Briana Pereira
Words by Briana Pereira
As the wonderful season of spring quickly approaches and the weather continues to grow warmer, I know I’m itching for some outdoor activities to occupy my free time. Here’s a list of some of the events I’m most looking forward to in the coming months.
Clay County Strawberry Fest
March 2-March 3
Held at the Clay County Fairgrounds, the eighth annual Clay County Strawberry Fest is one of this list’s more family-friendly events. In addition to delicious, fresh strawberries, participants can enjoy beer and wine, and other delicious food. The festival also has arts and crafts, pony rides with a free petting zoo, and live entertainment. Start the spring season off right with some fresh fruit and family fun.
claycountyfest.com
St. Augustine Celtic Music & Heritage Festival
March 8 – March 10
Taking place in what is America’s Oldest City is the St. Augustine Celtic Music & Heritage Festival. The festival showcases some of the best international and U.S. Celtic bands, highland games, a parade, whiskey tasting, Celtic food and much more.
celticstaugustine.com
Riverwalk Park Seafood Fest
March 9
Spanning the Southern intracoastal in Daytona Beach is Riverwalk Park, site of the Riverwalk Park Seafood Fest. Entry to the event is free, and there are plenty of seafood (and non-seafood) items available for purchase from local vendors. The event is family friendly, and there is a playground and splash pad that kids can use during the day.
eventbrite.com
Spring Break Reggae Fest
March 29-30
In the beautiful Ponce Inlet is Jerry’s Tiki Bar, which hosts its 13th Annual Spring Break Reggae Festival. The festival includes headliners such as BALLYHOO! and Alex Marley. On the 30th, the event will host a beach clean up starting at 11 a.m. There will be vendors and jams for everyone to enjoy.
eventbrite.com
River Jams
April 4, 11, 18 and 25
Now, River Jams might just be the hottest event(s) of the season! With free shows happening in Downtown every Thursday of the month, River Jams not something you’re going to want to miss. In addition to national headliners and local openers, the events will have onsite food trucks and bars showcasing local craft beers and spirits.
dtjax.com/jax-river-jams
April 4: Country singer Rodney Atkins headlines with Levon, Jackie Stranger and Rambler Kane opening
April 11: Alternative, electro-pop musician Bishop Briggs headlines with Future Joy, Kenzie’s Place, Kale That Raps and Coyboi opening
April 18: Hip-hop Duo EARTHGANG headlines with L.O.V.E. Culture ft. Ebonique, Wahid and Mr. Al Pete; Jeff Skigh ft. BayBro; Figga Da Kid, King Ca$hes and Twicee; and Full Plate Fam opening
April 25: Pop singer-songwriter, Andy Grammer headlines with Let’s Ride Brass Band, The Apostle Floyd Encounter and Madison Hughes opening
I am personally super excited for all of these artists (although ’tween me is shaking over Andy Grammer — IDK about you) and am definitely keeping them in my Spotify shuffle to make sure I’m set come April. DTJax on Spotify is so real for making a Jax River Jams 2024 playlist, so I don’t have to hunt for every single artist: All of their top hits are already in one place.
I know that my Folio besties, and I will definitely be spending our Thursday evenings at the River Jams enjoying the music and taking in the spring nights with a bev or two in hand. How about you?
Clay County Agricultural Fair
April 4-14
Since 1987, the Clay County Agricultural Fair has provided Northeast Florida with an event that is both fun and educational for families. The event runs for 11 days and has live performers daily, rides, fair food favorites, vendors, contents and a petting zoo. There is plenty for everyone at the fair, and it’s the perfect event for any age, day or night.
claycountyfair.org
Springing the Blues
April 5-7
The Seawalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach is home to the 32nd Annual Springing in the Blues Festival. The festival is a free, outdoor blues music festival that celebrates one of America’s most popular indigenous musical forms and features national, regional and local blues artists on not just one, but two stages.
springingtheblues.com
Jacksonville Brunch Festival
April 7
Now to say I’m excited for this would be the understatement of the year. As for myself, I am a certified mimosa lover. And for my friends who just can’t do the bubbles, don’t even worry about it, they got you covered with the bloody marys too. Everyone loves a Sunday brunch moment, and lucky for you (and me) April 7 just so happens to be, yeah you guessed it, a Sunday! So text your friends and get your tickets because it’s time to grub on some delicious brunch classics while enjoying live music. I heard they’re even going to have silent disco in the evening for my dancing queens (and kings). jaxbrunchfest.com
Fernandina Beach Songwriters Festival
April 11-14
With over 17 songwriters performing at the 2024 Songwriters Festival over three days, this is guaranteed to be one of the hottest events of the weekend. The list of artists are available on their website, and they have tickets available for purchase for more intimate shows at local venues in addition to the free performances throughout the weekend.
fernandinasongwriterfestival.com
Daytona Beach Arts Fest
April 13-14
Focused on presenting an art immersive experience to the public, the Daytona Beach Art Fest brings local art initiatives together with the community. The festival will feature exhibitions, local music, live painting competitions and more. It’s the perfect way to relax along the Riverfront.
daytonabeachartsfest.com
Riverwalk Park Food Truck Fest
April 20
A little bit south of Daytona Beach, might be a little bit of a drive for some, but it’s definitely something that all of my foodies will want to be at. The event will have over 15 vendors cooking up both sweet and savory dishes, YUM! The park has a splash pad and playground perfect for the kiddos. The event will also have live music for everyone to enjoy.
eventbrite.com
Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Fest Fernandina Beach
May 3-5
If you love seafood, this weekend definitely has your name written all over it. In addition to the array of fresh shrimp and other seafood dishes at the event, the festival’s fine arts and crafts show highlights over 300 award-winning craftspeople and artists. There are also antiques and collectibles booths, live music, contests and an iconic festival parade for everyone to enjoy. shrimpfestival.com
Duval de Mayo
May 5
This is for all of my Tacos & Tequila fest lovers (it’s me; I’m the Taco & Tequila Fest lover). But seriously, what better way can you think to spend Cinco de Drinko than at a new festival showcasing the tastiest tacos in town and authentic Mexican cuisine all from local vendors. There will also be craft cocktails (margs being the specialty, of course) and beer, live music, live muralists and a green area for people to lounge and enjoy the vibes of the festival. duvaldemayo.com
Welcome to Rockville
May 9-12
With five stages this year and 150 bands featured over the course of four days, Welcome to Rockville is not something you’re going to want to miss. If you are into the heavy metal and rock scene, I highly recommend you find your people and enjoy all that this festival, taking place in Daytona Beach, has to offer. In addition to the hundreds of performers, the festival also has amusement rides, a giant water slide, art, and of course delectable food and drink selections. welcometorockville.com
Jacksonville Jazz Festival
May 23-26
This is one festival that will fill the streets of Jax with sweet sounds and much more. For over 40 years, the Jacksonville Jazz Festival has united music enthusiasts for a weekend full of food, drinks, special events, jams and community.
jacksonvillejazzfest.com
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