Matts Remodel

The African American experience in film, art, music and more takes center stage at the Ritz Theatre, a premier cultural institution in downtown Jacksonville. Popular events include the Black History Film Series, the Ritz Youth Oratorical Competition, and Amateur Night at the Ritz.

Did you know one philanthropist has amassed thousands of historical manuscripts, and has them on display throughout nine museums in the U.S.? Seeing is believing at the Jacksonville Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum, where you'll find the original draft of the "Bill of Rights," the original manuscripts of "The Wedding March" and Einstein's "Theory of Relativity," among many others.

It's a real scene at the annual Jacksonville Jazz Festival every May, where some of the greatest regional and national jazz acts get together for memorable jams. Multiple stages, plus the Wine Down Tasting Experience and the Art in the Heart Downtown juried art show happen at the same time.