FOLIOEVENTS
BUTTERFLY FESTIVAL
The 13th annual butterfly festival is held 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 27 at Tree Hill Nature Center, 7152 Lone Star Road, Arlington. Crafts, food and drink, live music, a butterfly release, and kids’ activities are featured. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and military; $3 for ages 3-17; free for kids younger than 3. 724-4646.
MOSH AFTER DARK
Dr. Thomas Spelsberg, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, discusses “Racial Myths: What Does Our DNA Say?” 6 p.m. April 24 at Museum of Science & History, 1025 Museum Circle, Southbank. Free. 396-6674 ext. 226.
CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION CONFERENCE
The 20th annual convention is held 8 a.m.-5 p.m. April 24 at Southpoint Marriott, 4670 Salisbury Road, Southside. Admission is $100; $50 for luncheon only. exchangeclubfamilycenter.com
WORKFORCE SUMMIT
First Coast Workforce Development Inc. holds this summit 11 a.m.-3 p.m. April 25 at University of North Florida’s University Center, 1 UNF Dr., Southside. Del Boyette, of Boyette Strategic Advisors, is the featured speaker. A panel discusses “The New Future in Education and Workforce Development.” jaxusa.org
PINT NIGHT
This benefit is held 6-9 p.m. April 25 at Black Creek Outfitters, 10051 Skinner Lake Drive, Southside. Brew from Green Room Brewing. Greg Bleakney, who rode from Alaska to South America, is the featured speaker. Proceeds benefit Sierra Club. 645-7003. blackcreekoutfitters.com
JACKSONVILLE SCIENCE FESTIVAL
The Foundation Academy presents the inaugural festival 9 a.m.-2 p.m. April 25-26 at the school, 3675 San Pablo Road S., Intracoastal, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 27 at FSCJ South Campus, 11901 Beach Blvd., Southside. More than 40 dynamic, interactive booths, with the theme S.T.E.A.M (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math), are featured. On Friday, Fletcher High School’s marching band performs and Band Director Maerkl discusses the science of a marching band. On Saturday, activities include a QR scavenger hunt, 3D printing, a Kids Zone and the MOSH stage show “Big Science.” The Jacksonville Zoo and Jacksonville Public Libraries offer additional avenues of scientific resources and wonder. jacksonvillesciencefestival.com
R.A.P. TOUR OF HOMES
The Riverside Avondale Preservation Society holds its 39th annual Tour of Homes 10 a.m.-5 p.m. April 27 and noon-5 p.m. April 28, featuring 12 residences on display, in the Riverside Avondale Historic District. Activities include a free bike ride, an antique car exhibit and a craftsman showcase. Tickets are $15 in advance; $20 on tour days. For details, call 389-2449. riversideavondale.org
RIVER CITY CHALLENGE & ECOFEST
This free second annual event, held 10 a.m.-7 p.m. April 27 at Friendship Park & Fountain, 1015 Museum Circle, Southbank, features a kayak/SUP paddling race, exhibit booths, prizes, workshops, an eco-fest and film festival. Live music by Larry Kreel & Natural Bridge, Sol Driven Train, Dangermuffin, Ben Prestage and The Mobros, a kids’ zone, food trucks and brew from SweetWater Brewing Company are available. Proceeds benefit North Florida Land Trust and St. Johns Riverkeeper. rivercitychallenge
AN EVENING OF TASTE
The 10th annual benefit is held 5:30-8 p.m. April 28 at Matthew’s, 2107 Hendricks Ave., San Marco. Chef Matthew Medure offers his specialties, and a silent auction and live music by The Murray Goff Connection are featured. Free valet parking. Tickets are $150; proceeds benefit Children’s Home Society of Florida Buckner Division. 493-7739. chsfl.org/eveningoftaste
LET’S LOOP JACKSONVILLE
The Hearing Loss Association of Jacksonville holds this event 6:30 p.m. April 29 at Nemours Children’s Clinic, 807 Childrens Way, 10th floor, San Marco, for hearing aid and cochlear implant users who want to hear better and anyone who wants to improve hearing accessibility. Dr. Juliette Sterkens, Au.D., a national hearing loop advocate, is the featured speaker. 778-2265. hla-jax.org
FARM TO TABLE
The Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach offers cooking classes, lunch & learns April 29-May 4, and holds a celebrity chef dinner 6 p.m. May 2 at Nocatee’s Crosswater Hall. A farm, food & art market is held 9 a.m.-1 p.m. May 4 at the Cultural Center. The events showcase fresh produce from local farmers, vendors selling organic and all-natural products and original art from artist-members, as well as area restaurants featuring cuisine based on locally grown, seasonal ingredients and prepared by local chefs. For dates, times, fees and other details, call 280-0614 or go to ccpvb.org
LIVING HISTORY DAYS
Fort Mose Historic State Park volunteers in period clothing offer a glimpse into the past at the site of the first, legally-sanctioned, free black community in the United States, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. April 27 at the park, 15 Fort Mose Trail, St. Augustine. Admission is $4 per vehicle or $2 for pedestrians or bicyclists. 823-2232. floridastateparks.org
MARCH FOR BABIES
The March of Dimes’ March For Babies is held 9 a.m. (8 a.m. registration) April 27 at EverBank Field, Downtown Jacksonville. Garrett on Acoustic performs 8 a.m. To register, visit marchforbabies.org garretonacoustic.com
COSMIC CONCERTS
Laser shows are Laser U2 7 p.m., Laser Beatles 8 p.m., Laser Led Zeppelin 9 p.m., Laser Queen 10 p.m. April 26 in Bryan-Gooding Planetarium, Museum of Science & History, 1025 Museum Circle, Southbank. Online tickets are $5. 396-7062. moshplanetarium.org
RIVERSIDE ARTS MARKET
LaVilla School Jazz Band, 10:30 a.m.; Robert Lester Folsom, 11:45 a.m.-2:15 p.m.; LaVilla School Chamber Orchestra, 2:45-3:30 p.m. April 27 at the market, under the Fuller Warren Bridge at Riverside Avenue, Downtown. Local and regional art and a farmers market are also featured 10 a.m.-4 p.m. every Sat. Free. 554-6865. riversideartsmarket.com
FERNANDINA BEACH MARKETPLACE
Fresh baked goods, organic vegetables and jellies, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. every Sat. at North Seventh Street, Fernandina Beach, 557-8229, fernandinabeachmarketplace.com
AMELIA FARMERS MARKET
Farm-direct fruits and vegetables 9 a.m.-1 p.m. every Sat. at The Shops of Omni Amelia Island Plantation, 6800 First Coast Highway, Amelia Island, ameliafarmersmarket.com.
ST. JOHNS RIVER FARMERS MARKET
Local produce, arts and crafts 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every Sat. at Alpine Groves Park, 2060 S.R. 13, Switzerland. 347-8900.
FARMERS MARKET OF SAN MARCO
Fresh local and regional produce, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. every Sat. at 1620 Naldo Ave., Swaim Memorial United Methodist Church parking lot, San Marco. Family fun day is the third Sat. 607-9935.
ANCIENT OAKS ARTS & FARMERS MARKET
An open-air farmers market, held noon-4 p.m. every other Sun. at Mandarin Community Club, 12447 Mandarin Rd. 607-9935.
POLITICS, BUSINESS
MONEYWI$E WEEK
The St. Johns County Public Library System and the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants present the second annual Moneywi$e Week financial planning workshops for adults 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; on May 1 at Ponte Vedra Branch Library, 101 Library Blvd., Ponte Vedra, 827-6950; May 2 at Southeast Branch, 6670 U.S. 1 S., St. Augustine, 827-6900; and on May 4 at Bartram Trail Branch, 60 Davis Pond Blvd., Fruit Cove, 827-6960. sjcpls.org
SMALL BUSINESS WEEK CELEBRATION
University of North Florida’s Small Business Development Center celebrates the 21st annual Small Business Week with a luncheon 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. April 30 at UNF’s Herbert University Center, 12000 Alumni Dr., Southside. Author Dan Heath is the featured speaker. Tickets are $45. 620-2476. sbdc.unf.edu
SOUTHSIDE BUSINESS MEN’S CLUB
The organization meets 11:30 a.m. April 24 at San Jose Country Club, 7529 San Jose Blvd., Mandarin. Admission is $20 for members, with lunch; $25 for nonmembers, with lunch. 396-5559.
JACKSONVILLE JOURNEY
The oversight committee of this crime-fighting initiative meets at 4 p.m. May 16 in the Eighth Floor Conference Room 851, Ball Building, 214 N. Hogan St., Jacksonville. 630-7306. coj.net
BOOKS & WRITING
MEET THE AUTHORS
FWA Clay County Writers presents local authors Ron Whittington “Doppelganged,” Lillian Kirenan Brown, “Banned in Boston: Memoirs of a Stripper,” Jack Orth, “The Memory Bank,” and Joyce Davidson, “Olivia’s favorites,” 6:30-8:30 p.m. April 25 at Black Horse Winery, 420 Kingsley Ave., Orange Park. 644-8480.
J.J. BRITO
Local author, surfer and world traveler Brito discusses his book, “The World’s Richest Busboy,” 2 p.m. April 27 at Anastasia Island Branch Library, 124 Seagrove Main St., St. Augustine. 209-3730. sjcpls.org
VIVA! BOOKS FESTIVAL
The Amelia Island Book Festival is held April 26, 27 and 28 at venues throughout Nassau County, Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach. How to Get Published in the 21st Century is 9 a.m.-4 p.m. April 26 at FSCJ Cook Nassau Campus, including Patricia Charpentier, Ron Whittington, Drew Sappington, Kevin Shipp, Cynn Chadwick. Tickets are $85. 624-1665. Livres et L’art Soirée, 5-7 p.m. April 26 at Island Art Association; $40 for members, $50 for nonmembers. Readers festival, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 27 at Rec Center, free, features local, bestselling and nationally known authors, book signings, publishers and exhibitors, readings, workshops, panel discussions, storytellers and hands-on projects in Kids Fun Zone. Bestselling author Debbie Macomber appears at A Garden Party with Debbie on April 27. Macomber’s books “Starting Now” of “Blossom Street” series headline the Festival. Tickets for lunch, keynote address and free book are $45 for members, $55 for nonmembers; for book and address, $25 for members, $35 for nonmembers. ameliaislandbookfestival.com
ANCIENT CITY POETS
National Poetry Month is marked 3-5 p.m. April 28 at The Gallery Café, 1974 U.S. 1 S., St. Augustine. Folks read or perform lyrics written by Bob Dylan. Free. 825-9944.
CARYN BETH ROSENTHAL
Rosenthal, co-author of “Dumped: A Grown-Up Guide to Getting Off Your Ass and Over Your Ex in Record Time,” signs copies 7 p.m. April 29 at The BookMark, 220 First St., Neptune Beach. 241-9026.
COMEDY
ROB SCHNEIDER
Former gigolo Schneider appears 8 p.m. April 25 and 8 and 10 p.m. April 26 and 27 at The Comedy Zone, 3130 Hartley Road (in Ramada Inn), Mandarin. Tickets are $30 and $35. Comedy Zone Showcase 8 p.m. April 24 and 30. 292-4242. comedyzone.com
COMEDY CLUB OF JACKSONVILLE
Brian McKim appears 8:04 p.m. April 25 and 26 and 8:04 and 10:18 p.m. April 27 at the new club, 11000 Beach Blvd., Ste. 8, Southside. Tickets range from $6-$25. 646-4277. jacksonvillecomedy.com
THE GYPSY COMEDY CLUB
Roz McCoy and Billy B appear 8:30 p.m. April 26 and 27 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.
NATURE, SPORTS, OUTDOORS
SUNSET/MOONRISE
Experience sunset and moonrise April 25 at St. Augustine Lighthouse, 81 Lighthouse Ave., St. Augustine. A champagne toast, hors d’oeuvres and a discussion of St. Augustine Light Station’s history are featured. Admission is $25 for non-museum members; $20 for members. Advance ticket purchase required. 829-0745. staugustinelighthouse.org
WOMEN’S 5K MUD RUN
This “filthy 5K festival” is held 9 a.m. April 27 at Diamond D Training & Boarding, 5901 Solomon Rd., Westside. The course is muddy-obstacle. A fitness farmers market, paparazzi and an afterparty are featured. Proceed benefit leukemia and lymphoma research. lozilu.com
PLANT SALE & GARDEN FESTIVAL
The annual sale and festival is held 8 a.m.-2 p.m. April 27 at Mandarin Garden Club, 2892 Loretto Road, Mandarin. Local herb expert Linda Cunningham and Duval County Master Gardeners are on hand. Free admission. 268-1192.
BASS FISHING TOURNAMENT
The 10th annual tournament and family fun day is held 11 a.m.-5 p.m. April 27 at City Dock, downtown Palatka. A kids’ casting contest, fish tank fishing, photo ops with alligators, live music, arts & crafts, raffles and a Humane Society adoption tent are featured. Admission is free. Food and drink are available. The actual bass fishing tourney starts at safe light; weigh-in is 3 p.m. Proceeds benefit Haven Hospice. nefarbass.org
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. April 27 and every fourth Sat. at GTM Research Reserve Environmental Education Center, 505 Guana River Rd., Ponte Vedra. Free with paid entrance. 823-4500. gtmnerr.org
TOUR DE FORTS
The North Florida Bicycle Club holds this 22nd annual ride, 23-100 miles, April 28 starting at Bartram Trail High School, 7399 Longleaf Pine Parkway, St. Johns, on country and coastal roads and along the St. Johns River. Oceanside and riverside rest stops. Pre-ride snacks provided, a post-ride lunch, mechanical support, motorcycle escorts and roving SAGs. Cost is $25 for members, $40 for non-members. 287-6204. nfbc.us
TALBOT ISLANDS
Bring your coffee and camera and watch the sunrise with a park ranger 6 a.m. April 27 at Ribault Club, Ft. George Island Cultural State Park, 11241 Ft. George Road. Free. 251-2320. floridastateparks.org/littletalbotisland
JACKSONVILLE SUNS
The Suns wrap up a homestand against the Chattanooga Lookouts, 1:05 p.m. April 24 (Businessperson’s Special) at newly renamed Bragan Field, 301 Randolph Blvd., Jacksonville. Games continue against the Mobile BayBears 7:05 p.m. April 25 (Thursday Throwdown), 7:05 p.m. April 26 (Scout Campout, Fireworks), 7:05 p.m. April 27 (Blood Drive, Kids Run the Bases) and 11:05 a.m. April 29 (Celebration of reading Day). Come on out and cheer for your hometown team! Tickets are $7.50-$25.50. 358-2846. jaxsuns.com
DINOTREK AND TIGERS
New exhibits are open at Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens, 370 Zoo Parkway. Lifelike animatronic “dinosaur” creatures are featured. Admission is $3 for members, $3.50 for nonmembers, plus Zoo admission. Zoo hours are extended until 6 p.m. weekends and holidays through Labor Day. Check out the new Land of the Tigers, too! 757-4463. jacksonvillezoo.org
UPCOMING
ISLE OF EIGHT FLAGS SHRIMP FESTIVAL
May 3-5, Fernandina Beach
THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP
May 6-12, TPC Sawgrass
ST. JOHNS SUP RUSH
June 8, Rudder Club of Jacksonville
KEVIN JAMES
June 9, The Florida Theatre
COMMUNITY EVENTS
FRIDAY NIGHT DRUM CIRCLE
A drum circle is held 5:30 p.m. every Friday all summer at 18th Avenue North, Jax Beach, on the beach. meetup.com/jaxdrumcircle
GEARS FOR YEARS
Keep It Together Florida Inc. and St Johns County present this program, which collects bicycles for kids in need. They need donations — children’s bikes, spare parts, tire tubes, chains seats, handle bar grips, bike locks and new helmets — and volunteers to help refurbish bikes and help at the June giveaway. gearsforyears.org
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
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.
CLASSES & GROUPS
OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS
Do you have a problem with compulsive overeating or food addiction? Overeaters Anonymous hosts a Big Book Oasis Weekend May 3-4 at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 4087 Hendricks Ave., San Marco. 477-6313. Information and registration online. oanfi.org
SPIRITUAL DISCUSSSION
“Have You Had a Spiritual Experience?” is discussed 7-8:30 p.m. April 25 at Pablo Creek Library, 13295 Beach Blvd., Southside. Free CD provided. 725-7760. Meetup.com/Jacksonville-Florida-Eckankar
BEACH FITNESS
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Anastasia State Park and Friends of Anastasia offer a Beach Fitness Workshop 8-9:30 a.m. every Sat., through May 25 at Anastasia State Park, 1340A A1A S., St. Augustine. Fee is $60. To register, call 461-2035. floridastateparks.org
SENIORS DANCE
Seniors dance to a 3-piece band 7:30 p.m. every Mon. at Orange Park Senior Citizens Center, 414 Stowe Ave., Orange Park. $5 donation. 260-8061.
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
Follow FOLIO!