Although the free Jacksonville Jazz Festival has gone through some changes over the last few years (sometimes having to scale back and even charge admission), this popular festival has attracted many great names in jazz, such as Roberta Flack, Chris Botti, and the Dave Brubeck Quartet.

Sprawling out around Jacksonville, the fest features music performances in theaters, public spaces, churches, businesses, and even vacant buildings, across three to four days. Jazz Festival events include the Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition, Wine Down Tasting Experience, an art show, educational activities, films, jazz exhibits, and more.

The schedule balances performances by local musicians with national and international touring ensembles.  Musical styles range from straight-ahead to contemporary jazz, blues to contemporary performance art and beyond.  For visitors from outside of Jacksonville, the Festival offers package deals in partnership with a number of local hotels.