compiled by erin thursby scopes1925@msn.com
It’s festival season once again! Whether you’re interested in sampling food, buying art or just being entertained, there’s a festival (or two) for you in the area.
www.cummer.org · (904) 899-6038
Though not a festival per se, this week you can be part of all sorts of garden tours, receptions and children’s events. Call or go online for more details.
www.jacksonvillebeach.org · (904) 249-3972
Music features headliner Tinsley Ellis, a hard-rocking, high-voltage blues guitarist most often compared to Stevie Ray Vaughan. Schooled in a variety of Southern musical styles, Ellis draws not only from fiery Vaughan-style blues-rock, but also Texas bluesmen like Freddie King and Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, the soulful blues of B.B. King, the funky grit of Memphis soul, and numerous other electric bluesmen.
Also featured will be Tishamingo, the Athens, Georgia-based outfit has been on the road growing musically and expanding its audience consistently. They’ve played the Bonnaroo Festival, toured Europe, and joined Lynryd Skynryd’s Gimmie Three Days cruise in January 2007.
The Seawalk Plaza festival stage will be a musical feast of many varieties of music which will whet your appetite for a menu that includes everything from lobster, crawfish, mahi, shrimp, and clams, to crabcake and alligator, everything you love about seafood! The cooking starts at 11 a.m. and the music starts at noon. Hours for the Great Atlantic Music and Seafood Festival will be Saturday: noon to 10 pm at the Sea Walk Pavilion.
This year’s festival will also features the popular “quad jump” and climbing wall for little and big kids plus an inflatable challenge course.
www.coj.net · (904) 630-3690
Ever wanted to visit a foreign country? The City of Jacksonville and local multicultural friends will bring the world to you at the 15th Annual World of Nations Celebration. This fascinating cultural destination showcases the unique diversity of our planet, and puts the wonderful sights, sounds, and tastes of different nations within your reach. So pack your bags and bring your family, friends and neighbors to Metropolitan Park for an exciting adventure around the world.
www.floridatheatre.com · (904)355-2787
An annual showcase of original works by some of the area’s most gifted but as yet undiscovered artists. At the Florida Theatre, admission is $17.50
www.coj.net
Have your boat blessed for the upcoming navigational season! Arrive downtown at 1:30 p.m. and tune to VHF channels 16 and 72 for parade instructions. The parade will be blessed by Father Kamal Al-Rahil of the St. George Antiochian Church.
www.springingtheblues.com/
Held at the Sea Walk Plaza, this Nationally recognized blues music festival features blues, great BBQ and seafood, kids activities and arts & crafts. Hours are Friday from 5-10PM, Saturday from noon-10PM and Sunday from noon to 8PM. Performers include Tab Benoit, Sue Foley, Michael Burks, Celinda Pink, Eddie Kirkland & Willie Green, Greg Baril, VuduBlu, Daddy Mack Blues Band, Billy Gibson Band, Cephas & Wiggins, Nora Jean Bruso, Little Charlie & The Nightcats, Shane Dwight, Teague Stefan Band, Jim McKaba & the After Hours Band, Roger “Hurricane” Wilson, The Rounders, Eric Steckel Band, Eddie Shae & The Wolf Gang, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Bob Margolin & Bob Stroger.
www.nvo.com/mandarincomclub/thanksto1 · (904) 268-1622
Held at the Mandarin Community Club, this event features jewelry art, sculpture, photography, a raffle and much more. A $1 donation is requested.
www.coj.net
This annual festival is one of the most popular in Jacksonville. Besides the awesome live jazz acts, events include a wine tasting, art show and much more. The fest will be in multiple locations, like Metropolitan Park, The Florida Theatre and the Ritz Theatre. Performers include Dianne Reeves, Wayman Tisdale, Chuck Mangione and other Jazz & Blues greats.
(904) 541-1340
Featuring the works of more than 200 award-winning photographers, sculptors, potters, painters and jewelry artists, this event at San Marco Square will bring out the art collector in you.
(904) 757-4463
Raising more than $1.3 million for the care and feeding of zoo animals, educational programs and conservation initiatives, it’s an evening of dining, wine, dancing and a silent auction. Tickets are $175
southernclassicgun.com/ · (407)275-7233
Trade your guns and look at the shiny knives at this Jacksonville Fairgrounds event. Admission is $7.
www.coj.net · (904) 630-3638
Arts and crafts activities and live music performances are all geared toward teaching kids and adults how to be Earth conscious. At the Jacksonville Landing, free admission.
www.simon.com · (904) 541-1340
Shop the stores at the massive Town Center while perusing art at this free event . The Art Show will feature over 100 fine artisans exhibiting and selling their art work along with a child’s art area and live entertainment.
www.treehill.org · (904) 724-4646
A live butterfly release, environmental booths, crafts, food and music at the Tree Hill Nature Center marks the 6th annual celebration of nature and butterflies. Admission is only $1, kids under 12 are free.
www.jaxirishfest.com
Come to the Jacksonville Fairgrounds to celebrate the 1st Annual Jacksonville Irish Festival. The fest strives to incorporate the rich Irish culture that is so prevalent in our first coast. Features live musical performers such as Flogging Molly, Searson and Henri’s Notions.
www.jacksonvillebeach.org · (904) 247-6236
In Downtown Jacksonville Beach, you can sit and watch as the parade goes by. Call for more info.
www.springfieldheritage.org · (904) 353-7727
An updated version of the annual Historic Springfield tour of homes sponsored by the Springfield Preservation and Revitalization Council since 1978. This year’s event includes the 29th annual tour of historic and reproduction Craftsman-style homes, a community parade, family-oriented activities throughout the Historic District, lectures, ‘characters from the past’, musical entertainment, Heritage exhibits and the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra’s Pops in the Park. Tickets will go on sale April 1st. Call the number above for more info or tickets.
(904) 247-6100 x3
The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra wows the beaches once again with their pops series. Bring a lawn chair to enjoy the beach breeze at the Sea Walk Pavilion as you listen.
www.jacksonvillefilmfestival.com/ · (904) 633-9399
Held in various locations around Jacksonville, this fest brings Independent Films from around the world to Jacksonville. Check the website for locations and past events.
www.coj.net (904) 630-3638
Held at the beautiful Metropolitan Park, this music fest has featured many different types of musical artists from different genres over the years. Check the City of Jacksonville website for an update on who the artists will be this year.
www.coj.net · (904) 630-3690
Celebrate Jacksonville’s maritime heritage with Sail Jacksonville 2007 on the Northbank Riverfront. Jacksonville’s riverfront will come alive with the beauty of tall ships from around the world. Including a variety of activities that feature our scenic riverfront, including in-the-water events, such as the Pirate Battle, land-side demonstrations and events including boat building, port operations, seamanship demonstrations, multiple stages or entertainment, children’s activities and performance artists.
www.staugustinelighthouse.com · (904) 829.0745
Bring your family and join the fun when admission to the tower, grounds, and museum is offered for free from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The historic Light Station will offer something for everyone, including local musicians and entertainers throughout the day, special games, crafts for children to make, food, living history portrayals throughout the site, pony rides, terrestrial and maritime archaeology activities, contests and much more. The Annual Michelob Ultra Twilight 5K Run begins at 4:30 p.m. on the road in front of the Keeper’s House at the St. Augustine Lighthouse.
rhythmandribs.net · (904)829-7102
Smack your lips and stomp your feet at this annual festival featuring championship BBQ dishes from around the country. A variety of outstanding entertainment throughout the weekend will be presented. Rhythm and Ribs will take place at Francis Field on Castillo Drive in St. Augustine.
www.Getaway4Nature.com · 1-800-653-2489
Discover the region’s phenomenal bird life and the abundant natural habitats that sustain them at The First Coast Birding and Nature Festival. The festival is based out of the St. Augustine Amphitheatre and features photography workshops, field trips, boat trips, nature seminars and much more. This year’s featured presentations and in-the-field photography workshops with Darrell Gulin, Scott Elowitz, Rick Sammon, Lewis Kemper, Reinier Munguia, Greg Downing, Alan Murphy and Kevin Karlson. There will be special Digiscoping workshops led by Stephen Ingraham, Clay Taylor and Jeff Bouton. This Festival is guaranteed to excite nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Admission to the Amphitheatre is free and open to the public each day.
Hours: Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: Varied by degree of participation
www.staaa.org/ · (904) 824-2310
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.
www.cathedralfestival.com · (904) 824-2806
Entertain the whole family with games, rides, ponies, food and live performances all day long at the Mission of Nombre de Dios Grounds.
www.epiccommunityservices.org · (904) 829-3295
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 at the “Flower and Garden Expo”, at the St. Johns County Agricultural Center Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be ample free parking and a free shuttle will run every 20 minutes from the Premier Factory Outlet. Admission is $5 for a two-day pass, children under 11 are free.
epiccommunityservices.org · (904) 829-295
Enjoy the tasty delights as St. Augustine showcases the unique flavors available in the area. On Saturday, the Amphitheatre is transformed into a Marketplace where more than 30 area restaurants sell signature “tastes” throughout the afternoon and evening. Admission to the Taste of St. Augustine is $2 - Taste tickets are $1 each with restaurants charging between 1 and 5 tickets per taste.
www.gamblefest.com · (904) 208-5210
This year the Festival will showcase a broad spectrum of musical styles. The lineup of featured performers includes: The Burns Sisters Band, The Lovell Sisters, Caroline Herring, David Jacobs-Strain, Michael Smith, Mark Johnson/Emory Lester, Josh Pinkham and the Pinkham Family Band, Wishing Chair, Peter Lang, Amy Carol Webb, VTW, and The Cook Trio. In addition, many of our finest local musicians will be performing on one of the six stages during the three day musical event.
www.internationalfloralshow.com · 904-737-3828
The event will be held on the grounds of Reynolds Park in beautiful Green Cove Springs. One of the largest and longest events floral events to be held in Northeast Florida this year, the show is a must attend event. Music, culture and flowers are the watchwords at this show. For detailed info on concerts and events visit the website.
www.folkfiddle.com/barber.htm · (368)749-2959
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. Visit the web site for more info and driving directions.
www.myspace.com/justrightproductions
Camp and sing with some great blues at the Spirit of Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak. See our listing of festivals at the Spirit of Suwannee in next week’s issue.
inst.sfcc.edu/~springarts · (352) 395-5355
The Santa Fe Spring Arts Festival, one of the three largest annual events in Gainesville, FL, 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. More than 130,000 visitors attended the festival in 2006.
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