Festivals & Celebrations

Festivals and Celebrations

The First Coast knows how to have fun like no other. With music and food festivals, to car shows and Civil War reenactments, thousands of residents and visitors flock to these events year after year. Spend a weekend trying award-winning barbecue or food from around the world. Or celebrate the holidays the First Coast way with bedazzled lifeguard chair displays and boat parades. No matter which events you choose, you’re sure to have a fantastic time!

BAKER COUNTY Battle of Olustee

February www.battleofolustee.org Each year, reenactors bring history to the present to commemorate Florida’s largest Civil War Battle, fought on Feb. 20, 1864. Spectators are also able to participate in arts and crafts, enjoy parades and more.

CLAY COUNTY Northeast Florida Scottish Games & Festival

February www.neflgames.com Travel to Scotland without leaving the First Coast with this annual event! The festival celebrates Scottish cuisine, music and games and includes whiskey tastings and a Kirkin’ of the Tartan ceremony to kick off the festivities. families together for a fun, art-filled weekend.

DUVAL COUNTY Jacksonville Greek Festival

February www.jaxgreekfest.com With authentic food and music, the Jacksonville Greek Festival will make you feel like you’re in the beautiful country itself.

Town of Orange Park Fall Festival

October www.opfallfestival.com For nearly four decades, Clay County’s biggest arts and crafts festival has brought over 200 artists, vendors and

World of Nations Celebration

February/March specialevents.coj.net Need a bit of a getaway trip? This multicultural celebration brings food, customs and art from several different countries to Jacksonville for a weekend event perfect for the whole family.

World of Nations, photo courtesy of City of Jacksonville

Jacksonville Light Boat Parade, photo courtesy of Jacksonville Division of Sports and Entertainment

Springing The Blues is one of the largest free oceanfront blues festivals in the country!

Opening of the Beaches Parade

April www.jacksonvillebeach.org A Jacksonville Beach tradition for more than 70 years, this festive parade marks the official beginning of beachgoing season on the First Coast, even though we all know that the beach is a year round activity!

Springing The Blues Festival

April www.springingtheblues.com The three-day musical event is one of the world’s finest blues events and features local, regional and national blues musicians at the SeaWalk Pavilion.

Jacksonville Jazz Festival

May www.jacksonvillejazzfest.com Jazz enthusiasts flock to Jacksonville each Memorial Day weekend to enjoy one of the largest jazz festivals in the country. Enjoy some jazz performed by both amateur artists and legends at one of the two outdoor stages.

Community First Seawalk Music Festival

June www.communityfirstseawalk musicfest.com This music festival is a staple event for any First Coaster. Enjoy local food and the ocean breeze while listening to some music or doing some shopping.

Sea and Sky Air Show

October www.jaxseaandsky.com Witness thrilling aerial demonstrations from the famous U.S. Navy Blue Angels at this Jacksonville Beach event.

Spooktacular

October www.jacksonvillezoo.org Dress up for a spooky night at the Jacksonville Zoo with mazes and ghost stories among the animals. There will also be fall festivities for all.

Jacksonville Light Boat Parade

November specialevents.coj.net Kick off the holidays with a parade of decorated boats and an awe-inspiring firework display! For more than 30 years, First Coast residents have gathered along the banks of the St. Johns River for this holiday tradition.

Photo courtesy of City of Jacksonville Deck the Chairs, photo by Thomas Strickland

Deck The Chairs

November/December www.deckthechairs.org Nothing says holiday beach life like lifeguard chairs adorned with lights and props! Each year, groups decorate their chairs to promote local businesses, share cultural diversity and encourage pride in our First Coast.

For more than 40 years, the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance has showcased more than 300 classic, rare and vintage automobiles!

Rhythm & Ribs Festival, photo by Timothy Savage

Amelia Concours d’Elegance, photo courtesy of Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau

NASSAU COUNTY Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance

May www.ameliaconcours.org Vintage car enthusiasts will find kindred spirits at this legendary automotive event, with more than 300 rare, vintage and classic autos on display, as well as driving events, awards and a silent auction.

Dickens on Centre

December www.ameliaisland.com Head back to the Victorian era with costumed characters, holiday entertainment, Christmas carolers, and festive food and drink based on Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. ST. JOHNS COUNTY

St. Augustine Lions Seafood Festival

March www.lionsfestival.com Delicious seafood, great music and family activities attract thousands of visitors to St. Augustine’s oldest festival each year.

Rhythm & Ribs

November www.rhythmandribs.net Few things beat good barbecue and music from local and regional musicians. Rhythm & Ribs has all of that and more at their award-winning festival.

Nights of Lights

November through January www.floridashistoriccoast.com/ nights-lights A First Coast holiday staple, Night of Lights uses millions of glowing, white lights to decorate historic St. Augustine. Enjoy parades, tours, art walks and concerts along with the natural beauty of the area.