11 Best Performing Arts in Northeast Coast, Florida

Built in 1922, this historic downtown theater fell into disrepair and was closed for decades before being brought back to life with a $12-million restoration project. Today, it's a busy hub with a packed schedule of musicals and concerts produced in-house.

Connected to TIAA Bank Stadium, home of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Daily's Place is a 5,500-seat, covered amphitheater. Since opening in 2017, the venue has hosted big names such as Kenny Chesney, the Dave Matthews Band, Rod Stewart, and Sting.

One of the last remaining movie palaces of the 1920s—and listed on the National Register of Historic Places—this theater was totally restored in the 1980s to preserve its Spanish-style courtyard, grand balconies, ornate and colorful proscenium arch, and coffered ceiling. The theater was designed by New York City's R.E. Hall, who was responsible for building dozens of these now rare extravaganzas across the country. Today, the theater, which has seen hundreds of luminaries—from Elvis Presley to Elvis Costello—perform on its stage, hosts concerts, dance productions, and special events, as well as a classic-movie series each summer.

Northeast Florida's major presenter of professional, national, and international touring attractions is responsible for bringing Broadway shows—among other things—to the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts. The 2023 season will mark the 57th year of programming by the FSCJ Artists Series.

Touring Broadway shows, performances by the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, ballet productions, operas, and other events are held at this beautiful riverfront complex with three performance halls.

Featuring national performing acts and local jazz musicians, the Jacksonville Jazz Festival has brought music lovers together for over 40 years. Taking place over Memorial Day weekend, this three-day, outdoor festival is known to be one of the largest free jazz festivals in the country. While the event is free, preferred seating and VIP packages are available for purchase.

In 1918, the building that now holds this theater was a Ford dealership that sold Model Ts. After that, it evolved into the Aladdin Theater, a vaudeville house, and then did a turn as a movie theater before returning to live theatrical productions in 1989. The performance schedule features touring professional productions, concerts, and shows geared to children.

Dubbed "the Harlem of the South" in the 1920s, the historic La Villa neighborhood is the site of this fully restored theater, which again hosts musical and theatrical events. The venue's museum highlights such Jacksonville natives as James Weldon and John Rosamond Johnson, whose song, "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing," became the African American national anthem.

One of the oldest continuously operating community theaters in the United States presents outstanding productions ranging from Shakespeare to children's programs. Located in the historic San Marco neighborhood, the art deco venue was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.

The university's performing arts center presents music and dance performances, as well as children's programming.

The 15,000-seat arena hosts major concerts, family shows, and sporting events.