Sports
Jacksonville Kennel Club
186 Pecan Park Road
Greyhound racing.
Alltel Stadium
Alltel Stadium also continues to host the annual NCAA University of Florida vs. University of Georgia, and Gator Bowl football games. Alltel Stadium seats 73,000, but additional temporary seats are added behind the South End Zone - expanding the capacity from 73,000 to well over 80,000 - for the annual Florida-Georgia game.
Greater Jacksonville Fair
The Jacksonville Fairgrounds are located in the sports complex adjacent to Alltel Stadium, the Jacksonville Coliseum, and Wolfson Baseball Park.
Gator Bowl Association
One Gator Bowl Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 798-1700
(800) 374-BOWL toll-free
(904) 632-2080 fax
The Gator Bowl Association, a non-profit organization that hosts Toyota Gator Bowl on January 1, as well as 33 other year round Events. Each year the Gator Bowl brings 35,000 visitors to Jacksonville to ring in the New Year.
Barracudas Hockey
5740-1 Spring Park Road
Jacksonville, FL 32216
904-367-1ICE(423)
904-367-1424 fax
Barracudas will take the ice at home early in November each year.
Theaters
Alhambra Dinner Theatre
The Alhambra has been performing professional, Broadway style musicals and comedies in Jacksonville for more than 30 years. The intimate 400 seat theatre offers a wonderful dinner buffet with a full selection of beverages.
The Florida Theatre
128 East Forsyth Street
Jacksonville, FL
From ballet and opera to contemporary pop, jazz, rock, country and blues, the Florida Theatre offers 200 cultural and entertainment events annually for every taste and age.
Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra
300 West Water Street
(904) 354-5547
The Orchestra offers a Family Series each season that introduces children to the classics. The symphony plays outdoors in Metropolitan Park during spring and summer. Special concerts every year include Halloween “Symphonic Spooktacular” and Holiday Pops in December.
Nathan H. Wilson Center for the Performing Arts
11901 Beach Blvd.
FCCJ South Campus, Building M1
Jacksonville, FL 32246
904-646-2222
A variety of national productions have put the Wilson Center on their schedule bringing to town opera, dance and multidisciplinary productions, as well as creative theater for all ages. Since it's not a large performing arts center, each experience is more intimate.
Times Union Center for the Performing Arts, Moran Theatre
300 Water St
Jacksonville, FL 32202
904-633-6110
The Moran Theater is finished in warm wood tones and rich red colors providing a royal setting for the large productions that grace this hall. Jacksonville's traveling Broadway shows, are held here. The theater's capacity is 3,000.
Theatreworks, Inc.
1 east Independent Drive
(904) 353-3500
A nonprofit organization that brings live, professional children’s touring productions to Jacksonville. Reservations are required as most performances are sellouts.
Events
January
Toyota Gator Bowl Classic
(800) 374-BOWL toll-free
(904) 632-2080 fax
The Gator Bowl Association, a non-profit organization hosts Toyota Gator Bowl at Alltel Stadium on January 1 each year.
"A Slave Ship Speaks: The Wreck of the Henrietta Marie"
An exhibit of historical artifacts recovered from an English Merchant ship that carried human cargo from Africa to America for 3 years before sinking off the Florida Coast in 1700. Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Museum, 829 N. Davis Street, Jacksonville. For more information call 904-632-5555.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade
Mid-January
(904) 775-0540
Annual parade Marching bands from all over the northeast honor Dr. King’s dream for America.
Symphony Sampler
End of January
Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra performs at Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts, 300 Water St Jacksonville. Call 877-662-6731.
Jacksonville (call for schedule)
Jacksonville Barracudas match up at Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1145 East Adams Street, Jacksonville. For more information call 904-367-1423.
February
Ritz Voices Black History Jazz Concert
February
Enjoy the sounds of the Ritz Voices and celebrate Black History Month. Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Museum, 829 N. Davis St., Jacksonville. Call 904-632-5555.
Jazz in Dixieland
Late Feb.
a half-century of classic jazz, along with colorful stage sets and costumes, vintage musical instruments, and tap dancing. Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts, 300 Water St., Jacksonville. Call 904-354-5547.
Jacksonville Scottish Highland Games
Late February
Clans from all over the world come together to celebrate Scottish culture. Dance and athletic competitions are just part of the fun. University of North Florida, Jacksonville. Call 904-725-5744.
Much Ado About Books
February 22
Jacksonville's annual celebration of reading and writing. Prime Osborn Convention Center, 1000 Water St., Jacksonville. Call 904-630-2665.
March
Monster Truck Show
Early March
Experience the excitement of the U.S. Hot Rod Superbowl of Motorsports. ALLTEL Stadium, 1 Stadium Place, Jacksonville.
Call 630-3900.
Opera Season Opens
Early March
FCCJ Artist Series, Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts, 300 Water St., Jacksonville. Call 904-632-3373.
Concours d' Elegance
4750 Amelia Island Parkway
(904) 636-0027
One of the nation's largest classic car shows. Ritz Carlton,Amelia Island and The Golf Club of Amelia Island at Summer Beach.
Bob Hayes Invitational Track Meet
Mid March
The Bob Hayes Invitational Track Meet is the largest one-day track event in the nation. The meet honors Jacksonville native Bob Hayes, the only man to win an Olympic Gold Medal and an NFL Super Bowl ring. Athletes will be competing at William M. Raines High School. For more details, call 904-924-3049.
St. Johns River Celebration
Mid March
Every March, hundreds of volunteers spend a Saturday morning removing trash from the St. Johns River as part of the annual St. Johns River Celebration, one of many environmental efforts to protect Northeast Florida’s natural resources. Call 904-630-3690.
The Players Championship
End of March
The Tour's richest tournament and premier spring event in Jacksonville is played at the famed TPC at Sawgrass Stadium Course in Ponte Vedra Beach. Call 904-285-7888.
Stars On Ice
Late March
The multi-million dollar Stars on Ice production combines a cast of the most versatile and exceptional figure skating stars in the world with state-of-the-art lighting and sound technology, cutting edge costume designs, progressively innovative staging and choreography, and a mix of American standards to the most contemporary tunes in all genres of today’s music. Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1145 E.Adams St., Jacksonville. Call 904-630-3900.
April
Springing the Blues Festival
Early April
Nationally recognized blues festival featuring blues performers, great BBQ and seafood, childrens’games and rides. Arts and Crafts Show. Sea Walk Pavillion, Jacksonville Beach, Call 904-247-6100.
Jacksonville Jazz Festival
Mid April
The Jacksonville Jazz festival returns larger and better than ever in the spring with a variety of jazz genres represented, multiple locations and expanded list of performers. Metropolitan Park 1410 Gator Bowl Blvd., Jacksonville. Call 904 630-3690.
Blessing of the Fleet
Mid April
The Office of Special Events and Captains' Club join together to present the annual "Blessing of the Fleet," Northbank Riverfront Park. Jacksonville. Call 904 268-3419 or 904 630-3690
Earth Day Celebration
Third weekend in April
Come and enjoy two stages of live entertainment and interactive children’s activities. Jacksonville Landing, Jacksonville. Call 904-630-3692.
World of Nations Celebration
Late April
Annual World of Nations Celebration celebrates the rich cultural traditions and unique heritage of people from around the world. An opportunity to experience the cuisine, artistry and customs. Saturday night features a fireworks showcase choreographed to music specially chosen for the World of Nations Celebration. Metropolitan Park, 1410 Gator Bowl Blvd., Jacksonville, 904- 630-3690.
Art After Dark
Late April
Art After Dark is the community’s premiere showcase for the works of emerging visual artists. The focal point is an art exhibition and sale featuring a dozen First Coast artists working in several different media. Also features a silent auction, live music, door prizes and special showings of student artwork. Florida Theatre,
128 E.Forsyth St., Jacksonville. Call 904-355-2787.
The Official Opening of the Beaches
Late April
Featuring the Beach Music & Dance Festival, Sandcastle Building, good food entertainment, children’s activities, Arts and Crafts, Beachfest Parade,and 5k Run/Walk. Sea Walk Pavilion, Jacksonville Beach. Call 904-249-3972.
Florida Ballet
Late April
Annual spring repertory dance performance by Jacksonville's Florida Ballet. Florida Theatre, 128 East Forsyth St., Jacksonville. Call 904-355-2787.
May
Annual Shrimp Festival
Early May
The shrimp festival is the largest event of the year on Amelia Island, attracts about 150,000 people during the weekend. The festival is rated as one of the best in Florida and one of the top 20 events in the southeast region of the U.S. Features shrimp, live music, and arts & crafts, antiques, etc., Call 1-800-226-3542.
Wave Master's Surfing Contest
Early May
Florida's Largest and most prestigious open amateur surfing tournament. This event attracts over 300 competitors from all over the southeast. Beach at 5th Ave. North., Jacksonville Beach. Call 904-241-0600.
Jacksonville Suns (all month) Call for schedule
7:05pm, The Baseball Park
201 A. Phillip Randolph Blvd.,
Jacksonville. Call 904-358-2846.
Pops at the Beach- Mother's Day Concert
Mother’s Day
Pops Concert by the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. Jacksonville Beach, Sea Walk Paviliion, Call 904-247-6100.
Sail Jacksonville
Mid-May
Jacksonville's downtown riverfront comes alive with the tall ships from around the world. The three-day festival includes a variety of activities including in-the-water events, such as the Parade of Sail, land-side demonstrations and events. Jacksonville. Call 904-630-3690.
Jacksonville Film Festival
Mid-May
Celebrate the best of local, national, and international independent films. Florida Theatre, Ritz Theatre and La Villa Museum. Jacksonville. Call 904-247-8337.
Spring Music Festival
A Memorial Day Weekend tradition in Jacksonville. A free concert, starring a national headline recording artist. Metropolitan Park 1410 Gator Bowl Blvd., Jacksonville. Call 904-630-3690.
Kuumba African Cultural Arts and Music Festival
3rd week in May
The festival hosts performances from various parts of the globe.
Including West Africa, Northeast Africa, The Caribbean, Canada, and from cities around the globe. A. Philip Randolph Park, Jacksonville. Call 904-630-3690.
June
Jacksonville Suns all month: Call for schedule
June 1
3:05pm, The Baseball Park
201 A. Phillip Randolph Blvd.,
Jacksonville. Call 904-358-2846.
Fiesta Players
June 21
Fiesta Playera dia de San Juan Bautista is an annual event in Jacksonville, Florida, and is one of the largest Latin American festivals in the country. A three-weekend long event, this festival celebrates the culture and customs of Puerto Rico with Latin American music and cuisine. Sea Walk Pavillion, Jacksonville Beach. Call 904-247-6100.
July
Freedom, FanFare and Fireworks
July 4
Metropolitan Park,
1410 Gator Bowl Blvd.,
Jacksonville. Call 904-630-3690
Liberty Fest: an Independence Day Celebration
July 4
Help celebrate America's Birthday. The festival area will be the spot for entertainment, food music children's, activities, skydivers,and fireworks.Sea Walk Pavillion, Jacksonville Beach. Call
904-247-1651.
September
Remembrance Ceremony
September 11
A ceremony for the victims and their families,heroes of the tragedies of September 11, 2001. 7:30pm Sea Walk Pavillion,J acksonville Beach,Call 904-249-3972
Grassroots Music Festival
Come and celebrate American grassroots music. Rooted in culture and history influenced by blues,country,bluegrass,jam and rock styles. Sea Walk Pavilion, Jacksonville Beach, Call 904-249-3972.
October
Jacksonville Sea and Sky Spectacular
Last weekend in October
Sea Walk Pavillion , Jacksonville Beach. Call 904-630-3690.
Florida Georgia Weekend
Last weekend in October
call for more information 904-630-3690
November
Veteran's Day Parade
November 11
Call 904-630-3690
Jacksonville Light Parade
November 29
call for more information 904-630-3690
December 31
Annual New Year's Eve Celebration call for more information 904-630-3690