Set a date for the blues! The Springing the Blues Festival, a Jacksonville Beach tradition, ranks among the East Coast’s largest blues events. It’s a jam-packed three-day festival where you can delight in legendary and emerging blues talents.
Jacksonville has hosted this festival since 1990. It is a beloved community event held at the Seawalk Pavilion near the Jacksonville Beach pier. This year, the 32nd annual Springing the Blues Festival begins on Friday, April 5th with the festivities lasting through the weekend and wrapping up on Sunday, April 7th.
Schedule of Events
The festival takes you on a musical journey through outstanding performances. It highlights how blues music has changed and showcases the history of blues over the years.
Day One: Friday, April 5th, 2024
Kick off the Jax Beach festival with a bang on Friday, featuring a lineup of artists who present traditional blues in a contemporary fashion.
- Delta Generators: 5:00 PM – 5:45 PM. An energetic performance that mixes roots and blues rock.
- Chris O’Leary Band: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Enjoy this band’s harmonica-driven blues sound.
- JP Soars’ Gypsy Blue Revue ft. Anne Harris: 7:20 PM – 8:20 PM.
- Bywater Call: 8:40 PM – 10:00 PM. Wrap up your evening with powerful vocals. Y
- Mo’ Blues Stage- On this stage, experience intimate performances with artists like Mississippi Blues Band and Smokestack.
Day Two: Saturday, April 6th, 2024
The festival heats up with a full day of music from noon until late evening, showcasing a diverse range of blues styles.
- No Filter: 12:15 PM – 1:15 PM. Let the raw energy of their blues-rock sound fuel your morning.
- Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials: 5:35 PM – 6:35 PM.
- Joanne Shaw Taylor: 8:35 PM – 10:00 PM. The day’s finale features this acclaimed guitarist and singer. She is known for her smoky vocals and her fiery guitar work, leaving the audience satiated.
- Mo’ Blues Stage- Here you can check out entertainment and workshops including “Blues By The Book” with Roy Book Binder and performances by Ray Fuller and the Blues Rockers.
Day Three: Sunday, April 7th, 2024
The festival wraps up with highly awaited acts of the weekend and an unforgettable grand finale.
- Tab Benoit: 6:45 PM – 8:00 PM. The blues festival closes with this Grammy-nominated artist known for his passionate performances and deep blues sound.
- Vanessa Collier: 5:10 PM – 6:25 PM. Be sure to catch this Grammy-nominated vocalist known for her genre-bending approach.
- Mo’ Blues Stage- Continue to enjoy a mix of performances and jam sessions featuring artists like Shaw Davis & The Black Ties, and The Cold Stares, providing a fitting end to a weekend of blues celebration.
Dining Recommendations
While the blues may be the main course at the Springing the Blues Festival, Jacksonville Beach offers a variety of mouth-watering restaurants & food trucks for you to indulge in all weekend long.
Food Trucks
You shouldn’t even need to leave the festival to find some delicious bites. You’ll find a plethora of food vendors, food trucks, drink booths and treats all around the amphitheater. So make sure to bring your cash & cards and enjoy sampling some of Jacksonville’s best culinary tastes.
Casa Marina
This beautiful beachfront hotel and restaurant has been serving delicious food for years and the highlight is their rooftop bar & lounge, where you can order small bites and cocktails while looking out over Jacksonville Beach. The menu at Casa Marina includes specialty cocktails, small bites, and the locally famous Sunday brunch with mouthwatering brunch items and delicious bottomless mimosas.
The G.O.A.T. Tapas & Bar
Slightly upscale and a little more refined, The Goat offers a delicious breakfast menu as well as a cocktail, dinner, and happy hour menu. We love their happy hours tapas with some of our favorites being their whipped chickpeas and patatas bravas. Yum!
Surfer Bar
Just looking to enjoy an ice-cold drink after a day of enjoying the blues festival? Unwind at Surfer Bar. This lively spot has a vibrant atmosphere and a vast selection of drinks. You’ll also find live music performances on any given night. Grab a cold beer or a signature cocktail and soak in the energetic ambiance until late at night.
Shopping Spree by the Beach
Don’t forget to check out the unique shops around the Jacksonville Beach area! We always recommend some retail therapy and Jacksonville Beach gear to complete your festival experience:
Salt Life
Make the most of the beach lifestyle at the world famous Salt Life, which was founded right here in Jacksonville. This popular store carries everything for living life on the sand and surf. Find trendy beachwear, coolers, and accessories – all emblazoned with Salt Life’s signature logo and beachy vibes.
Austin’s Surf Shop
Austin’s Surf Shop is the place to go for surfboards and skateboards. If you’re looking to add a new (or used) board to your collection, this is your spot. This local shop has everything you need to hit the waves. Their friendly staff can also help you with surfboard rentals or repairs or offer lessons if you’re a surfing newbie.
Beachside
If you’re seeking a store that has everything, Beachside is it. This large store is loaded with gifts, souvenirs, swimsuits, beach gear and so much more. We love popping into Beachside for a hat or a pair of sunglasses, or even a cute new outfit to wear to a festival. You’ll love Beachside and all its’ treasures.
Golf Cart Rentals for the Springing the Blues Festival
The blues festival in Jacksonville, Florida, promises an amazing experience. However, traveling to the Jacksonville Beach area on a golf cart makes it that much more sublime.
Rent a golf cart during the blues festival, enjoy the warm air on your skin and listen to the music all around you as you cruise. Reservations book quickly during festival weekends, so reserve yours in advance!
Wrap Up
Don’t miss out on this spectacular weekend of music. Join us for a weekend of extraordinary blues sounds, ocean breezes, and a good time!
Feeling adventurous? Book your golf cart rental today and explore everything the blues festival Jax Beach offers in style! See you there!
