Jacksonville Calendar of Events

Jacksonville offers year-round events and activities for all...

In the Greater Jacksonville area, annual sporting events range from top golf tournaments such as the Players Championship to college football classics like the Florida-Georgia game. Other annual favorites include the Jacksonville home, patio, & boat shows at the nearby Prime Osborne Center. Music lovers will enjoy annual Jacksonville Jazz and Blues Festivals.

Whether it's an artistic affair, musical or dance extravaganza at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts, or a professional football game, Jacksonville's got it, and you can find information about it here in the Plaza Hotel's Jacksonville Calendar of Events.

Browse the Jacksonville event calendar below for many of the great events that the Jacksonville, Florida area has to offer year 'round.

January

No events listed

February

February 7-10, 2008 - Boat-A-Rama
Location: Prime Osborn Convention Center

February 28 - March 2, 2008 - Spring Home & Patio Show
This show offers a unique and broad selection of home improvement related businesses. You'll enjoy designer rooms, entertaining features, and special guest speakers. Get ideas, investigate new products, gather information and meet the professionals to help you make your next remodeling, renovation, landscaping or decorating project a breeze. Prime Osborn Convention Center, 1000 Water Street, Jacksonville. Call 800-645-7798.

March

March 16, 2008 - Annual Blessing of the Fleet
Bring the whole family to experience the Parade of Boats blessed for the upcoming navigational season. 2pm, Northbank Riverfront. Call 904-630-3690.

March (TBA) - THE PLAYERS Championship
Top field on the PGA TOUR competing on one of the best viewing courses on tour. Field includes: Woods, Singh, Mickelson, Love, Els, Garcia and defending champion, Fred Funk. Proceeds benefit charity. TPC at Sawgrass, Stadium Course, 110 TPC Blvd., Ponte Vedra. Call 904-273-3383

March (TBA) - Annual Springing the Blues Festival
Nationally recognized blues performers, outdoors, along the beach. Event also features BBQ and seafood, arts & crafts and kids activities. Sea Walk Pavilion, intersection of 1st St. N., and 1st Ave., Jacksonville Beach. Call 904-249-3972

April

April 5-6, 2008 - Florida Sportsman Fishing & Boat Show
Florida Sportsman Magazine will host their twelfth annual bigger and better Fishing and Boat Show with ongoing seminars, kids' events, hands-on instruction and demonstrations. The most popular part of the event--a huge indoor tackle sale--will fill the 50,000 square foot Convention Center, with fishing boats and accessories added to the mix. Prime Osborn Convention Center, 1000 Water Street, Jacksonville. Call 772-219-7400

April 11-13, 2008 - Jacksonville Jazz Festival
Renowed Jazz musicians perform downtown, many along the St. Johns River. Other special events include Art at the Met Art Show & Sale, 38 Degrees Latitude wine tasting event, and more. Florida Theatre, Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Museum and Metro Park, Jacksonville. Call 904-630-3690.

April (TBA) - Jacksonville International Boat Show
Come out for the largest in-water boat show in the region. The hottest boats and boating accessories will be on display, along with live entertainment, fresh seafood and a riverfront tiki bar. Fr & Sa 10am-8pm; Su 10am-6pm, Metro Park and Marina, 1673 Gator Bowl Blvd., Jacksonville. Call 904-759-2758.

May

May 3-6, 2008 - Sail Jacksonville - Downtown Riverfront
Jacksonville's downtown riverfront will come alive with the beauty of tall ships from around the world. The three-day festival will include a variety of activities that feature our scenic riverfront, including in-the-water events, such as the Parade of Sail and Pirate Battle, land-side demonstrations and events including boat building, port operations, seamanship demonstrations, multiple stages or entertainment, children's activities and performance artists.

May 2008 (TBA) - Jacksonville Spring Music Festival
Spring Music Festival entertainers in the past include: Rob Thomas, Anna Nalick, Bonni Raitt, Train, Hootie and the Blowfish Kenny Loggins, Sister Hazel and Jackson Browne. For More Jacksonville Spring Music Festival Information call 904-630-3690

May 2008 (TBA) - Florida's First Coast Birding & Nature Festival
Join the Birding & Nature Festival for hands-on photography workshops, more than 85 field trips from Palm Coast to Jacksonville, kayak excursions through pristine natural areas, the butterfly encounter, and more! Northeast Florida, various locations from Palm Coast to Amelia Island. Call 800-653-2489.

June

June 2008 (TBA) - The Big Buck Expo
Sponsored by the American Hunters Association/Southern Trophy Hunters. Location: Prime Osborne Convention Center.

July

July 4, 2008 - Riverfront Festival & Fireworks
Celebrate America's birthday with a patriotic festival along the downtown riverfront including: Children's Water Fun at Friendship Fountain, Live Music at the Hogan Street Stage, street acrobatics, stunt comedy, interactive games, face painting, great food & more! End the night with a bang, as Skyblast lights up the sky over the river at 9pm. Festivities 4pm - 9:30pm, Northbank & Southbank, Downtown Jacksonville. Call 904-630-3690.

July 2008 (TBA) - Bellsouth Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament
Established in 1980, this tournament combines the thrill of competition with a fun, family atmosphere. Sister's Creek Park, 8203 Heckscher Drive, Jacksonville. Call 904-251-3011.

August

August 10-12, 2007 - Jacksonville Fall Boat Show and Boat Corral
More than 40 marine dealers will be showcasing and selling seacraft and accessories. Prime Osborn Convention Center, 1000 Water St., Jacksonville. Call 904-630-4000.

September

September 20-22, 2007 (TBA) - QuiltFest Quilt Show
Enjoy the age old tradition of quilting at this 20th Anniversary Quilt Show. Features include a quilt competition, preview party, sit & sew, featured speaker, and the latest products from specialized vendors. Prime Osborne Convention Center, 1000 Water Street, Jacksonville. Call 904-630-4000.

October

October 2007 (TBA) - Fall Home & Patio Show
This show offers a unique and broad selection of home improvement related businesses. You will enjoy designer rooms, entertaining features, and special guest speakers. Get ideas, investigate new products, gather information and meet the professionals to help you make your next remodeling, renovation, landscaping or decorating project a breeze. Prime Osborn Convention Center, 1000 Water St., Jacksonville. Call 904-630-4000.

October 27, 2007 - Annual Caribbean Carnival
Celebrate Caribbean culture at this street party and festival. Be sure to catch the Parade of Bands at noon. Great Live music including Calypso, Compas, Reggae & Salsa Soca. Enjoy great food, music, drinks, arts & crafts and more. Metropolitan Park, 1410 Gator Bowl Blvd., Jacksonville. Call 904-465-1989.

October 27, 2007 - Georgia-Florida Football Classic
A great time for Bulldogs, Gators and everyone else! Join the 84th Annual celebration that attracts fans from near and far. Don't miss the Championship Dreams Festival, and other fun activities culminating with the Big Game on Saturday, October 28th. ALLTEL Stadium, 1 ALLTEL Stadium Place, Jacksonville. Call 904-630-3690 for information, or for ticketing call University of Georgia Ticket Office 1-877-542-1231 or the University of Florida Ticket Office 1-877-428-6742

November

October 31 - November 11, 2007 - Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair
Enjoy exciting midway rides & games, arts & crafts, food, fabulous entertainment & more! Jacksonville Fairgrounds, 510 Fairgrounds Place, Jacksonville. Call 904-353-0535.

November 23, 2007 - Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
Each year the Friday of Thanksgiving weekend is reserved for the annual Lighting of the 50-foot tree, Live performances, candle ceremony and big fireworks. 7pm, The Jacksonville Landing, 2 Independent Dr., Jacksonville. Call 904-353-1188.

November 24, 2006 - Jacksonville Light Parade
Each year the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend, marvel at the spectacular sight of lighted boats sailing through downtown, followed by an incredible fireworks display, featuring the signature bridge "waterfalls". Downtown Jacksonville. Call 904-630-3690.

December

December 31, 2007 - New Year's Eve Party
Party at this annual event that will include live entertainment in the courtyard. The Jacksonville Landing, 2 Independent Dr., Jacksonville. Call 904-353-1188

December 31, 2007 - Winn-Dixie Hometown Gator Bowl Parade
Themed parade features colorful floats, high school bands, college bands, giant helium balloons, and entertaining specialty units. 3pm, Northbank, Downtown Jacksonville. Call 904-630-3690.

December 31, 2007 - New Year's Eve Fireworks Spectacular
Count down to 2008 and witness the amazing fireworks display over the St. Johns River to light up the night sky and celebrate the New Year. Midnight, Downtown Jacksonville. Call 904-630-3690.