Jacksonville Jazz Fest returns this weekend to The Ford on Bay. | Jazz Fest via Facebook
Published on May 21, 2026 at 2:06 pm
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Jacksonville’s Jazz Fest, Palatka’s Blue Crab Festival and a guided wildflower walk in Green Cove Springs are What to Do on Memorial Day weekend in the Jacksonville area.
Jacksonville Jazz Festival
All Weekend
Ford on Bay and Riverfront Plaza | Downtown Jacksonville
Last year, a good friend of mine who was born and raised in Jax told me she had never attended the Jazz Fest. We fixed that immediately, and she loved it and couldn’t believe what she’d been missing out on. Don’t make the same mistake! One of the largest free jazz festivals in the country, Jazz Fest is easily one of my favorite Downtown events. The music kicks off Thursday night at the Florida Theatre with the Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition, followed by three days of free live performances on the main stage at the Ford on Bay and down the street at Riverfront Plaza. This year’s stellar lineup includes headliners Parliament Funkadelic featuring George Clinton, Andra Day, Nile Rodgers & Chic and more, along with plenty of food and drink vendors along the riverfront.
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The music starts at 4 p.m. Friday and runs through Sunday night | Riverfront Plaza: 2 W. Independent Drive; Ford on Bay: 288 E. Bay St. | Free and open to the public | More info, including parking and full schedule
Palatka Blue Crab Festival
All Weekend
Downtown Riverfront | Palatka
Head down to the Palatka riverfront this Memorial Day weekend for the annual Blue Crab Festival. This three-day celebration highlights local culture, family-friendly entertainment and of course plenty of fresh seafood. While there are kids’ activities, live music on two stages and a water ski show (so fun!), the real star of the weekend is the food. Feast on fresh shrimp, scallops and blue crabs harvested from both Florida coasts and served in dozens of creative ways.
Opening ceremony is 6 p.m. Friday, and the music won’t stop until 9 p.m. Sunday | Free parking available at the Putnam County Courthouse, 410 St. Johns Ave.; paid parking also available nearby | Free and open to the public | More info
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Ixia Native Wildflower Field Trip
Sunday
Bayard Conservation Area | Green Cove Springs
If you need a break from all the festival action, head out to the Bayard Conservation Area on Sunday morning for a the epitome of a chill time: a guided wildflower tour. Hosted by the Ixia Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society, this walk is a rare opportunity to spot their namesake wildflower, the endangered Bartram’s ixia, in full bloom. You’ll get to explore the beautiful pine flatwoods and wet savannas managed by the St. Johns River Water Management District, which protects miles of the riverfront and supports an incredible variety of local wildlife. Be sure to bring water, sun protection and comfy walking shoes.
9 a.m-noon | The conservation area is at 485 FL-16, Green Cove Springs. Meet up in the parking area off SR-16, just west of the Shands Bridge. | Free and open to the public | More info
