Thunderstorms lead to interruption of the Jacksonville Jazz Festival on Saturday evening

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jazz Festival was canceled Saturday night after thunderstorms moved through downtown, bringing lightning and heavy rain to the event that was scheduled to end at 11 p.m.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office announced around 7:15 p.m. on Saturday that the jazz festival administration had decided to cancel the event for safety reasons.

Event attendees were asked to seek shelter in their vehicles if possible as the storm swept through the area.

Others who did not have a vehicle were advised by event staff to proceed to EverBank Stadium via Gate 1 and Gate 4 to seek shelter. At the same time, those in Daily’s Place were advised by event staff to proceed to the South End Zone and Main Concourse areas to seek shelter.

“We apologize for the delays,” the Jacksonville Jazz Festival wrote on social media.

Saturday was the third day of the event. Gregory Porter was scheduled to perform on the Met Park Stage from 7:45 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., followed by Brian Culbertson from 9:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

The Huntertones were scheduled to perform on the Daily’s Place Stage from 7:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m., with Robin Thicke from 9:15 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

It is currently unclear whether the artists whose performances have been suspended will be able to return to the stage on Sunday.

JSO said fans should follow it, the city of Jacksonville, Jax Ready, Daily’s Place and Jax events

The Jacksonville Jazz Festival began on Thursday and is scheduled to last through Sunday.