Are you ready to experience some of the best festivals in Jacksonville, Florida?
Jacksonville is a city that combines a thriving culture and culinary scene with a coastal town that’s great for swimming and surfing.
You can experience both in this lively Florida destination.
I have compiled a list of the top festivals in Jacksonville for you to enjoy. Grab your loved ones and head south for an unforgettable vacation.
These are the 10 must-see festivals in Jacksonville this year.
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1. World of the Nations Festival
The 2024 World of Nations Celebration will mark its 32nd year.
Over the course of two days of the event, attendees can immerse themselves in the customs, art, and food of various countries.
Why We Love this Jacksonville Festival
This festival is an opportunity for Jacksonville to highlight the diverse international communities present in the area.
Each year, the event attracts 75,000 visitors, including 12,000 school children who attend as part of their field trips.
Nations Represented in This Festival Are:
- The Bahamas
- People’s Republic of China
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Cuba
- Dominican Republic
- Haiti
- Honduras
- India
- Indonesia
- Israel
- Italy
- Jamaica
- Japan
- Mexico
- Palestine
- Peru
- Philippines
- Puerto Rico
- Spain
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Turkey, U.S.A.
- U.S. Virgin Islands
- Venezuela
What to Know Before You Go
- Date: February 18 from 10 am to 7 pm and February 19 from 10 am to 6 pm, 2023 (the 2024 dates are pending)
- Venue: 225 Talleyrand Ave., Jacksonville, Florida 32202
- Cost: $5 + fees each, children 3 and under are free. Visit the website for more information.
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2. Riverside Craft Beer Festival
Prepare to indulge in a variety of tasty craft beers from local, regional, and national breweries at the Riverside Craft Beer Festival.
The event will also feature live music by RAMONA + the RIOT from 12-4 p.m.
Why We Love this Jacksonville Festival
In addition, Jacksonville’s top food trucks will be there at the event, selling delicious treats for minimal cost.
This festival is considered one of the top things to do in Jacksonville, Florida in February.
What to Know Before You Go
- Date: February 26, 2023 (the 2024 dates are pending)
- Venue: Riverside Arts Market, 715 Riverside Avenue, Underneath Fuller Warren Bridge
- Cost: Starting from $45. Visit the website for more information.
3. Food Truck Festival
Get ready for an extraordinary culinary adventure!
This highly anticipated food truck festival has arrived, and it’s guaranteed to be a great event for the people of Jacksonville.
It will be hosted by Toon Town Jax Market and is one of the best festivals in Jacksonville, Florida.
Why We Love this Jacksonville Festival
The impressive selection of food trucks will offer an array of dishes from across the city, satisfying every palate, from juicy burgers to spicy tacos to much more!
Additionally, local musicians will take the stage and entertain the crowds with their beats, creating a festive atmosphere all day long. But that’s not all!
There are plenty of family-friendly activities planned, such as face painting, games, and contests to keep everyone entertained.
What to Know Before You Go
- Date: March 25th, 3 p.m.- 8 p.m.
- Venue: 444 Talleyrand Ave
- Cost: Free to attend
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4. Springing the Blues Festival
Springing the Blues, which is presented by Sawgrass Asset Management, is one of the best musical events that is going to happen again this year in the Seawalk Pavilion of downtown Jacksonville Beach.
This three-day event is surely going to make you groove to the tunes by national, regional, and local blues artists.
Why We Love this Jacksonville Festival
Springing the Blues is one of the most popular festivals in Jacksonville and one that is celebrating its 31st year!
Locals love the talented artists, the incredible food, and the overall vibe of this event.
So, be sure to buy your passes in advance before they are all sold out.
What to Know Before You Go
- Date: March 31st, April 1st & 2nd 2023
- Venue: Jacksonville Beach’s SeaWalk Pavilion
- Cost: The ticket price starts from $65. Visit the website for more information.
5. Jax River Jams
Jax River Jams is one of the most sought-after festivals in Jacksonville.
It is an amazing concert series that takes place every Thursday in April and is open to the public free of charge!
Why We Love this Jacksonville Festival
In previous years, the event has featured top acts like Boys II Men and Carly Pearce, and attendees are eagerly anticipating this year’s lineup.
What to Know Before You Go
- Date: April 6, 13, 20, 27, 2023
- Venue: Riverfront Plaza, Downtown Jacksonville
- Cost: Free to attend
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6. Jacksonville Jazz Festival
The Jacksonville Jazz Festival has been a highly anticipated event for more than 40 years!
This festival unites music enthusiasts for an unforgettable weekend featuring food, drinks, and of course, music!
Why We Love this Jacksonville Festival
The Jacksonville Jazz Festival takes over the streets of downtown Jacksonville and beyond, treating attendees to the delightful sounds of their favorite artists and groovy tunes.
The festivities begin in May 2023 with the Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition on Thursday, followed by three days of free live entertainment in the heart of downtown Jacksonville!
Trust me, you don’t won’t to miss this festival as they bring in some of the most talented musicians in the world.
What to Know Before You Go
- Date: May 25 – 28, 2023
- Venue: Downtown Jacksonville, FL, Jacksonville, United States
- Cost: Starting from $89 per person. Visit the website for more information.
7. Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival
The historic downtown Fernandina Beach hosts the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival, which provides a variety of activities for the whole family!
You can indulge in delicious fresh seafood and shrimp dishes prepared by local non-profit and civic organizations.
Why We Love this Jacksonville Festival
The Arts and Crafts exhibition features items like jewelry, photography, and pottery.
You can also explore 75 booths of antiques and collectibles or let your kids have their own fun in the Kids Fun Zone.
The festival offers an eclectic mix of retail shops, pubs, and restaurants to enjoy on Amelia Island.
What to Know Before You Go
- Date: May 5 – 7, 2023
- Venue: Fernandina Beach, FL 32034, United States
- Cost: Free to attend
8. WasabiCon Festival
The biggest pop culture event, “WasabiCon,” is coming to Jacksonville this year.
This three-day event will feature local artists, exhibitors, gaming, panels, contests, and many other activities.
Why We Love this Jacksonville Festival
There will be cosplay, anime shows, tabletop, video games, and many more activities for everyone.
While daytime programs and events are suitable for all ages, evening sessions are intended for adult audiences.
What to Know Before You Go
- Date: October 13-15, 2023
- Venue: Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center
- Cost: Starting from $20. Visit the website for more information.
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9. PorchFest
The PorchFest is an event that takes place in the neighborhood of Historic Springfield, located just north of downtown Jacksonville, Florida.
Why We Love this Jacksonville Festival
This is where a number of outstanding bands come to perform on porches throughout the afternoon.
PorchFest event is free to attend, and many food trucks, craft beer, and wine are available for you while you’re there.
What to Know Before You Go
- Date: November 4th, 2023
- Venue: Springfield Historic District, Jacksonville, FL, United States, Florida
- Cost: Free to attend
10. Welcome to Rockville
Now Rockville is technically not in Jacksonville but it’s the largest rock music festival in Florida that I could not leave off of the list!
Welcome to Rockville is returning to Daytona Beach at Daytona International Speedway for a four-day event in May 2023 and is only an hour and a half away from Jacksonville.
Why We Love this Florida Festival
The festival will feature over 90 artists performing, including Avenged Sevenfold, Slipknot, Evanescence, Queens of the Stone Age, Pantera, Alice Cooper, and Tool.
What to Know Before You Go
- Date: May 18-21, 2023
- Venue: Daytona International Speedway
- Cost: Weekend 4-Day General Admission, $259.99. Visit the website for more information.
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My Final Thoughts on the Best Festivals in Jacksonville, Florida
As you can see, there are so many fun and unique things to do around the city of Jacksonville.
Be sure to work you way down the list and let me know how your festival adventures go!
Until next time, Happy Florida Travels!