Announcing the 2026 Jacksonville Jewish Cultural Arts Festival Presented by the JCA

Matisyahu Brings Global Sound and Spotlight
to Jacksonville
The 2026 Jacksonville Jewish Cultural Arts Festival begins April 11 at Murray Hill Theatre 

Jacksonville is set to welcome an internationally acclaimed artist this spring as Grammy-nominated musician Matisyahu headlines the opening night of the 2026 Jacksonville Jewish Cultural Arts Festival, presented by the Jewish Community Alliance (JCA). The festival kicks off Saturday, April 11, 2026, with a live performance by Matisyahu at the historic Murray Hill Theatre, launching three weeks of cultural programming designed to captivate audiences across Jacksonville. 

Matisyahu’s performance marks a rare opportunity for local audiences to experience one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary music, made possible by the JCA’s long-standing commitment to bringing world-class Jewish culture to Northeast Florida. Known worldwide for his genre-defying blend of reggae, hip-hop, rock, and spiritual storytelling, Matisyahu’s appearance underscores the festival’s growing cultural significance. 

“Hosting Matisyahu is more than a concert. It’s a statement about Jacksonville’s place on the cultural map,” said Suzie Becker, Festival Committee Chair. “The JCA is proud to create opportunities for our community to experience artists who inspire across generations, backgrounds, and musical tastes, making Matisyahu the perfect artist to headline this special series in Jacksonville.” 

Now in its 29th year, the Jacksonville Jewish Cultural Arts Festival has become a citywide cultural destination, featuring nationally recognized artists, authors, and performers while also hosting meaningful community experiences. This year’s lineup includes community-wide events honoring Israel’s National Days: Yom Ha’Shoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), Yom Ha’Zikaron (Israel’s Memorial Day), and Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Israel’s Independence Day), presented in partnership with the Jewish organizations in Jacksonville. 

You can become a sponsor the 2026 Jacksonville Jewish Cultural Arts Festival. Additional festival programming, including specific times and locations for author talks, performances, film screenings, and community events, will be announced on jcajax.org in the coming weeks. Follow this link to purchase tickets for opening night.  

The 2026 Jacksonville Jewish Cultural Arts Festival of Events: 

• Saturday, April 11 | Matisyahu at Murray Hill Theatre 

• Sunday, April 12 | Echoes Through the Fog, 
  JCA Holocaust Remembrance Theatre Program 

• Monday, April 13 | Yom Ha’Shoah Holocaust Remembrance Community Event 

• Wednesday, April 15 | The Girl Bandits of the Warsaw Ghetto  
  with Author Elizabeth Hyman 

• Thursday, April 16 | We’re on the Air with Author Robert Steinfeld,  
  Moderated by Donna Orender 

• Sunday, April 19 | Violinist Ilana Zaks 

• Monday, April 20 | Yom Ha’Zikaron Community Event 

• Wednesday, April 22 | Don’t Let Me Down with Author Kate Stollenwerck 

• Sunday, April 26 | Yom Ha’Atzmaut Community Event 

• Wednesday, April 29 | Ladies Night: Millennial Menopause  
  with Author Lauren Tetenbaum