The Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition, presented by Keyboard Connection - The Piano Place, will kick off the four – day festival and takes place at the Florida Theatre on Thursday, May 23. Five piano finalists will vie for cash prizes and the chance to perform at the festival on Saturday, May 25. Admission is free, and no registration is necessary. 
 
The Jacksonville Jazz Festival weekend will continue May 24 – 26, featuring free performances at the Met Park Stage presented by Publix Super Markets at Met Park and the Daily’s Place Stage presented by Jacksonville Aviation Authority (JAA) at Daily’s Place. Festival hours are Friday, May 24, from 4:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m., Saturday, May 25 from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., and Sunday, May 26 from 3:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Limited Premium Experience packages are available for purchase.
 
More festivities include the Jazz Jam presented by Hot 106.5, Jazz Marketplace, and the Jazz Clinic presented by V101.5. The Jazz Clinic will take place on Saturday, May 25 at 1:30 p.m. at the Old St. Andrews featuring The Huntertones. The Clinic is free, but registration is required to attend.
 
This year’s commemorative poster was created by Varick Rosete, a distinguished creative force with over 25 years of experience in design, illustration, and animation.  Currently, Varick is the Chief Design Officer and Principle at TigerLily, a creative and production studio, where he lends his profound artistic insight and visionary leadership in animation and film, as well as co-owner of the Wolf & Cub boutique in Downtown Jacksonville, where his creative influence extends to designing and curating uniquely crafted products. A The 2024 commemorative poster design captures the St. Johns River’s essence with abstract, cubist elements inspired by Picasso, Klee, and Harper. It features Jacksonville’s wildlife seamlessly integrated into the river’s flow, symbolizing nature’s interconnectedness. Jazz musicians emerge from the river, reflecting harmony and collaboration. It nods to both Metropolitan Park and Daily’s Place, showcasing Jacksonville’s cultural evolution. Bold graphics and vibrant colors convey a dynamic energy, embodying the spirit of jazz and the river ecosystem. Order your own signed & numbered or unsigned poster at store.jacksonvillejazzfest.com. 
 
IMPORTANT OPERATIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL: 
 
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. 
 
Dedicated secured entry points for the 2024 Jacksonville Jazz Festival will be at the following locations: 

• West side of Daily’s Place Gate 1
• East side of Daily’s Place Gate 4

These entry points will be the entrances to the entirety of the 2024 Jacksonville Jazz Festival.
 
From Thursday, May 23 to Monday, May 27 there will be road closures on Gator Bowl Blvd. as follows:
 

• Beginning at 9:00 a.m. Thursday, May 23, 2024 (reopening at 6:00 a.m. Monday, May 27, 2024)
  • Westbound closes from Talleyrand Avenue to the Lot J entrance near the Adams/Duval ramp
• Beginning at 6:00 p.m. Thursday May 23, 2024 (reopening at 6:00 a.m. Monday, May 27, 2024)
  • Eastbound closes from Lot J Entrance (Adams/Duval ramp) to Lot D & Gator Bowl connection)

Visit the Jacksonville Jazz Festival social media channels, @JacksonvilleJazzFestival on Facebook and @jaxjazzfest on Instagram and Twitter, and website jacksonvillejazzfest.com, for more information and further updates.
 
Thank you to our sponsors and partners: Publix Super Markets Official Presenting Sponsor of Met Park Stage , JAA Jacksonville Aviation Authority Official Presenting Sponsor of Daily’s Place Stage, AARP Florida , Breezy Jazz House, CG Consulting and Design, Eli Lilly and Company, Florida Department of Health, Northeast Florida Women Veterans Inc. , Sun Pass , Tobacco Free Florida , Visit Jacksonville, Hyatt Regency Jacksonville, JEA Jacksonville Electric Authority, JTA Jacksonville Transit Authority, Keyboard Connections, Marriott Jacksonville Downtown, Southbank Hotel Jacksonville Riverwalk, Action News Jax, Cox Media Group station Hot 106.5, IHeart Media station V101.5 and WJCT.
 
About the Jacksonville Jazz Festival
The Jacksonville Jazz Festival is a free, multi-day music festival produced by the City of Jacksonville Division of Sports and Entertainment. The festival welcomes residents and visitors to enjoy live music performances, food, drinks, and activations throughout the weekend in Downtown Jacksonville along the St. Johns River. The Jacksonville Jazz Festival includes two stages of great music, Piano Competition, Jazz Marketplace, Jazz Clinic and more. For updates and information, please visit jacksonvillejazzfest.com.
 
About the City of Jacksonville Division of Sports and Entertainment
The City of Jacksonville Division of Sports and Entertainment attracts, hosts, and creates opportunities that drive economic impact, accelerate the Jacksonville brand, and improve the quality of life and cultural engagement for visitors and residents. Jacksonville hosts hundreds of diverse events each year making Northeast Florida a premier destination with rich tradition and world-class hospitality. For more information, visit events.coj.net.