festival’s location has been adjusted to accommodate even more guests at the free jazz festival. The festival has also been adjusted to one stage, so attendees do not miss a beat from our world-class performer line-up.

The four-day music festival, hosted by the City of Jacksonville Office of Sports and Entertainment, starts with the Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition presented by Yamaha at the Florida Theatre on Thursday, May 22, at 7:00 pm. Five piano finalists will compete for cash prizes and the opportunity to perform at the festival on Saturday, May 24. Admission to the Piano Competition is free, and no registration is required.

The main festival features free performances at the Hart Bridge Stage presented by the Publix Super Markets at Tailgaters Parking, 225 Talleyrand Avenue.

Jazz Festival hours are Friday, May 23, from 4:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday, May 24, from 3:30 to 10:45 p.m., and Sunday, May 25, from 3 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. The 2025 festival will feature performances by numerous award-winning artists, including Kool & the Gang, Trombone Shorty, Janelle Monae, Branford Marsalis Quartet, Boney James, The Roots, and more.

Additional festivities throughout the weekend include the Jazz Clinic, Jazz Jam, and the Jazz Parade:

• Jazz Clinic, Intuition Bier Hall, 929 E. Bay Street, Saturday 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Event is free, but registration is required: Jacksonville Jazz Festival a Conversation with Branford Marsalis Registration
• Jazz Jam, presented by Hot 106.5, Intuition Bier Hall, 929 E. Bay Street, Saturday, Doors Open 9:00 p.m. Music begins 10:00 p.m., hosted by John Lumpkin
• Jazz Parade, Tailgaters Parking, Sunday 5:15 p.m.

Illustrator and Graphic Designer Stin Hrycajkiw, who previously worked as a Marketing Specialist in the City of Jacksonville Office of Sports & Entertainment, created this year’s commemorative poster. Stin channeled a love of mid-century modern design, jazz’s effortless cool, and a Florida favorite, the gator, to capture the heartbeat of the festival. The commemorative poster will be available on-site, as signed and numbered or unsigned posters, and online at the Jacksonville Jazz Fest Official Store.

Important operational information about this year’s Festival:

• Cashless: This year’s Jacksonville Jazz Festival is cashless. Guests may use all major debit and credit cards, mobile, and tap to pay for onsite purchases. Cash payments will not be accepted.
• Prohibited Items: A comprehensive list of Prohibited items is on the website, but includes No Wagons, camping chairs, outside alcohol, or large, hard-sided coolers.
• Road Closures:
  • Talleyrand Ave, from Gator Bowl Blvd to Duval St., closed from May 21st at 8 a.m. to May 26th at noon.
  • Bryan St., from Beaver St to Adam St., closed May 23rd from 8 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., May 24th from 8 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. & May 25th from 8 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
  • Duval St., from Talleyrand Ave to Bryan St., closed May 23rd from 8 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., May 24th from 8 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. & May 25th from 8 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
• Parking:
  • Paid public parking for the festival is available at several locations surrounding Tailgaters Parking. Parking fees start at $25+ tax at many lots.
  • The following festival lots will operate during the following hours: Lot A, Lot B (ADA Only), Lot C, Lot D, Lot J, Lot Z, Extra Point Lot, VIP North and VIP South will operate during the below hours.
    • Open: 2 hours before festival gates each day
    • Admission ends: 30 minutes before the festival ends
    • Friday: Open at 2:00 PM, Close at 10:30 PM, Saturday: Open at 1:00 PM, Close at 10:30 PM, Sunday: Open at 1:00 PM, Close at 10:00 PM
  • Please note: VIP North and VIP South are reserved for Premium Experience pass holders. Bryan Street, Hart Bridge, and Time Out lots are not available for general public use.

• Privately Managed Parking (Sold Separately)
  • Half Time Lot: Open: Friday, Saturday & Sunday
    • Time: Opens at 3:30 PM each day
    • Cost: $30 – Must purchase in advance at tailgatersparking.saffire.com
  • Old Cypress Lot
  • WJCT

Visit the Jazz Fest website for the most up-to-date parking information, times, availability, and maps. The Premium Experiences tickets, presented by the Jacksonville Aviation Authority, are sold out. For more information and updates, visit the Jacksonville Jazz Festival’s social media channels, @JacksonvilleJazzFestival on Facebook and @jaxjazzfest on Instagram and Twitter, and the website jacksonvillejazzfest.com.