Jacksonville Area Events
The gorgeous First Coast of Florida is rich with fun things to do for everyone. From football games and golf tours to car, shrimp, film and jazz festivals, Jacksonville is rich with attractions and events you won't want to miss. We've compiled a short guide of annual events for you to consider as you plan your stay here in Jacksonville.
Annual Jacksonville Area Events & Attractions
January
Gator Bowl
If you're not from around here, you may need a bit more information about this event. But then again, that's not quite true. One of the country's most popular college football events, where college teams meet for a battle royale at EverBank Stadium every New Year's Day, The Gator Bowl has long been a holiday institution for residents and visitors alike.
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March
Gate River Run
The largest 15K in the USA has taken place every March since 1976. Pros and amateurs alike hit the pavement and run for the joy, the challenge and the sense of accomplishment as they cross the Gate River Run finish line to the cheers of family and friends. The involvement of the spectators and a live band every mile of the route make this one of the most fun running events in the country.
Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance
From hot rods to classic beauties, races to exhibitions, the annual Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance is a thrilling celebration of the great automobile at its very best. A car-lover's paradise, this days-long event allows visitors to experience amazing races and stand up close to some of the most beautifully restored vehicles in the world.
Great Atlantic Seafood & Music Festival
Since 1989, the Great Atlantic Seafood & Music Festival has helped citizens ring in Spring and prepare for the closeness of summer. Held every year in Jacksonville Beach, the festival features fantastic seafood from local vendors as well as performances from an amazing roster of local and national recording artists.
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April
Starry Nights Concerts at Metropolitan Park
Every April, as the sun sets and the stars come up, gorgeous music from an eclectic selection of artists pours forth from the stages set in Metropolitan Park, right in the heart of downtown. The Starry Nights Concerts at Metropolitan Park series has quickly become one of the city's most popular outdoor events.
Blessing of the Fleet
Held every April at the Northbank Riverfront Park, The Blessing of the Fleet is a moving sight to see as boats are blessed for the upcoming navigational season.
Springing the Blues
The South's largest free blues festival on the ocean, Springing the Blues, has been bringing the blues to Jacksonville since 1991. This three-day fest takes place every April, featuring an amazing roster of incredible blues musicians destined to move your soul as well as your feet!
Tree Hill Nature Center Butterfly Festival
What better way to celebrate the season of Spring than with butterflies? The Tree Hill Nature Center Butterfly Festival has been running strong since 2001. Come for all kinds of fun, especially the late afternoon live butterfly release.
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May
Jacksonville Jazz Festival
Throughout the city of Jacksonville, an incredible array of accomplished and famed jazz musicians play multiple stages in the heart of downtown. The three-day Jacksonville Jazz Festival features internationally renowned artists as well as emerging artists and is one of Jacksonville's most popular events.
World of Nations Celebration
Travel the world without leaving the city at the annual World of Nations Celebration featuring food, traditions, music and art from lands near and far. Choose a one- or two-day ticket to the world.
The Players Championship
All eyes are on Jacksonville at the world-famous Players Championship golf tournament. People travel far and wide to witness golf heroes and legends hit the links at this gorgeous course.
Jacksonville Film Festival
Slowly but surely, the Jacksonville Film Festival is putting Jacksonville on the map as an important part of the film festival circuit in the United States. Catch brilliant works from emerging artists before they hit the big time.
Memorial Day at the Veterans Memorial Wall
Honor Jacksonville's veterans at the Veterans Memorial Wall every Memorial Day. Memorial Day at the Veterans Memorial features a solemn remembrance ceremony worthy of our fallen heroes.
Isle Of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival
Since 1963, the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival has been held on the first weekend in May in the historic downtown Centre Street business district in Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island. Completely free, this four-day fest features a pirate parade, tons of music, fine arts and crafts, putt-putt tournament, and of course, the best shrimp you'll ever taste.
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July
Freedom, Fanfare & Fireworks
Celebrate the Fourth of July in seriously beautiful style as fireworks flare and fall and sparkle and reflect over the gorgeous St. Johns River. Freedom, Fanfare & Fireworks is a day-long affair, featuring live entertainment, games and fun for the whole family.
Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament
Every July at Jim King Park & Boat Ramp on the Intracoastal Waterway, The Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament is classic Florida, and the largest kingfish tournament in the country—definitely an event not to miss, especially for fishing fanatics.
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October
The Florida vs Georgia Football Classic
The (Georgia) Bulldogs and (Florida) Gators gather for The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party, otherwise known as the annual Florida-Georgia game between two of the NCAA's consistently top college programs in the country—who also happen to hold a long-standing rivalry you may have heard about.
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November
Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair
Celebrate all that is wonderful about Jacksonville while having a blast during this two-week celebration that is The Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair. Enjoy rides, entertainment, friendly competition and educational fun for the whole family.
Jacksonville Light Parade
Kick off the holiday season with a fantastical spectacle of amazingly lit-up boats decorated with lights in the most imaginative ways. Their reflection upon and movement across the water make the Jacksonville Light Parade that much more amazing.
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