Your 2025 Guide For Jax Jazz Fest and Black Businesses to Support
Explore Jacksonville: Attractions, Eats & Hidden Gems During Memorial Day Weekend Festival
The Jacksonville Jazz Festival returns to downtown Jacksonville, Fla. this Memorial Day weekend with a star-studded lineup. This annual festival offers four days of free, world-class music from May 22 to 25 including performances from Trombone Shorty, Kool and the Gang, Janelle Monae, The Roots, and Tank and the Bangas. Did I mention this festival is FREE!? Last year was my first time even going to Jacksonville but I had an amazing time. The heat and humidity in is about as thick as New Orleans, but once you adapt to the feeling of dancing in a dishwasher, you’ll really enjoy yourself.
If you live around Jacksonville, you can kick off the festivities at the historic Florida Theatre with the Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition presented by Yamaha. One winner from the competition will perform during the weekend. Friday through Sunday the festival continues at a new location, Tailgaters Parking at 225 Talleyrand Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32202.
The Baylor Project, 2024 Jacksonville Jazz Festival
Jacksonville: Beyond the Festival
Traveling for a festival is one of my favorite ways to experience a new city. Check out some of the attractions that I did last year to enhance my time in Jax.
Take a Black heritage tour with Yollie and Explore Jax Core. The owner, Yollie, knows the vast Black history of Jacksonville and loves to share her knowledge. We toured historically Black communities including LaVilla which was once known as the “Harlem of the South.”
After your stop-on excursion with Yollie, cool off at Malichi’s Ice Cream Bar. This posh sweets shop adds a splash of booze to your favorite ice creams and offers dairy-free options like sorbet and coconut ice cream.
Visit Ritz Theater and Museum, located in the LaVilla community which remained a hub of Black culture for decades. During LaVilla’s heyday, musical legends including Count Basie, Billie Holiday, Ray Charles, Cab Calloway and Duke Ellington performed at The Ritz Theater which has been preserved and now serves as both a theater and museum.
Cruise up the river with McCoy Waterways, This Black couple-owned business offers two, four and six hour cruises and has the ability to go off-shore. They provide snacks, drinks and a wonderful time with great music. You can book a private tour with friends and family, or book as an individual and meet new people.
Plan Your Trip
Enjoy a meal at Starvin Like Marvin, a Black-owned restaurant that serves up large portions of fresh fish.
Every FriDAZE Live at De Reel Ting Cafe in Downtown Jax for a FREE concert. The restaurant has a full menu and bar inside and outside there’s a DJ and live performances.
The city tourism board has two great options for you to tour the city and sip to your heart’s content with the Jax Coffee and Donuts and Jax Ale Trail.
Jax Jazz Fest Tips & VIP Experiences
• Admission: General admission is free.
• VIP Packages: Enhance your experience with VIP tickets which include premium seating, exclusive lounges, meals and non-alcoholic beverages.
• What to Bring: Personal chairs, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle and a wireless phone charger are recommended.
• Transportation: Consider using public transit or ride-sharing services to navigate downtown easily and not have to deal with parking.
The Jax Jazz Fest is a memorable blend of music, culture, and community. Whether you’re a jazzhead or a casual listener, there’s something for everyone. Plan your visit, explore the city, and let the rhythms of Jacksonville make your Memorial Day weekend truly special.
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