March 20-27 Happenings Calendar

EVENTS

RAILROADS DAYS FESTIVAL
The West Nassau Historical Society holds the eighth annual festival March 22 and 23 at Callahan Depot, 45383 Dixie Ave., Callahan. Parades, live entertainment, antique cars and arts and crafts are featured, as well as kids’ activities. 879-3406. wnhsfl.org

GREAT ATLANTIC FESTIVAL
The 24th annual Great Atlantic Music & Seafood Festival is held noon-9 p.m. March 23 at SeaWalk Pavilion, on First Street at the ocean in Jax Beach. Live music features The Dirty Gringos, The Top Secret Band, Yankee Slickers, Who Rescued Who?, Toots Lorraine & the Traffic, The Steepwater Band and Sons of Bill. Games, kids’ zone, food and seafood of every variety are featured. greatatlanticmusicfest.com

MUSCLE WALK
Walkers raise funds for Muscular Dystrophy Association research and services for locals living with the neuromuscular disease, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. March 23 at The Jacksonville Landing, 2 Independent Drive, Downtown. 296-7434. musclewalkmda.org

MUCKFEST MS
The benefit features live music, food, kids’ activities and the running of a muddy obstacle course, March 23 at Jax Equestrian Center, 13611 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville. Live music, food and drink are featured for the after party.. Proceeds benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. 573-4895. muckfestms.org

COWBOY UP! AGAINST CANCER
The ninth annual Cattle Barons’ Ball is held 7-11 p.m. March 23 at World Golf Hall of Fame, 1 World Golf Place, St. Augustine. Dinner and drinks, a live and silent auction and The Red River Band are featured. Western attire. Tickets are $150. Proceeds benefit childhood cancer research. 391-3642. facebook.com/cattlebaronsballofstjohnscounty

DIAMONDS & DENIM
The third annual fashion show, themed Stand Up for Our Youth, is held 6 p.m. March 23 at Prime Osborn Center, 1000 Water St., Downtown. Tickets are $25. 630-4000.

EASTER CONCERT
The Jacksonville Praise Orchestra, a local church affiliated non-denominational symphonic orchestra, performs 4-5:30 p.m. March 23 at The Jacksonville Landing, 2 Independent Drive, Downtown. facebook.com/jaxpraiseorchestra

FLAGLER FORUM
The Flagler College Forum on Government and Public Policy Series continues with the editor of the AARP Bulletin Jim Toedtman at 7 p.m. on March 27 at Flagler College’s Lewis Auditorium, 14 Granada St., St. Augustine. Admission is free. 819-6400. flagler.edu

WORDS OF PRAISE
Dr. Michael Sells and Amir El-Saffar and the Safaafir ensemble present The Qasida, a long rhymed ode common to Arabic, Persian, Turkish and Urdu literature, 7 p.m. March 26 at the Main Library’s Hicks Auditorium, 303 N. Laura St., Downtown. Admission is free; registration is required. jaxpubliclibrary.org

KIDS COALITION ADVOCACY WALK
Former Jags Donovin Darius is among those counting steps walked 9 a.m. March 26 from The Jacksonville Landing, 2 Independent Drive, to City Hall, 117 W. Duval St., Downtown, to mark Children’s Week. jaxkidscoalition.org

COSMIC CONCERTS
Laser shows are Laser Mania 7 p.m., Laser Beach Boys 8 p.m., Laser Jimmy Buffett 9 p.m., and Laser Country, 10 p.m. March 22 in Bryan-Gooding Planetarium, Museum of Science & History, 1025 Museum Circle, Southbank. Online tickets are $5. Saturday shows are held noon and 5 p.m. 396-7062. moshplanetarium.org

RIVERSIDE ARTS MARKET
Performing musicians include Garrett on Acoustic 10:30 a.m., Braided Light Dance Project 11:30 a.m., Shawn Lightfoot & the Brigade 12:45 p.m. and JesseCarole Montoya 2:45 p.m. March 23 at the market, under the Fuller Warren Bridge at Riverside Avenue, Downtown. Local and regional art and a farmers market are also featured from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. every Sat. Admission is free. 554-6865. riversideartsmarket.com

FARMERS & ARTS MARKET
This market is held 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on the second and fourth Sun. of the month at 2042 Park Ave., Orange Park. Everything is handmade or homegrown. Live entertainment, kids’ activities and food are featured. 264-2635. townoforangepark.com

ST. JOHNS RIVER FARMERS MARKET
Local produce, arts and crafts 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every Sat. at Alpine Groves Park, 2060 S.R. 13, Switzerland. 347-8900.

FARMERS MARKET OF SAN MARCO
Fresh local and regional produce is offered 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. every Sat. at 1620 Naldo Ave., Swaim Memorial United Methodist Church parking lot, San Marco. Family fun day is the third Sat. 607-9935.

ANCIENT OAKS ARTS & FARMERS MARKET
An open-air farmers market, held noon-4 p.m. March 24 and every other Sun. at Mandarin Community Club, 12447 Mandarin Rd. 607-9935.

POLITICS, BUSINESS, ACTIVISM

SOUTHSIDE BUSINESS MEN’S CLUB
The Youth Achievers Program luncheon is held 11:30 a.m. March 20 at San Jose Country Club, 7529 San Jose Blvd., Mandarin. Admission is $20 for members, with lunch; $25 for nonmembers, with lunch. Jerry Mallot appears March 27. 396-5559.

CLAY CHAMBER U
A luncheon/workshop is held 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. March 20 at Fleming Island Plantation’s Golf Club, 2260 Town Center Blvd., Fleming Island. Bob Myers is the featured speaker. Admission is $15 for members, $20 for nonmembers. 264-2651. claychamber.com

JACKSONVILLE JOURNEY
The oversight committee of this crime-fighting initiative meets 4 p.m. March 21 in Eighth Floor Conference Room 851, Ball Building, 214 N. Hogan St., Jacksonville. 630-7306. coj.net

BOOKS & WRITING

RONA RECOMMENDS
The BookMark and Jacksonville NOW chapter present the 11th annual Women’s History Month celebration 6:30 p.m. March 20 at The BookMark, 220 First St., Neptune Beach. The fourth annual “Rona Recommends” is held 7 p.m. Rona Brinlee discusses books by/and or about women. 241-9026.

BLACK CAKE & SHERRY WITH EMILY DICKINSON
Sinda Nichols portrays the reclusive poet 4 p.m. March 27 at Book Loft, 214 Centre St., Fernandina Beach. Tickets are $30; $20 for Amelia Island Book Festival members. 261-8991.

HARLAN COBEN
New York Times bestselling author Coben talks about and signs copies of his new book, “Six Years,” 7 p.m. March 23 at The BookMark, 220 First St., Neptune Beach. 241-9026.

LINDA GREENLAW
Bestselling author Greenlaw talks about and signs copies of her new book, “Lifesaving Lessons: Notes from an Accidental Mother,” 7 p.m. March 25 at The BookMark, 220 First St., Neptune Beach. 241-9026.

UPCOMING

JAX BEER WEEK April 1-6, Jax Urban Core
ROCK OF AGES April 2, T-U Center
DISNEY ON ICE: DARE TO DREAM
April 4, Veterans Memorial Center
MIKE EPPS April 12, T-U Center
GUNS-N-HOSES April 13, Veterans Memorial Arena
12TH ANNUAL BUTTERFLY FESTIVAL
April 27, Tree Hill Nature Center
ISLE OF EIGHT FLAGS SHRIMP FESTIVAL
May 3-5, Fernandina Beach
KEVIN JAMES June 9, The Florida Theatre
GREAT SOUTHERN TAILGATE COOK-OFF
Aug. 23 & 24, Amelia Island

COMEDY

JOSH BLUE
Blue, who has cerebral palsy and make sit part of his humor, appears 8 p.m. March 21, and 8 and 10 p.m. March 22 and 23 at The Comedy Zone, 3130 Hartley Road (in Ramada Inn), Mandarin. Tickets range from $18-$25. Comedy Zone All Stars 8 p.m. March 20. Hypnotist Rich Guzzi is in 8 p.m. March 26, 27 and 28., 8 and 10 p.m. March 29 and 30. 292-4242. comedyzone.com
COMEDY CLUB OF JACKSONVILLE
Eddie Brill appears 8:34 p.m. March 21, 8:04 p.m. and 10:18 p.m. March 22 and 23 at the new club, 11000 Beach Blvd., Ste. 8, Southside. Tickets range from $6-$25. 646-4277. jacksonvillecomedy.com
THE GYPSY COMEDY CLUB
Luke Francis and Dougie Almeida appear 8:30 p.m. March 22 and 23 at 828 Anastasia Blvd., St. Augustine. Tickets are $10 and $12. 461-8843.
MAD COWFORD
Mad Cowford Improv performs 8:15 p.m. every Fri. and Sat. at Northstar Substation, 119 E. Bay St., Downtown. Admission is $5. 860-5451.
THREE LAYERS COFFEEHOUSE
Brian Foley hosts various comedians 7-8 p.m. every Sun. at Three Layers Café, 1602 Walnut St., Springfield. 355-9791.
SQUARE ONE STANDUP
Moses West and Herman Nazworth host standup and spoken word 9 p.m. every Tue. at Square One, 1974 San Marco Blvd., San Marco. 306-9004.

NATURE, SPORTS, OUTDOORS

TALBOT ISLANDS
A park ranger discusses the different types of shark teeth that can be found on the area’s beaches 2 p.m. March 23 at Ribault Club, Ft. George Island Cultural State Park, 11241 Ft. George Road. Free. 251-2320. floridastateparks.org/littletalbotisland
FAMILY SEINING ACTIVITY
Pull a seine net through Guana Lake, collecting fish, crabs and more, and learn about the animals’ roles in the habitat, 8:30-10:30 a.m. March 23 at Guana Dam Recreational Area, A1A South, Ponte Vedra. All needed gear is provided. Free with paid entrance. 823-4500. gtmnerr.org
DINOTREK AT THE ZOO
The new exhibit is open at Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens, 370 Zoo Parkway, Jacksonville. Lifelike animatronic “dinosaur” creatures are featured. Admission is $3 for members, $3.50 for non-members, in addition to Zoo admission. Zoo hours are extended until 6 p.m. weekends and holidays through Labor Day. 757-4463. jacksonvillezoo.org

KIDS

BREAKFAST WITH THE EASTER BUNNY
Kids can decorate cookies and snap a photo with the bunny of the hour 9-11 a.m. .March 23 at Winn-Dixie, 290 Solana Rd., Ponte Vedra. 543-8668.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY
The Jacksonville Chapter of the FNPS, Ixia, gets together 6:30 p.m. March 21 at Regency Square Library, 9900 Regency Square Blvd., Jacksonville. Landscape architect Laurie Sheldon discusses “Creating Habitat for Pollinators with Native Plants.” Admission is free. 655-2550. ixia.fnpschapters.org
LGBT WORSHIP SERVICES
Services are held 10:30 a.m. every Sun. at First Coast Metropolitan Community Church, 2915 C.R. 214, St. Augustine. 824-2802.
OLD TIME JAM
Mountain-type folk music is played 7 p.m. every Tue. at Underbelly, 113 E. Bay St., Downtown. Open to players of all skill levels. Admission is free. facebook.com/JacksonvilleOldTimeJam

CLASSES & GROUPS

CELEBRATE RECOVERY
This Christ-centered recovery program meets 6-8 p.m. every Thur. at 555 Stockton St., Riverside. 476-0278.
MEMORY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM
Learn simple strategies that focus on cognitive stimulation, education and socialization. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. every Tue. and Thur. at Christ Episcopal Church, 400 San Juan Drive, Ponte Vedra Beach. 729-9535.
DEBTORS ANONYMOUS
12-Step meetings are held 7 p.m. every Thur. at Christian Family Chapel, Bldg. D, 10365 Old St. Augustine Rd., Jacksonville. 269-8010.
COMBAT MARTIAL ARTS
Six-week martial arts classes for men and women are offered 7-8 p.m. every Tue. and Thur. at 4083 Sunbeam Road, Southside. The fee is $40 a month, which includes access to fitness center. 343-6298.
YOUNG SURVIVORS
Young Survivors Group (those diagnosed with cancer at a young age) meets 7-8:30 p.m. on the first and third Mon. each month at the Women’s Center of Jacksonville, 5644 Colcord Ave. 722-3000 ext. 224 or email mail@womenscenterofjax.org
FREE YOGA ON THE RIVER
Karen Roumillat, RYT, teaches free gentle yoga 9 a.m. on the fourth Sun. of the month on the boardwalk, weather permitting, at Walter Jones Historical Park, 11964 Mandarin Road, Mandarin. Bring a mat. 287-0452.
MARINE VETERANS GROUP
The Oldest City Detachment 383 gathers 7 p.m. on first Tue. of the month at Elks Lodge 829, 1420 A1A S., St. Augustine. 461-0139. mclfl383.org
VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA
The Duval County Chapter No. 1046 gathers 7 p.m. the first Wed. of every month at the Elks Lodge, 1855 West Road, Southside. 419-8821.
NAMI SUPPORT GROUP
National Alliance on Mental Illness meets 7-8:30 p.m. every first and third Thur. each month at Ortega United Methodist Church, 4807 Roosevelt Blvd., Westside. Admission is free. 389-5556. ortegaumc.org
NICOTINE ANONYMOUS (NIC-A)
Want to quit smoking or using other forms of nicotine? Nic-A is free, and you don’t have to quit to attend the meetings, held 6:30 p.m. every Wed. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1415 S. McDuff Ave., Westside. 404-6044. nicotineanonymous.org
Q-GROUP ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
This free, open discussion is held 5:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri. at Quality Life Center, 11265 Alumni Way, Southside. alcoholicanonymous.org
NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS
Do you have a drug problem? Maybe they can help. 358-6262, 723-5683. serenitycoastna.org, firstcoastna.org
NAR-A-NON
This group meets 8 p.m. every Tue. and Thur. at 4172 Shirley Ave., Avondale. 945-7168.
DEPRESSION AND BIPOLAR SUPPORT ALLIANCE
The group meets 6-7:30 p.m. every Tue. at Baptist Medical Center, 800 Prudential Drive, Downtown. 322-4040.