Marjorie MillerI enjoy attending cultural events, especially those that are so colorful and vibrant. In my creative field, I’ve spoken to photographers who enjoy documenting these moments because of how picturesque their setups can be.
If you’re like me who’s obsessed with festivals in Jacksonville, be sure to bookmark this selection, complete with everything you need to know to maximize the experience.
1. Jacksonville Jazz Festival
Media credit: Jacksonville Jazz Festival
Website: https://jacksonvillejazzfest.com/
Contact Details: (904) 255-5422
Event Duration: 4 days
Admission Costs: Free entry
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You’d want to check out the Jacksonville Jazz Festival if you want a night filled with music and romantic tunes.
I’ve actually taken advantage of their free admission since I’ve been inclined to listen to jazz music recently.
Having run for four decades, they’ve had a strong roster of performers like Miles Davis and Mavis Staples—legends that I’ve only heard about.
They also hold a Jazz Piano Competition just to kick things up a notch. It’s a great way to challenge young artists and local musicians by getting the community involved and engaged further in jazz.
The event goes on, rain or shine, so it’s convenient that they have food and drink vendors that provide refreshments regardless of the weather.
Pro tip:
You could bring collapsible chairs inside, but make sure to check out their list of restricted items, too. Common items like umbrellas and coolers may have size limitations.
2. Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair
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Website: https://www.jacksonvillefair.com/
Address: 510 Fairground Pl, Jacksonville
Contact Details: +19043530535
Event Duration: 12 days
Admission Costs: Mega Passes: $27
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I considered going to the Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair because my friends and I have been looking for an educational angle to the festivals we attend.
True enough, the Agricultural Fair aims to educate the community about the science and art behind agriculture. The fair has various attractions, too, like racing pigs, a bubble factory, and thrilling rides like the giant wheel and the banana jet.
If you get hungry, they also have food vendors offering various snacks like tacos and donuts.
Apart from aiming to educate the community through the fair itself, the fair organizers also award scholarships to charitable organizations. It’s a great way to give back to the community.
Pro tip:
Plan your schedule around the concerts and activities, so you don’t miss out on various festival offerings!
3. Riverside Craft Beer Festival
Media credit: hiddenjacksonville
Website: https://www.riversidecraftbeerfestival.com/
Address: 715 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville
Event Duration: 1 day
Admission Costs: Starts at $55
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I’d recommend attending the Riverside Craft Beer Festival if you’re looking for a light buzz. Beer enthusiasts would drool over the selection of beers they have in store for you.
They offer craft beers from a long list of breweries like Copper Tail, Oyster City, and Southern Swells. It’s a great variety for those craving a good brew!
To pair it up, they also have food trucks featuring various cuisines like Greek, Filipino, and Latin.
In addition, the festival has live music for everyone to enjoy with a mug of beer. It was a perfect pause amid all the work I’ve been involved in. Regardless of how much fun you have, though, the festival organizers advocate for safety—so drink responsibly.
It’s a big plus that Riverside contributes proceeds to Community PedsCare to help those who are in need. A little beer and a dash of advocacy, as it seems, may be a good mix.
Pro tip:
Don’t forget to bring your IDs to make sure that they can serve you drinks, especially if you look younger than your age.
4. World of Nations Celebration
Media credit: World of Nations Celebration
Website: https://www.visitjacksonville.com/events/annual/world-of-nations-celebration/
Address: 225 Talleyrand Ave, Jacksonville
Event Duration: 2 days
Admission Costs: Starts at $9
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I’ve heard from my friend Tim that if you want to get exposed to various cultures, attending a cultural festival is the way to go because it’s both fun and educational. You wouldn’t get bored with textbooks, and you’d get to really experience the vibe.
We attended the World of Nations Celebration, and I had fun with the various festival exhibitions. With the diverse cuisine, handicraft, and customs, I was in awe of how different yet somehow similar we are as a people.
I bet attending this festival is perfect, especially if you have nieces and nephews who are eager to learn about cultures and the different customs we have around the world.
Though it’s an outdoor event, and you might feel sticky and uncomfortable depending on the weather, I’m sure the kids would enjoy features like World of Kids Playland because it involves arts and crafts for young audiences—great for families alike!
Along with the kids, I was entertained by the Parade of Flags that featured individuals in traditional clothing who greeted us in their local language. It was an eye-opening experience for me, having immersed myself in global cultures.
Pro tips:
- Try to muster up the courage to talk to the booth staff and volunteers, and give them an opportunity to share more about their culture. You’d be surprised at how passionate they are in trivia and history.
- Make sure to dress for the outdoor setting. Don’t forget your sunscreen!
5. Jacksonville Caribbean Carnival
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Website: https://jacksonvillecarnival.com/
Address: 8101 Beach Boulevard
Contact Details: (904)357-0640
Event Duration: 3 days
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I have to admit that I almost didn’t consider going to the Caribbean Carnival because when my friend Paul invited me, I was dealing with such a busy schedule—but I’m glad I went with him! The Carnival was a blast with all its multi-sensory elements.
The Jacksonville Caribbean Carnival has a mission to increase awareness, understanding, and appreciation of Caribbean culture, and I think it’s successful in accomplishing its mission.
I’ve been exposed to the colorful and diverse experience that is Caribbean music, cuisine, dance, and local costumes. I like that cultural festivals like this promote inclusive practices in the community because that’s what this is all about.
I almost attended all three days of the Carnival if it hadn’t been for the work I had to do, but Paul was able to experience a second day, and I was jealous. He got to enjoy more food, and live music that were just too good to miss.
The Carnival includes a costumed street parade, too, so you’d witness colorful clothing that celebrates Caribbean culture.
Pro tips:
- Find a good area early on where you plan to watch the parade, so you can get the best view.
- It’s great to wear bright and colorful outfits, but make sure that they’re also comfy.
6. WasabiCon
Media credit: WasabiCon
Website: https://jax.wasabicon.com/
Contact Details: (904) 878-8503; [email protected]
Event Duration: 3 days
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My family and I have been to WasabiCon, and my nieces and nephews were all equally excited. WasabiCon started in 2012, and throughout the years, it has extended from being a one-day event to a three-day event because of market demand.
I like that WasabiCon embraces Asian culture because the young ones in the family are so into it, and it’s gotten me interested, too. The various anime and manga you can see in one Con is just astounding.
The Con is also very supportive of those who are into cosplay during the event. They even have a Cosplan frame on their website that you can download and attach your OOTD photo to, so you could upload it on social media.
I like their various exhibitions for K-pop, video games, and tabletop games because I feel like I didn’t really get exposed to them as a kid. It’s great that there are avenues like WasabiCon where kids can learn about these various aspects of global culture.
I have to admit – I found it interesting that they had features with mature themes. We had to make sure to guide our nieces and nephews throughout the whole thing, though.
Pro tip:
You’d be spending the whole day at the Con, especially if you’re with enthusiasts like I was, so make sure to bring essentials like a powerbank and maybe an extra tote bag for items you’d be purchasing.
