JaxFuse, Northeast Florida’s one-of-a-kind celebration of the creative economy, returns this October for its third year. The three-day festival, held on three consecutive weekends at the link in Nocatee, shines the spotlight on filmmakers, fashion designers, models, chefs, musicians and artists.
The event offers these creatives a chance to connect with those outside of their own disciplines for expanded opportunities to collaborate. It also introduces them and their work to the public and local businesses.
Such exposure is invaluable for those who want to build careers from long-held passions. For attendees, JaxFuse is a treat for the eyes, the ears and the palate. For the link, a dynamic, multifaceted facility that connects to the innovation, development and opportunity in a full range of professional and business initiatives, JaxFuse explores another realm of the economic landscape.
“The link does a lot of work building the ecosystem for entrepreneurs and founders, and the creative economy needs to be part of that,” said Raghu Misra, co-founder with his wife, Gurpreet Misra, of the facility. “This festival was built with a vision to collaborate and grow the creative economy. After two sold-out years we expect the same in 2026.”
The focus of each festival date is different.
Oct. 10 is dedicated to fashion. During this runway event, models will show off the collections of established and emerging designers, accompanied by music and full production.
Oct. 17 has a three-discipline focus: food, art and music. Guests will enjoy the variety of fare prepared by North Florida restaurants and food makers while examining a gallery of works by local artists. Meanwhile, local musicians will take to the stage and display their talents.
Oct. 18 is devoted to film. There will be workshops, a panel discussion and an awards ceremony, and short films created and submitted by local filmmakers will be screened.
Each year, JaxFuse attracts more than 300 guests and hopes are high that this year will be no different. Attendees can purchase tickets for any one or two days or all three. The festival is also a good way for businesses to reach that audience via sponsorships.
The key to everything — tickets, sponsorship opportunities, vendor applications, submissions and general information — can be found at one place: jaxfuse.com. Tickets are also accessible via the link app, app.thelink.zone, as well as Eventbrite.
The link is located at 425 Town Plaza Ave., Ponte Vedra (in Nocatee Town Center).
Here’s a closer look at what to expect from each of the JaxFuse dates:
Film, Oct. 18 (Note: The date was changed from Oct. 4)
Filmmakers, attendees and judges will gather at the link at 4:30 p.m. for a period of networking and to enjoy food and beverages.
The keynote presentation delivered by Monique Madrid, creator of the LOL JAX Film Festival, will follow at 5:30 p.m. Then, workshops will be offered in four categories: A.I. & Micro Dramas with creative strategist Tery Spataro, Post-Production Fundamentals with filmmaker Carlos Smith II, Social Justice and Film Making with award-winner Dana Michelle Maule and Creative Expression in Youth with Ivana Barnes.
Submitted films will be screened from 7 p.m. to the end of the evening. At this writing, there are seven films, though that number will likely change. The festival is still seeking submissions, so it’s not too late for local filmmakers to get their work before an audience.
Film submissions are free and open to independent filmmakers, students and anyone with a short film rated PG-13 or under. All genres are welcome — the focus is creativity and story. Email info@thelink.zone to submit.
A panel discussion moderated by filmmaker Adam Madrid will be held during a pause in the screenings. The focus will be the future of independent filmmaking, technology and A.I. in storytelling, Jacksonville’s growing film ecosystem and building sustainable creative careers.
An awards ceremony will conclude the evening.
Fashion, Oct. 10
Here’s a chance to see firsthand what area fashion designers have been creating. This high-energy runway showcase will feature seven designers, 50 models and fashion professionals with collections built around three themes: Sustainability, Space and Fusion.
A full lightning production and music by a professional DJ, as well as cocktails and appetizers will add to the ambience.
As in years past, the event will kick off at 5 p.m. with sustainability or upcycling. Attendees will learn about The Giving Closet Project and designers who create fashions from sustainable materials.
Space — as in outer space — and its surprising connection to fashion is expected to be at the center of a presentation by the show’s emcee, Sierra Pollard, Ph.D.
This year, the designers will have booths at the event.
“Every designer can bring in their merchandise and people can buy,” said Gurpreet Misra.
Men’s fashions, too, will be featured and JaxFuse is looking for more male models to participate. Those interested can email info@thelink.zone.
The evening will conclude with Best Model and Best Designer awards.
Food, Art and Music, Oct. 17
The festival’s focus on Food, Art and Music is perhaps its biggest night. Starting at 6 p.m., guests will have an opportunity to taste the diverse culinary creations of local restaurants, chefs and food makers while listening to live music and enjoying a gallery of artwork by regional artists.
The gallery will be located in the center of the link’s large core space, and the food expo will encircle it. Music will be performed on the stage.
VIP ticket holders will get early access to the art experience.
Awards will be presented across multiple categories.
At this writing, JaxFuse is still accepting more musicians and artists to participate in the event. Those interested can email info@thelink.zone.
