JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville Jazz Fest 2025 is happening Friday through Sunday. Here’s what you need to know about the event.
Kool & The Gang, Janelle Monáe and The Roots will headline the three nights of free concerts in downtown Jacksonville.
The popular artists are expected to draw even larger crowds than usual to the Jazz Fest, so the city is moving the Memorial Day Weekend festival to Tailgaters Parking to allow for more room.
For over 40 years, the festival has united music enthusiasts for a weekend of food, drinks, community, and, of course, music!
“It’s perfect,” Jesse McRae said. “We got in a little early. We found a little shade and we’re looking forward to it. We’re gonna be here all night.”
McRae is visiting from Virginia. Its his first time at Jazz Fest, but said he is looking forward to night one.
Performance lineup
Friday
- Let’s Ride Brass Band featuring Bella Kosal — 4:30-5:30 p.m.
- Spyro Gyra — 6-7:15 p.m.
- Maysa — 7:45-9 p.m.
- Kool & The Gang — 9:30 - 11 p.m.
Saturday
- Douglas Anderson School of the Arts Jazz Combo—3:45-4:15 p.m.
- Piano Comp Winner — 4:45-5:15 p.m.
- Tank and the Bangas — 5:45-7 p.m.
- Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue — 7:30-8:45 p.m.
- Janelle Monáe — 9:15-10:45 p.m.
Sunday
- UNF Jazz Ensemble I — 3:15-3:45 p.m.
- Connie Han Trio — 4:15-5:15 p.m.
- Branford Marsalis Quartet — 5:45-6:45 p.m.
- Boney James — 7:15-8:30 p.m.
- The Roots — 9-10:30 p.m.
JB Williams went to the very first Jazz Fest when it was in Mayport. She said the free event is a great way to see friends and have a good time.
“We have national artists that come to this festival,” Williams said. “And they make us feel special when they come because we’ve gone to a lot of festivals but rarely do you get one like this that is free and people really enjoy themselves.”
Here’s a map of the event.
The event has moved locations a couple times over the years. This year’s event is in the Tailgaters Parking area due to construction in other areas and will feature one stage.
“We have to be creative and innovative with what we’re gonna do,” Alex Alston, Executive Director with the Office of Sports and Entertainment said. “Previously, there’s been multiple stages, this year trying something new with really packing in town on one stage so no one has to make a choice. You can hit everything and one fell swoop.”
- 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.
