CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Final preparations are underway for the Texas Jazz Festival which is taking over Heritage Park this weekend.
The festival is known for being the longest-running free jazz festival that attracts people from all over the world, and it's happening right in our own backyard this weekend.
Texas Jazz Festival President Nick Martinez is spearheading the preparations to bring the much-anticipated event to life once more.
"I've been doing this for 22 years now," he said.
There will be 50 bands that will perform on 3 different stages.
"Some bands will cut off before and the other bands will continue playing so we can keep the music going constantly," he said.
Manuel Chapa is the Vice President of Jazz Fest, and he said that it's the sweet sounds and good food that brings people back year after year, ever since the festival got its start back in 1961.
"We have musicians coming from Puerto Rico this year," he said.
If residents plan on going to the festival, Chapa said they should look for a special bench that pays tribute to one of the festival's founders, Al "Beto" Garcia. It's a passion that has survived decades and spanned generations.
"My favorite part is seeing people bring their kids for the first time," he said.
As in past years, the Corpus Christi Police Department will be keeping an eye on the crowds and directing traffic.
"And even though we do all this, we also bring in the Texas Guard," Martinez said.
The CCRTA is also offering free park-and-ride shuttles to and from Heritage Park. Those designated parking areas are at City Hall, the Nueces County Courthouse, and Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Those shuttles will run every 15-20 minutes.
"When you are done and ready to go home, just get back on the bus and it will take you right back to the parking lot," he said.
For those who want to take their own car, you will be able to find paid parking options at the American Bank Center and in the surrounding area. The event kicks off on Friday with the first featured bands taking all three stages at 6:30 p.m.
More from 3News on KIIITV.com:
- New trial date set for Sandra Vasquez, the second person accused in Breanna Wood murder
- Utah sues TikTok, alleging it lures children into addictive, destructive social media habits
- "Tejano Couture" - Coastal Bend native making waves in the world of fashion
- Latin Cuisine: La Tequila Jalisco Mexican Restaurant
- El Obrero reopens Saturday with support of community
- Here's when you can watch the 2023 solar eclipse over Corpus Christi
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for your daily news and exclusive extended interviews.
Do you have a news tip? Tell 3!
Email tell3@kiiitv.com so we can get in touch with you about your story should we have questions or need more information. We realize some stories are sensitive in nature. Let us know if you'd like to remain anonymous.