Festival Season is here again. This is the time of year when those that love to get out of doors start to get excited. Nothing beats the weather in February and March in North Florida and as the mercury rises, those of us that love to go festing start to smell draft beer in plastic cups and nights filled with campfires. Late spring and early summer is when we get to let our inner hippie out. Although Coachella may be a little far off (geographically and seasonally) there are some truly kick ass festivals that call Florida home!
The Gamble Rogers Folk Festival is a St. Augustine tradition that is unparalleled for people that love folk music. St. Augustine also has a seafood festival coming up as soon as March 7 with live music, arts and crafts, and all sorts of food. Langerado is considerably further south, but it is also one of the country’s larger festivals, quickly gaining traction on enormous events such as Bonaroo, Tennesee’s annual weekend rock festival, often referred to as the Coachella of the East.
Whether you are heading to the Spirit of Suwannee Music Park, getting your tip bucket shined up for Springing the Blues, or waiting for the next Talleyrand, festival season is here and it is time to start saving up some cash for road trips and sunblock. Fest on!
March 22, SeaWalk Pavilion jacksonvillebeach.org
Florida’s finest seafood, fried, boiled, grilled or blackened. Arts & crafts, rides, games and music for the whole family. The music starts at noon with FlatBlack, Jimmy Parrish & The Ocean Waves Band, Beautiful Bobby Blackmon, Fifth South, Conrad Oberg, Geoff Achison & The Souldiggers, and ends at 8:45 pm with The Nighthawks.
March 22nd & 23rd ( Easter weekend). Club grounds at 12447 Mandarin Road, nvo.com/mandarincomclub/stowesociety/
Artists from Florida and all over the country will be showing and selling their wares at this festival. From glass sculpture to photography, you’ll find all kinds of art in different mediums. Don’t forget to bring the kids for the annual Egg Hunt on Easter Sunday at 1:30 pm. A nominal voluntary donation for the Festival will be requested at the gate.
April 4th – 6th, SeaWalk Pavilion, springingtheblues.com
Springing The Blues is a free outdoor blues music festival designed to celebrate America’s indigenous musical form and promote support of the arts. The three-day oceanfront event features a number of renowned blues performers as well as numerous displays and activities geared for the entire family. There will be great barbecue by Mojos, kids activities, arts & crafts and all of the blues music you could ever want. Featured performers include Tinsley Ellis and Ed Cotton on Friday, Michael Burks, Jason Ricci and Cephas and Wiggins on Saturday, and Eric Lindell, The Legendary JCs and Smokin’ Joe Kubek Band on Sunday.
April 11th-April 13th, coj.net
The fest features a bunch of events all over the city, starting with The Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition at the Florida Theatre on Friday, the annual Art at the Met sale in Metropolitan Park and a Jazz Brunch, also at Metropolitan Park on Sunday. Art at the Met is a popular area during the festival where patrons are able to enjoy both the sounds of first-rate jazz performers and browse through the work of talented artists from around the nation. Entry to Art at the Met is included in the Jacksonville Jazz Festival ticket price.
April 19th -20th (904) 541-1340
Featuring the works of more than 100 award-winning photographers, sculptors, potters, painters and jewelry artists, this event at San Marco Square will bring out the art collector in you.
April 26th Tree Hill Nature Center treehill.org
Over 4,000 nature enthusiasts enjoyed last year’s butterfly festival, so don’t miss this perfect welcome to spring. The festival features a butterfly exhibit, games and activities for children, live entertainment, special lecturers, food and much more. The event runs from noon to 5 pm and culminates with nature’s fireworks – a live native butterfly release. This is a sight guaranteed to delight young and old. Admission: $5 Adults, $2 Children
April 25th-26th jaxirishfest.com
Are you Irish? Would you like to pretend to be? Or do you just like to knock back your Guinness? This fest is sponsored by three Irish drinking companies. There will be the usual assortment of Irish Arts and crafts, kids dancing Irish-style entertaiment from various Celtic and Celtic wanna-be’s. Listen to the Tossers, Black 47, Spade McQuade or Michael Funge. From Celtic rock to the gentler stuff, you’ll be entertained. Tickets online are $15, and $20 at the gate. Children under 10 are FREE.
May 17th - 18th , St. Johns Town Center, (904) 541-1340 simon.com
Shop the stores at the immense Town Center while perusing art at this free event. The Art Show will feature over 100 fine artisans exhibiting and selling their artwork along with a child’s art area and live entertainment.
May 15th-21st jacksonvillefilmfestival.com
Held in various locations around Jacksonville, including the historic Florida Theatre and San Marco Theatre, this fest brings Independent Films from around the world to Jacksonville. Their Friends of the Fest events bring interesting fare to the screen in town regularly, but there is nothing like the Jacksonville Film Festival when you want to spend a weekend partying and watching cutting-edge cinema before it hits national theaters or disappears forever.
July 4th, Northbank & Southbank, Downtown Jacksonville, coj.net
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 and more! End the night with a bang, as Skyblast lights up the sky over the river at 9pm.
Saturday, March 15th staugustinelighthouse.com
Admission to the tower, museum and grounds is free from 11 am to 6 pm. The Victorian-era Light Station will be filled with children’s games and crafts, pony rides, live entertainment and refreshments. As is part of the annual tradition, the 5K Run/Walk and Fun Run will be held during the Festival courtesy of the Junior Service League of St. Augustine.
March 14th-16th Francis Field on Castillo Drive rhythmandribs.net
Smack your lips and stomp your feet at this annual festival featuring championship barbecue dishes from around the country. A variety of outstanding entertainment throughout the weekend will be presented.
March 7th-9th Francis Field on Castillo Drive lionsfestival.com
Great seafood, live bluegrass, folk and country music, and over 100 arts and crafts exhibitors are just a few of the highlights of the 27th Annual Lions Club Seafood Festival to be held in St. Augustine on March 7-9. The three-day event is a traditional favorite throughout northeast Florida and features tons of delicious seafood. The outstanding music grows in popularity each year, while the arts & crafts show is an affordable and enjoyable crowd pleaser. The event has fun for all ages, so bring the kids. Tethered hot air balloon rides, business showcase, contests and prizes add to the fun.
March 29 & 30th Francis Field on Castillo Drive staaa.org
Look for something new to please your tastes when artists display their creations at Francis Field on Castillo Drive during this free two-day festival. All work included in the Festival will have passed a strict jury review, resulting in 125 artists exhibiting to sell in a variety of media, including oil painting, watercolor, pottery, leather, photography, sculpture, jewelry, wood, textiles and more.
April 10th -April 13th GTM Research Reserve Environmental Education Center of Northeast Florida Getaway4Nature.com
Includes 150 events over a four day period for birders, photographers, and anyone who loves the outdoors. Discover the region’s phenomenal bird life and the abundant natural habitats that sustain them. Features photography workshops, field trips, boat trips, nature seminars and much more.
April 18th – April 20th Mission of Nombre de Dios Grounds cathedralfestival.com
Entertain the whole family with games, rides, ponies, food and live performances all day long at the Mission of Nombre de Dios Grounds. Includes a flea market, fireworks, shrimp dinner, raffle silent auction and more.
April 19th-20th epiccommunityservices.org/spring.html
Celebrate the arrival of spring in the Nation’s oldest city with two days of flowers, friends and fun. Growers, nurseries and artisans from around the state offer gardeners everything they need to make spring bloom. There is also a horticulture and quilt show. Admission is $5 but parking is free. St. Johns County Agricultural Center at I-95 and SR-16.
April 25th-26th epiccommunityservices.org/spring
Enjoy the tasty delights as St. Augustine showcases the unique flavors available in the area. More than 30 area restaurants sell signature “tastes” throughout the festival. Taste tickets are $1 each with restaurants charging between 1 and 5 tickets per taste. Plus there will also be a small charge for admission. (Last year was $2).
May 2nd -4th St. Johns County Fairgrounds gamblefest.com
Those attending this year’s festival on Saturday, May 3, will be treated to special recorded live performances by Gamble on the Baby Grand Theater stage via DVD and big screen projection. The goal this year is to re-create the mythical Oklawaha County whose residents were the characters for much of Gamble’s storytelling. (See the story on page 27.)
May 17th-18th Sawgrass Village Shopping Center jandcoevents.com/events.php
This 2 day Art Festival that runs from 10 am – 5 pm each day. Sawgrass Village will host over 150 artists for the 12th Annual Ponte Vedra Beach Art Festival. The two-day event will feature fine art from every end of the spectrum, including sculpture, photography, ceramics, painting, digital art, jewelry and more. The festival will run from 10 am to 5 pm and admission is free.
June 22nd St. Augustine Pier Beach Pavilion everywomansart.moonfruit.com
The 10th annual Every Woman’s Arts and Crafts Summer 2008 Festival features local and regional artists displaying a variety of fine art and hand-crafted items, including original paintings, beaded and semi-precious stone jewelry, hand-poured scented candles and more! Rain or shine.
March 6 – 9 Big Cypress Indian Reservation in the South Florida Everglades langerado.com
Featuring four days of camping and music deep in the Everglades. How many intoxicated rock-fans have wandered off into the gator-infested swamps is as yet unreported from last year. Enjoy bands such as The Beastie Boys and REM as well as Of Montreal and Matisyahu. (Read the interviews on pages 22 - 26)
March 8th - 9th Orange Park Mall
Featuring live local entertainment, an Oz cake decorating contest, an Oz-Idol contest, raffle, auction and parade – seven munchkins, Judy Garland’s stand-in, and a Wizard of Oz expert will all be on hand to celebrate! In front of JCPenney.
March 14th savannahvisit.com/events/?ms=631
The 184th St. Patrick’s Day Celebration will be held on Friday, March 14, instead of the nationally recognized date of March 17. The Feast of St. Patrick’s, which normally occurs on March 17, will fall on the first day of Holy Week, prompting the date change for Savannah’s most popular festival. There will be many events in the city such as parades, a Celtic Cross Ceremony, Irish music, a family oriented festival and more.
April 26th and 27th Pierson, FL (368)749-2959 folkfiddle.com/barber.htm
You’ll find this fest in Pierson, FL, about an hour and 40 minutes South of Jacksonville. With 5 stages featuring bluegrass, Celtic, folk and old time music, it’s an event people will travel for. You’ll find music workshops, 2 jam tents, a barn dance, food, antique cars and activities for the little ones. Admission is $6 per day, or you can get a two day pass for $10.
March 21st -22nd Thomasville, GA myspace.com/greatsouthernbluegrass
Pickers Paradise Park in Ochlocknee, GA (Thomasville) has been chosen the official site for The Great Southern Bluegrass Festival. Visit the website above for a link to directions. first show will be headlined by national touring group, Grasstowne, chosen because they have the most diverse performance offering it all in vocals and instrumentation. Also appearing will be emerging artist The Wilson Family, Dothan, Alabama’s own Pure and Simple, Southern Lite from Jacksonville and local favorite Kenny Hill Band. FREE workshops will be held by Mandolin Master Alan Bibey and IBMA award-winning Dobro Player of the Year, Phil Leadbetter.
March 27 – 30 Spirit of Suwannee Music Park, Live Oak, FL magmusic.com/suwannee.htm
Primitive camping is first come, first serve. Or you can stay at one of the lodgings there. Most of the folks who go to this fest like to rough it, so the full festival and Sat/Sun festival ticket price includes park access, parking & primitive camping fees. Headliners: David Grisman Quintet, Peter Rowan & The Free Mexican AirForce, Donna the Buffalo, Railroad Earth, Guy Clark, Commander Cody & The Lost Planet Airmen, The Lee Boys, Blueground Undergrass, Steep Canyon Rangers, Tammerlin, The Waco Ramblers and many more.
April 3-5 Spirit of Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, FL musicliveshere.com
Bikers, rock bands and strippers on motorcycles. Hmmm. Headliners: Blackfoot, Pat Travers Band, Michael Buffalo Smith, Dru Lombar & Grinderswitch, The Rhythm Pigs, The Josh Kirkland Band, Keith Caton & the Accelerators, Roger “Hurricane” Wilson, Kathy Jo & The Bluzification Band, Beautiful Bobby Blackmon, Southern Outlaw Band, Big Engine & many more.
April 5th -6th Gainesville, FL sfcc.edu/springarts
The Santa Fe Spring Arts Festival, one of the three largest annual events in Gainesville is known for its high quality artwork and unique setting. The festival is held in the downtown historic district, nestled amid restored turn-of-the century homes, stately palms and abundant azaleas.
April 11th-12th Spirit of Suwannee Music Park, Live Oak, FL waneefestival.com
Featuring The Allman Brothers Band, JJ Grey & Mofro. Special saturday midnight set with Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi. This fest is held in the Spirit of Suwannee Park, which is actually a natural 700 acre resort, with 3 miles of Suwannee River bankside. There’s a swimming pool, on site restaurant, family hair salon, horse back riding stables, canoe livery and conference space. Other amenities include: 32 additional lodging units with decks, cable TV, coffee pots, linen & towels; some full kitchen & meal preparation amenities; other units have a microwave & micro-refrigerators. Plus over 800 RV sites with water/electric and full hookups.
April 24 – 26 Spirit of Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, FL musicliveshere.com
Headliners: Brad Paisley, Gary Allan, Joe Nichols, Lorrie Morgan, John Anderson, Eric Church, The Kentucky Headhunters, James Otto and many more.
May 2,3, and 4th Historic downtown Centre Street business district in Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island shrimpfestival.com
The Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival will celebrate its 45th anniversary, with more than 300 juried Fine Arts & Crafts exhibitors, 75+ Antiques & Collectible vendors, Fun Zone with kid friendly activities, live entertainment from three stages and Pirates! Includes dozens of food booths featuring shrimp specialties. The Fine Arts Show has been ranked 38th in the nation by Sunshine Artist Magazine as part of their 200 Best Shows in the United States.
May 23 – 26 in downtown Palatka. bluecrabfestival.com
Florida’s largest Memorial Day celebration will start Friday, May 23rd with live entertainment and an early peek at what’s happening throughout the weekend. Spectacular entertainment performances, activities for all ages, arts & crafts, antiques, family activities, food, food, and more food. Show your support on Monday at the Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony, honoring those who have served this great nation in the past and who continue to serve in today’s military.
June 12 – 14 Spirit of Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, FL musicliveshere.com
The premiere gospel camping and concert event. Headliners: Dixie Echoes, The Kingsmen, Chuck Wagon Gang, Primitive Quartet, Lesters, Palmetto State, Greenes.
October 2 – 4 Spirit of Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, FL musicliveshere.com
Headliners: Dove Brothers, Dixie Melody Boys, Blackwood Brothers and Dixie Echoes.
October 23 - 26, Suwannee Music Park, Live Oak, FL magmusic.com/magnolia.htm
A festival of music, magic, and fun including their Vending Village with an eclectic blend of food and a wonderful selection of Original Arts & Crafts and Fun, Funky Items. Also, there will be a New Orlean’s Style Walking Parade.
Article Published in the 03-08 Issue of EU Jacksonville
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