3 minute read
TIME TO PARTY! FESTIVALS & CELEBRATIONS ON THE FIRST COAST
Clay County
Carrie Clarke Day
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March www.townoforangepark.com
This historical festival celebrates the life and legacy of the Clarke family, one of the earliest families in Orange Park. Visitors can enjoy historic demonstrations, live music, kids’ activities and more.
Town of Orange Park Fall Festival
October www.opfallfestival.com
Each year, more than 200 vendors and artists come together for Clay County’s biggest festival that features entertainment from local and regional artists. Handmade jewelry, pottery, art and unique gifts are available for purchase. Make sure to bring your appetite and sample the more than 30 food vendors on site.
Duval County
World of Nations Celebration
February/March https://specialevents.coj.net/Special-Events/ World-of-Nations-Celebration.aspx
With more than 75,000 visitors enjoying this annual multicultural celebration, it’s easy to travel to different countries by sampling food, music, dance and stories from a variety of cultures.
Opening of the Beaches Parade
April www.jacksonvillebeach.org
Each year, the City of Jacksonville Beach celebrates the beginning of beach season with a festive parade.
Springing The Blues Festival
April www.springingtheblues.com
This exciting three-day blues festival at the Seawalk Pavilion in downtown Jacksonville Beach features local, regional and national blues artists.
Jacksonville Jazz Festival
May www.jacksonvillejazzfest.com
For more than 40 years, the Jacksonville Jazz Festival has drawn jazz fanatics from all over the country. Known as one of the largest jazz festivals in the nation, visitors can enjoy music performed by newer artists as well as jazz legends just blocks away from the St. Johns River.
Sea and Sky Air Show
October https://specialevents.coj.net/Special-Events/ Sea-and-Sky-Airshow.aspx
This event features an exciting air show over Jacksonville Beach with aerial performances by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and other aerial teams.
Spooktacular
October www.jacksonvillezoo.org
This family-friendly event at the Jacksonville Zoo is full of fun and fright. Each October, the zoo transforms with fun and festive Halloween decorations. Dress up in your costume for a night filled with spooky stories, noises and surprises around every corner.
Jacksonville Light Boat Parade
November specialevents.coj.net/Special-Events/LightBoat-Parade.aspx
For more than 30 years, the First Coast has enjoyed this holiday tradition on the St. Johns River. The Jacksonville Light Boat Parade features boats decorated with festive holiday lights, wreaths and other decorations. Keep your eyes peeled because you may get a chance to see Santa!
Deck The Chairs
November/December www.deckthechairs.org
This family-friendly holiday light display allows businesses and other organizations to show pride in the Jacksonville Beach community while encouraging the arts. Lifeguard chairs are decorated with festive props, lights and more.
Nassau County
The Amelia March www.ameliaconcours.org
The Amelia draws vintage car enthusiasts from all over the country as one of the top automotive events in the world. With more than 300 rare vehicles on display, fans can take a trip back in time with these unique automobiles.
Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival
May www.shrimpfestival.com
Sample the most delicious shrimp at this annual festival in downtown Fernandina Beach. Visitors can also enjoy live music, arts and crafts, contests and a pirate themed parade.
Dickens on Centre December http://ameliaislandtdc.com/events/dickenson-centre
Inspired by Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, this annual event in downtown Fernandina Beach transports visitors back to the Victorian era with themed holiday entertainment, Christmas carolers, costumed characters and visits with Santa. Enjoy festive food and drinks, and shop with local vendors for the perfect holiday gifts.
ST. JOHNS COUNTY
St. Augustine Lions Seafood Festival
March www.lionsfestival.com
This annual festival is full of music, delicious seafood and a local arts and crafts fair. For some family fun, visit the kid’s zone with activities and rides.
Rhythm & Ribs
October www.rhythmandribs.net
As one of the best festivals in St. Augustine, this three-day event is full of live music, family fun and delicious barbecue from some of the top barbecue champions in the nation.
Nights of Lights
November through January www.floridashistoriccoast.com/nights-lights
Stroll the streets of the nation’s oldest city enjoying millions of glittering, white lights decorating the historic buildings of St. Augustine.
Pain Medicine Physicians of Jacksonville...................................................81
✆ 904-495-7200 www.pmpjax.com
Ponte Vedra Club Realty......................................................... Front Tab Insert
See our ad for a list of agents
✆ 904-285-6927 www.pvclubrealty.com
Providence School.....................................................................................67
✆ 904-223-5270 www.prov.org
San Jose Schools.................................................................. Front Tab Insert
✆ 904-337-4090 www.sanjoseschools.org www.sanjosecyber.org
SEDA New Homes........................................................................................9
See our ad for a location near you www.sedanewhomes.com
St. Augustine & St. Johns County Board of Realtors & Multiple Listing Service..............................................................28 & 29
✆ 904-829-8738 staugustinestjohnsbor.com www.stjohnsrealtors.com
State Farm Insurance Agent Kathy Scott..................................................102
✆ 904-730-3665 www.kathycares.biz
Susan Kennedy & The Kennedy Team........................................................20
✆ 904-880-6700
888-226-8300 www.susankennedyteam.com
TP Corporate Lodging................................................................................41
✆ 800-428-9997 www.tpcorporatelodging.com
UF Health Jacksonville...............................................................................79
✆ 904-244-0411 www.ufhealthjax.org
Waterford at Mandarin, The/ Coventry Park, The.........................................50
✆ 904-262-3459
904-854-2700 www.waterfordmandarin.com www.coventryparkliving.com
WJCT Public Media...........................................................................21 & 62
✆ 904-353-7770 www.wjct.org/weather www.jaxtoday.org
