Jax Ready Fest returns this weekend

Annual community festival celebrates Jacksonville's resilience and preparedness

Apr. 15, 2026 at 7:53pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a hurricane warning flag repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the community's preparedness for severe weather events.The Jax Ready Fest celebrates Jacksonville's resilience in the face of natural disasters with interactive exhibits and family-friendly activities.Today in Jacksonville

The annual Jax Ready Fest, a community event focused on disaster preparedness and resilience, is taking place this weekend in Jacksonville, Florida. The festival features interactive exhibits, emergency response demonstrations, and family-friendly activities to help residents learn about hurricane readiness and other local emergency planning efforts.

Why it matters

As a coastal city prone to hurricanes and other natural disasters, Jacksonville residents have an ongoing need to stay informed and prepared. The Jax Ready Fest provides an engaging way for the community to connect with local emergency services and learn practical tips for keeping their families safe.

The details

The Jax Ready Fest will feature booths and demonstrations from the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, the National Weather Service, the American Red Cross, and other local organizations. Attendees can participate in hands-on activities like building emergency supply kits, practicing evacuation plans, and learning first aid skills. The festival also includes live music, food trucks, and children's activities to create a fun, family-friendly atmosphere around the serious topic of disaster preparedness.

  • Jax Ready Fest takes place this Saturday, April 19, 2026 from 10am to 4pm.
  • The festival has been an annual event in Jacksonville since 2015.

The players

Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department

The local fire department that provides emergency response and disaster relief services to the Jacksonville community.

National Weather Service

A government agency that monitors weather conditions and issues warnings about severe storms and other natural disasters.

American Red Cross

A humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance, disaster relief, and education programs to communities across the United States.

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What they’re saying

“Jax Ready Fest is a great way for our community to come together and learn how to stay safe in the face of hurricanes and other emergencies.”

— Mayor Lenny Curry, Mayor of Jacksonville

“We're excited to showcase the resources and expertise our first responders can provide to help Jacksonville families prepare for disasters.”

— Chief Keith Powers, Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department

What’s next

Residents can find more information about the Jax Ready Fest and local emergency preparedness at the City of Jacksonville's website.

The takeaway

The Jax Ready Fest is an important annual event that brings the Jacksonville community together to learn critical skills and connect with emergency services to stay safe during natural disasters and other crises.