FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Laken Gudzak
904.634.0303
laken@dtjax.org
Jazz Fest After Dark is Returning to Downtown Jacksonville
Free Daily Entertainment to Complement the Jacksonville Jazz Festival
May 15, 2026 — JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Downtown Vision (DVI,) Downtown Jacksonville’s nonprofit business improvement district (BID,) announced last week the return of Jazz Fest After Dark, happening daily in Downtown Jacksonville during Memorial Day Weekend, May 21–24, 2026.
“We started Jazz Fest After Dark to give Jazz Fest attendees a reason to stay Downtown after the last acts of the day wrapped up,” said Jazz Fest After Dark founder Jason Huckleberry Lewis. “Live music is such a big component of Downtown’s nightlife. It’s the perfect opportunity to showcase local venues and extend the energy of the Jacksonville Jazz Festival well into the night.”
Thirteen years and running, Jazz Fest After Dark continues to keep the rhythm going long after the festival lights dim at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival. Created in 2013, Jazz Fest After Dark brings free, late-night entertainment to some of Downtown’s most iconic music venues, offering Jacksonville Jazz Festival attendees a reason to stick around and experience the city’s lively nightlife scene. This year’s event will feature more than two dozen acts across 10 host venues throughout Downtown, many of which will take place in The Elbow: Downtown’s Nightlife District.
“Jazz Fest After Dark encourages concert-goers to explore Downtown Jacksonville all weekend long during the annual Jacksonville Jazz Festival,” said Jake Gordon, CEO of Downtown Vision. “By extending the energy of the festival into participating businesses, we’re activating venues, driving foot traffic, supporting local businesses and showcasing Downtown as a lively destination for both Northeast Florida residents and out-of-town guests.”
“Jazz Fest After Dark highlights the depth and diversity of Downtown Jacksonville’s music and nightlife scene,” said Eduardo Santos, Director of District Services at Downtown Vision. “From classic jazz to brass bands and modern fusion, each venue offers a distinct atmosphere and experience. It’s a fantastic way to keep the excitement of the Jacksonville Jazz Festival going while supporting our vibrant local businesses and venues.”
This year’s lineup features a mix of crowd favorites and rising talent, including Amelia Crescendo Big Band, Few Fellas Brass Band, Groove Coalition, Raisin Cake Orchestra and more. Performances begin at 8 p.m. and continue until 1 a.m. each night. Admission is free.
Participating venues will include:
The Albatross | 113 E. Bay Street
Bay Street Sports Grille | 119 E. Bay Street
Bold City Downtown | 109 E. Bay Street
The Circuit Arcade Bar | 19 N. Ocean Street
De Real Ting | 128 W. Adams Street
Hardwicks Bar | 100 E. Adams Street
Keane’s Tavern | 315 E. Bay Street
Pour Taproom | 61 N. Laura Street
Ruby Beach Brewing | 228 E. Forsyth Street
Sip Cocktail Bar (Decca Rooftop) | 323 E. Bay Street
The Volstead | 115 W. Adams Street
Partners include Downtown Vision and the Jacksonville Jazz Fest.
For more information about Jazz Fest After Dark and to view the full lineup of free entertainment, visit DTJax.com/boogie. To learn more about this year’s Jacksonville Jazz Fest, visit jacksonvillejazzfest.com.
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About Downtown Vision
Downtown Vision is a not-for-profit organization revitalizing Downtown Jacksonville through district services, stakeholder support, marketing, research, events and placemaking. Partially funded by a self-assessment of Downtown property owners and governed by a board representing a diverse array Downtown stakeholders and community leaders, DVI administers a 1.3 square mile Business Improvement District. For more information, visit DTJax.com/DVI.
About Jazz Fest After Dark
Founded in 2013 by Jason Lewis, Jazz Fest After Dark offers dozens of opportunities for Jacksonville Jazz Festival attendees to keep the night going with free entertainment throughout Downtown.. For more information, visit DTJax.com/boogie.