The Jacksonville Jazz Festival returns Sept. 29 through Oct. 3, and will feature several award-winning artists with free performances at two stages along the St. Johns River and a beautiful fireworks display to celebrate the 40^th anniversary of the festival.

Kicking off the festival on Sept. 29 at the Florida Theatre, the Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition presented by Keyboard Connection – The Piano Place will feature a performance by emcee Noel Freidline. Five piano finalists, accompanied by Dennis Marks and Clyde Connor, will compete for cash prizes and the opportunity to perform at the festival on Oct. 1. Tickets to the Piano Competition are available for purchase at jacksonvillejazzfest.com/piano-competition.

The Jacksonville Jazz Festival weekend will continue Oct. 1-3 featuring free performances at the Swingin’ Stage presented by the Jacksonville Aviation Authority at Riverfront Plaza and the Groovin’ Stage at Ford on Bay. Performers include Sheila E., Lalah Hathaway, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Najee with Special Guests Phil Perry & Bobby Lyle, Poncho Sanchez and his Latin Jazz Band, Stanley Clarke and many more! Festival hours are Friday, Oct. 1 from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 2 from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 3 from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Saturday’s Swingin’ Stage presented by the Jacksonville Aviation Authority will honor women in music with a lineup including Sheila E., Cécile McLorin Salvant, Tia Fuller: “Diamond Cut”, Kandace Springs and Party in a Box featuring Allana.

In celebration of the 40^th anniversary of the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Saturday night will wrap up with a fireworks display high above the St. Johns River between the Main Street and Acosta Bridges following Sheila E.’s performance.

While the festival is free to attend, limited upgraded premium experiences are available for purchase. Premium experience options include VIP Full Festival Experience package, VIP Single-Day Experience package and Preferred Seating. For details, visit jacksonvillejazzfest.com/premium-experiences.

This year’s Jacksonville Jazz Festival is cashless. Guests may use their Visa, Mastercard or Discover cards for onsite purchases. American Express and cash payments will not be accepted.

Stay tuned to the Jacksonville Jazz Festival social media channels, @JacksonvilleJazzFestival on Facebook and @jaxjazzfest on Instagram and Twitter, and website jacksonvillejazzfest.com for further announcements and updates.