A Spring Tradition Under the Oaks

The Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival has been a cornerstone of the region's cultural calendar since 1992, drawing music lovers to the Tallahassee Museum's sprawling 52-acre grounds each spring. For 2026, the festival returns April 11-12, offering two full days of live music from 11am to 5pm daily.

What Sets It Apart

Unlike traditional concert venues, this festival thrives on its outdoor setting. Attendees bring blankets and camp chairs to settle under towering oak trees while enjoying continuous performances. The lineup spans jazz standards, sultry blues, energetic swing, and Dixieland—with artists like Tallahassee State College Jazz Band, Yellow Dog Jazz Band, Rhythm Remedy, and the Swingin' Harpoon Blues Band taking the stage across both days.

Museum Members enjoy free admission, while non-members pay regular general admission. The festival encourages advance ticket purchases, as the event has a history of selling out. Single-day tickets are available, and combo packages pair the festival with the museum's Pioneer Breakfast event the same morning.

Beyond the Music

Festival admission includes full access to the Tallahassee Museum campus. Visitors can walk nature trails, encounter native Florida wildlife including panthers and black bears, explore historic structures like Princess Catherine Murat's Bellevue Plantation, and experience an authentic 1880s farm. The Trail Break Café serves food and drinks throughout the weekend, and attendees are welcome to bring coolers and picnic supplies.

Supporting Conservation and Education

Proceeds support the museum's education, conservation, and preservation programs in Florida's Big Bend region. The festival draws sponsorship from local businesses including Noventri and AE Wholesale, underscoring its importance to the Tallahassee community.