Jacksonville is a bustling city with no shortage of fun things to do on any given day. But each year, locals look forward to a handful of annual Jacksonville events.
- Konica Minolta Gator Bowl (January): Football fanatics usher in the new year with a collegiate grid iron clash. A year’s worth of lead-up events include a golf tournament, 5K run, pep rallies, touchdown and tailgate parties and New Year’s Eve parade.
- Springing the Blues Festival (April): The South’s largest free-of-charge blues festival cranks up beach season with oceanfront performances by the nation’s top blues acts. Proceeds benefit Blues in the Schools, a nonprofit organization that provides music education programs for schools.
- Jacksonville Jazz Festival (April): This internationally renowned festival features a piano competition, art show and sale and wine tasting. Be sure to pick up a commemorative poster – they’ve become collector’s items.
- Jacksonville Film Festival (May): An international film festival screening independent movies from more than 15 countries. Want to break into the business? A week’s worth of workshops and forums led by seasoned film professionals is on the marquis too.
- Bellsouth Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament (July): Anglers from throughout the Southeast turn out by the hundreds. The event includes a junior anglers tournament, boat show and boutique and live entertainment. Proceeds have helped implement marine education in high schools, marine research projects at Jacksonville University, support for reef projects and scholarships for marine science and oceanography students.
- Georgia/Florida Football Classic (October): Jacksonville boasts a blood loyalty to its alma maters. Thousands of local business and civic leaders are graduates of the University of Florida or the University of Georgia, so this annual Gators vs. Bulldogs rivalry is not to be missed. Oh – and the surrounding tailgating experience is the official “World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party.” The event has been named one of the top 10 football rivalries by ESPN, College Football News, The Sporting News, Fox Sports and America’s Best Online.
- Sea & Sky Spectacular (October): Sunscreen, sunglasses and earplugs are must-have staples for this oceanfront event that features a thrilling air show by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and other military and civilian flight teams. Head to the street festival for Aviation Alley Autograph Sessions, Kiddy Hawk Kids Area, live entertainment, flight simulators and interactive military games.
- Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair (November): For more than half a century, the Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair has offered family-friendly entertainment, including amusement rides, livestock shows and concerts by top country, gospel, bluegrass, blues, classic rock and golden oldies recording artists. Proceeds benefit local charities and provide scholarships for students majoring in agriculture, veterinary medicine and other related fields.
- Jacksonville Light Parade (November): It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas on the waterways of Jacksonville! Each December, hundreds of beautifully decorated boats line up for a holiday parade down the St. Johns River downtown. The parade is followed by an awe-inspiring fireworks show with fireworks shot from multiple river barges and the Main Street and Acosta Bridges.
- Handel’s Messiah (December): The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra offers refuge from the stress-filled mall shopping, decorating and holiday party hosting with its annual performance of Handel’s Messiah. Close your eyes and soak in the sounds of one of the most moving holiday symphonies.
The copyright of the article Top 10 Annual Jacksonville Events in Florida Travel is owned by Devan Stuart. Permission to republish Top 10 Annual Jacksonville Events in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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