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Jacksonville, Florida, attracts most people because of the warm weather, friendly folks, and delicious food. Jacksonville residents and visitors know that there is always something happening and always something exciting to do. Even if you stop in unplanned or have an unexpected weekend off, Jacksonville is your ticket to a good time. However, there are some events in Jacksonville that you want to ensure you attend at least once. The experiences are unforgettable, and the memories you make will last a lifetime. Here is our list of five events in Jacksonville, Florida, that you don’t want to miss.
Jacksonville Jazz Festival
Music lovers from around the world flock to the annual Jacksonville Jazz Festival. The festival began in 1981, attracts over 130,000 guests annually, and it is one of the largest free jazz fests in the country. The festival celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2021. Past jazz fest performers include greats like Miles Davis, Kenny G, Trombone Shorty, Tony Bennett, Diana Reeves, and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.
A rotating selection of jazz artists performs for a filled audience. The festival even includes a piano competition; registration forms are available online. Catch the Jazz Jam and try to attend the Sacred Jazz Brunch. The festival has two large outdoor stages, state-of-the-art lighting, and a sound system that you can hear throughout the central downtown area.
The jazz festival also features local vendors selling handmade crafts. You’ll find some local and delicious Jacksonville food from area restaurants and food trucks. Check out the jazz festival’s website for an updated list of performances and ticket information.
Community First Seawalk Music Festival
Jacksonville is known for its cultural focus on music, fun, and friends. The Community First Seawalk Music Festival is a testament to that. This event focuses on great entertainment, and it gives Jacksonvillians another chance to enjoy the warm weather and outdoor gatherings. This music festival is usually sometime in June, and it often helps to kick off the summer festivities for locals.
Go hungry to enjoy some typical festival food like funnel cakes lightly dusted with powdered sugar or scrumptious finger food like hotdogs with mustard and ketchup or tornado potatoes. Many area food vendors fight for the opportunity to participate, so you’ll have many treats to choose from. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are available for purchase at the festival as well. If you need to wet your whistle, you’ll have an impressive assortment of drinks to choose from.
Make sure to leave your pets, backpacks, canopies, and outside food and drinks at home. Qualified service animals are welcome, and ground coverings, such as a picnic blanket (4 by 6 feet or less) are allowed as well.
This family-friendly and free event takes place at Jax Beach on the Seawalk Pavillion at 100 First Ave. North, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250. You may purchase VIP seating for a nominal fee.
Jacksonville Science Festival
If you are deeply interested in science, the Jacksonville Science Festival is a must-visit event. This festival celebrates the fascinating and ever-changing world of science and technology and supports the advancement of new knowledge and skills. Teachers, students, science experts, organizations, community partners, and members join forces to celebrate education.
Events are inquiry-driven and support the scientific method of discovery through exploration and trial and error. The festival focuses on the importance of questioning to gain understanding.
The festival hosts a summer camp. It also sponsors several other events and initiatives such as “Science Days” to support active learning, education, and growth for future scientists.
The Jacksonville Science Festival takes place in early spring at the Riverside Arts Market, 715 Riverside Park Pl., Jacksonville, FL 32204. You can call the festival at 904-493-3535.
Joseph A. Strasser Butterfly Festival
The Joseph A. Strasser Butterfly Festival is an annual event hosted by the Tree Hill Nature Center. This community event encourages and empowers members to join efforts in ensuring that the beauty of the butterfly survives the changing climate. The event has animal encounters that help educate participants about the creatures we share the planet with.
The festival offers live music, games, crafts, and other activities that are child- and family-focused to help parents bond and learn along with their children. Local vendors are also on hand to sell food, drink, and one-of-a-kind handcrafted items. This community-focused and family-friendly event culminates in a massive butterfly release to celebrate nature and encourage individuals to take action in helping conserve our natural resources and important pollinators.
You can find the Joseph A. Strasser Butterfly Festival at 7152 Lone Star Road, Jacksonville, FL 32211. You can call at 904-724-4646. Check the website for parking information.
Spooktacular at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens typically hosts an annual Spooktacular event. This non-scary and fun-themed gathering aims to encourage safe practices and provides a safe way for children to enjoy the tradition of trick-or-treating without the danger of walking along streets and battling traffic. The zoo encourages both children and parents to dress in their favorite family-appropriate costumes while visiting the zoo. Kids can enjoy games and trick-or-treat for candy and prizes. Brave and older kids can enter a designated “scare zone.”
Past attractions have included a free-flow pathway, pumpkin patch, enchanted forest, and classic monsters at Range of the Jaguar. Additional bounce houses, games, and prizes are located throughout the zoo to help kids work off that extra candy energy. If the little ghosts and goblins get hungry or thirsty, the zoo snack shops, cafes, and gift shop have food and drink available for purchase. The usual zoo animals are available to see.
You can find the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens at 370 Zoo Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32218. You can call the zoo at 904-757-4463. The event is free for children under 12 dressed in costume, but accompanying adults pay general admission prices. Note that you will have to order online tickets in advance.
Finding adequate entertainment and festivals in Jacksonville is easy. Whether you are buying new, used, are looking to sell or trade-in, or want to get your oil changed, contact us here at Keith Pierson Toyota for all your vehicle needs. These are our suggestions of the top events in Jacksonville that you don’t want to miss. They’ll introduce you to some great people, ideas, and experiences. What did you think of our list? Did we miss an event you love — one Jacksonvillians won’t miss? If we did, let us know. We’ll happily add your suggestions to our list.
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