JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. — The Board of Directors for the Springing the Blues Festival voted to retire the oceanfront music event after 34 years, organizers announced Wednesday.
The decision follows the conclusion of the 34th annual festival held in Jacksonville Beach in April 2026.
Founded in 1991, the three-day festival was held annually on the Jacksonville Beach waterfront as a free event presenting traditional and contemporary blues artists.
The board unanimously agreed to end the event after determining its core mission had been fulfilled, citing rising operational costs, logistical changes and the evolving environment for large-scale free public events.
Founder and Executive Director Sam Veal reflected on the decision to end the long-running festival. “This decision was reached with heavy hearts but an immense sense of pride,” Veal said. “We wanted to close this incredible chapter on a high note, celebrating the massive cultural and economic footprint we have left on Jacksonville Beach. We are endlessly grateful to our fans, artists, volunteers and the City of Jacksonville Beach for making this dream possible for more than 30+ years.”
Veal noted that the festival was originally created as a destination event to preserve and promote blues music. “Our ‘Blues in the Schools’ programs turned thousands of area students onto the blues,” Veal said. “Our economic impact exceeded $50 million. We provided a tremendous economic opportunity to many area businesses and filled area hotels. We provided an amazing musical experience and fun-filled weekend each year that was completely free to the public. We presented the best contemporary and traditional blues artists that we could afford.”
While the annual event has concluded, two associated organizations will continue operating. The charitable arm, Springing the Blues Foundation, Inc., and the operational arm, Jax Beach Festivals, Inc., will both remain active in Jacksonville Beach.
The festival board plans to publish a digital retrospective in the coming weeks to showcase musicians, staff and historical moments from the event’s 34-year run.
Additionally, both Springing the Blues Foundation, Inc. and Jax Beach Festivals, Inc. will reveal new plans and community initiatives in the coming months.
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