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Frequently Asked Questions

The following are frequently asked questions and answers about the 2011 Jacksonville Jazz Festival.

What is the Jacksonville Jazz Festival?
The 2011 Jacksonville Jazz Festival features FREE renowned jazz performances throughout the Memorial Day weekend on Main Street, Hemming Plaza, Snyder Memorial, The Jacksonville Landing and various downtown businesses and buildings. This FREE festival transforms into a vibrant setting with multiple entertainment stages and other components including Art in the Heart Downtown Art Show & Sale, Wine Down Brew Town Tasting Experience (ticketed), Generation Next Youth Talent Competition presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, exhibits, clinics and much more. Other festival highlights include the Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition, 'Round Midnight Jazz Jams (2 nights!), and a Sunday Jazz Brunch. Rain or shine. The Jacksonville Jazz Festival is produced by the City of Jacksonville Office of Special Events.

Click here for a 2010 photo gallery!
 
When and where is it held?
The FREE festival will be held on May 26-29 over Memorial Day weekend in the heart of downtown Jacksonville. The festival will kick off on Thursday, May 26 at The Florida Theatre with the Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition and the performances on Friday, May 27, Saturday, May 28, and Sunday, May 29 will be held on multiple stages in the heart of downtown Jacksonville in a walkable, street festival setting.
 

What is the admission price?
Admission to the street festival and performances on May 27-29 are FREE! Yes, free. The Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition on May 26 is a ticketed event and "Experience Jazz" VIP Packages and Preferred Seating Day Passes for the street festival performances on May 27-29 are available now for purchase.

What is the performance line-up?
Friday Performers I Saturday Performers I Sunday Performers
Renowned performances for the 2011 festival include Natalie Cole, Herbie Hancock, Eddie Palmieri, Boney James, Mavis Staples and many more!  

What is included in the Experience Jazz packages and day passes and how can I purchase some?
Click here for more information

What other activities are happening during the festival?
Click here for more information on festival highlights.

Is there parking available and what are my transportation options? What are the street closures?
There is ample parking in the downtown area and transportation options include the Skyway Service provided by JTA and river taxi services.
Click here for parking and transportation information.

What can I bring/not bring to the festival?

Prohibited Items

Umbrellas
Coolers or picnic baskets
Glass containers 
Video cameras
Roller skates, roller blades, skateboards, bicycles or scooters 
Noise-makers (horns or whistles) 
Projectiles including balls or frisbees
Poles or sticks
Weapons or anything that could be construed as a weapon
Signs or flags larger than 2' x 3' 
Pets are discouraged. Please keep your furry friend at home. 

Acceptable Items
Still cameras
Bags larger than 8 1/2 x 11 are permitted and will be subject to search
Ponchos
Chairs "in a bag" in General Admission areas only. A chair will be provided in VIP areas. 
Strollers

Food and Beverages
Bringing food or beverages into the festival site is discouraged as there will be many food and beverage vendors along with participating downtown restaurants offering specials throughout the festival site. Beverages in glass bottles will not be permitted.
 
The festival site is an entertainment zone and open containers purchased from Jacksonville Jazz Festival beverage booths will be allowed during the Jacksonville Jazz Festival.

What hotels are in the festival area and are there any special rates for the festival?
Visit the Where to Stay page for information about host hotel packages, area hotels and how you can book your rooms for the festival.

Is the festival accessible to people with disabilities?
Yes, the street festival and all festival venues are ADA accessible.

Are there ATMs available?
Yes, there are ATMs on-site. View the map (PDF) for locations.

I'd like to volunteer for 2011 Jacksonville Jazz Festival. Who do I contact?
Please e-mail events@coj.net for volunteer opportunities.

How can I apply to perform at the 2011 Jacksonville Jazz Festival?
We are no longer accepting packages for performers for the 2011 festival. If you are a musician or represent a musician who is interested in performing at the 2012 festival, please contact the Office of Special Events beginning September 1, 2011 at (904) 630-3690 or e-mail events@coj.net.

How can I apply for a food booth for the 2011 festival?
Vending opportunities for the 2011 festival are full. Visit the Vendor Page, contact Ashley Beck at (904) 630-3690 or abeck@coj.net for information on vending opportunities for the 2012 festival and other events produced by the City of Jacksonville Office of Special Events.

I'm a journalist interested in covering the festival. How can I apply for press credentials?
Please call (904) 630-3690 or e-mail langston@coj.net.

My company is interested in becoming a sponsor. Who do I contact?
If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities for the 2011 Jacksonville Jazz Festival, call (904) 630-3690 or email jlyons@coj.net.

For additional questions, please call the City of Jacksonville Office of Special Events (904) 630-3690 or email events@coj.net