The Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Series will return for its fifth year from February 6 to 15, 2026, at Fort Mose Historic State Park in St. Augustine, Florida. The event will feature Grammy award-winning artists such as Gary Clark Jr., Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble, Samara Joy, Robert Cray Band, Ruthie Foster, and Ledisi.
The series is held at a site recognized as the first legally sanctioned free African settlement in what is now the United States. Since its start in 2022, the event has aimed to highlight both musical talent and the historical significance of Fort Mose. In May 2025, efforts by the Fort Mose Historical Society led to the reconstruction of a representation of the original fort.
Tickets for the concerts will be available starting Friday, November 21 at 10 AM through DiscoverFortMose.com. A portion of each ticket’s charity fee will go toward supporting the Fort Mose Historical Society’s mission to preserve and promote awareness of this historic site.
The schedule for the series includes:
– Ledisi performing on Friday, February 6.
– Gary Clark Jr. on Saturday, February 7.
– Robert Cray Band & Ruthie Foster on Friday, February 13.
– Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble on Saturday, February 14.
– Samara Joy on Sunday, February 15.
Ticket prices vary by performance and can be purchased via links provided by organizers.
SJC Cultural Events, Inc., which manages several entertainment venues in St. Augustine including The St. Augustine Amphitheatre and Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, produces the series. The event receives support from local organizations such as St. Johns County Tourist Development Council and Fort Mose Historical Society.
“More than a concert series, Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Series honors the Fort Mose’s profound legacy as the first legally sanctioned free African settlement in what is now the United States – offering audiences an immersive experience where history, community and music converge.”
Since its designation as a Historic National Landmark in 1994, Fort Mose has been recognized for its cultural significance dating back to its founding in 1738 by Africans seeking freedom from enslavement during colonial power struggles.
