JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – It's one of the largest free jazz festivals in the country, and it's happening downtown this Memorial Day weekend.
The Jacksonville Jazz Festival will transform downtown into a vibrant setting with multiple performances that will entertain any local jazz lover.
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The Jazz Festival kicked off Thursday in the heart of Downtown Jacksonville and runs through Sunday. The annual event attracts more than 100,000 visitors.
For three days, festival goers can enjoy performances by Peabo Bryson, Snarky Puppy, the Soul Rebels, Tito Puente Jr. Orchestra, Spyro Gyra, Felix Peikli & the Royal Flush Quintet, Roman Street, Elisha Parris, Mama Blue and more.
Other festival favorites include the Art in the Heart Marketplace and Taste of Jazz, the Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition, Youth Jazz Showcase, the Off Jazz Concert, and Jazz After Dark.
ONLINE: Complete Jazz Festival schedule
This year's event will also include stages along Bay Street, one near Marsh Street and the Shipyards, another near Newnan Street, and at the Jacksonville Landing.
The Jacksonville Transportation Authority will offer festival-goers a complimentary and easy way to travel between venues at Metropolitan Park and the stages downtown.
"Thousands are expected to attend the Jazz Festival and JTA is proud to be a participating sponsor of this year's event," said Lisa Darnall, Vice President of JTA Transit Operations. "We encourage visitors to enjoy the entertainment by utilizing JTA's complimentary Skyway and the Jazz Festival Shuttles."
The Skyway is extending its hours and will be open from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. Friday, from noon to 1 a.m. Saturday, from 1:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. The Skyway will be closed on Memorial Day.
There will be several roads closed as a result of the event. This includes Bay Street from Ocean Street to A. Philip Randolph Boulevard.
Parking is available in the garages near Adams, Ocean and Forsyth, and the Yates Garage.
Parking for the shuttles is available near the EverBank Field area. JTA Jazz Festival shuttles will run every 10 minutes, with stops at Lot J across from Metropolitan Park, Liberty and Bay, and Market and Bay.
For a complete list of road closures and parking, just check: http://www.makeascenedowntown.com/Events/Jacksonville-Jazz-Festival---05-28.aspx