Weekend Guide 10+ Things to do in Jax this Weekend

  • by Catherine Tortorici
  • November 23, 2021

This week brings many fun activities. Celebrate Thanksgiving activities and then check out all of the holiday events. The Jaguars and Icemen are having games this week as well. Check out some tasty restaurants such as River and Post, Prospect 5 Points, and more! There are also some concerts and other events to see! Read below to make plans for this week and beyond.

 

River and Post

Check out one of our favorite restaurants in JAX featuring seafood, steaks, craft cocktails and a rooftop bar that overlooks the city!

 

 

JAX Craft Beer Thanksgiving Party

We don't always day-drink on a Wednesday, but when we do...it's Thanksgiving Eve! Kick off your holiday weekend with great beer and live music! We open at 2pm.

Live music featuring special guest-Kat Hall starts at 6pm! Weekly Poker Night starts at 6:30!  

Get Information 

 

 

Wicked Barley Pre-Thanksgiving

When: 11/24

 Let's eat, drink and be thankful! Please join us on Wednesday, November 24th for a Pre-Thanksgiving celebration. We're kicking off Thanksgiving Eve with party featuring holiday inspired beer releases, beer to-go specials and live music.

Get Information

 

 

Thanksgiving Half Marathon & 5K

The 5K will start on San Jose Blvd. from the main starting line at 6:50 AM. Please line up behind the pace flag for the pace you plan to run for the entire race.

The Half-Marathon will also start on San Jose Blvd. from the main starting line at 7:00 AM. Once the 5K has cleared the starting line, please line up behind the pace flag for the pace you plan to run for the entire race.

The Turkey Trot starts on Pall Mall near the corner of San Jose at 6:50 AM heading west on Pall Mall. It will start at the same time as the 5K at 6:50 AM.

Get Tickets and Information

  

 

Thanksgiving Night at Myth The Best Thanksgiving Event In The City | Cool Runnings | Nephi |CCG | DJ Nate If you don't get there early, you might not get in! On Thanksgiving Night, Myth is will be lit but you have to be GROWN to attend!!! Cool Runnings, Crown Capital, DJ Nate, and Nephi are coming together to bring you the best Thanksgiving party in the city!!! Both rooms and the patio will be open!!! Get your tables now!!! 904 535 0035
RSVP For Discounted Admission Before 11pm
Relaxed Dresscode
21 and Up
Get Information and Tickets

 

Black Violin Give Thanks Tour

Where: Florida Theatre

When: 11/30 Composed of classically trained violist and violinist Wil B. and Kev Marcus, Black Violin combines their classical training and and hip-hop influences to create a distinctive multi-genre sound often described as “classical boom.” With an emphasis on educational outreach, Black Violin has performed for more than 100,000 students in North America and Europe in the past year. Joining them onstage are DJ SPS and drummer Nat Stokes. The band’s Give Thanks Tour employs playful story telling, whimsical string melodies, and hard-hitting beats to highlight the unifying pillars of the holiday season: Giving back to others and being wholeheartedly thankful. Fans can expect to dance along to hits from the band’s Grammy Nominated Take the Stairs album as well as holiday favorites from their Give Thanks album.   Get Tickets and Information  

 

 FRIENDS! The Musical Parody

When: 12/1

Where: Florida Theatre

FRIENDS! The Musical Parody is the comedic musical that lovingly pokes fun at TV’s Friends, celebrating the adventures of your favorite group of 20-something friends as they navigate the pitfalls of work, life, and love in 1990s Manhattan.

It’s a typical day at New York’s only coffee shop, Central Perk, until an unexpected runaway bride enters the picture and kicks the whole gang out of second gear! The new musical recreates our favorite moments from all 10 years of Friends through an uncensored, fast-paced, music-filled romp.

Recommended for mature audiences.

 Get Tickets and Information

  

 

Night of Lights St. Augustine

When:  November 20, 2021, to January 31, 2022,

The 28th Annual Nights of Lights dazzles with more than 3 million lights adorning every corner of the historic district for two months.

This award-winning holiday lights display runs from November 20, 2021, to January 31, 2022, in historic St. Augustine. During the seasonal display, businesses downtown stay open later, letting you dine in view of the lights and browse the shops of the decorated buildings.

  

Dazzling Nights

When: 11/19-1/9/22

Where: Jacksonville Arboretum

Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens will transform into a magical wonderland this holiday season featuring a million dazzling lights, shining forests, magical displays and beautiful sculptures during “Dazzling Nights™”, a family friendly adventure that gives guests the opportunity to embark on a three-quarter-mile interactive holiday experience taking place November 19-January 9, 2022.

Get Tickets and Information

 

Totally Lit! A Hanukkah Celebration at James Weldon Johnson

When: 11/29

Join James Weldon Johnson Park, Gili’s Kitchen, Catering and Bakery and the Jacksonville Jewish Center for our annual celebration of Hanukkah and its related traditions. We will enjoy live music, storytelling and crafts, dreidel games and more! The Menorah lighting ceremony will be at approximately 6:30pm. Gili’s Kitchen will have food and sufganiot available for purchase. Beer and Kosher Wine available for purchase as well.

Get Information

 

Night of Pints

When: 11/19/21- 1/21/22

Coinciding with St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights, local St. Augustine breweries are hosting Nights of Pints with a passport for craft beer lovers and stops at local breweries.

   

Lighthouse Illuminations

When: 11/21/21 - 1/22/22

Discover twenty-one uniquely decorated trees, each with a distinct theme during this special after hours event. Explore the Keepers’ house and grounds illuminated by lights and garlands, and enjoy a sensational view of the lighthouse’s night mark. Please reference the website for availability. Tickets are $19.95 for adults, $17.95 for children ages 12 and under.

 

Deck the Chairs

When: opening 11/24

Jacksonville Beach Deck The Chairs (JBDTC) is an annual lighted sculptural exhibit using lifeguard chairs. Marking its seventh year in community service, JBDTC gathers community to decorate and display the Beaches lifeguard chairs during the month of December to promote local business, instill public pride, and share cultural diversity through creative expression. Free and open to the public, the light display aims to provide a wholesome and festive downtown during the holidays.  

Get Information

 

Light up the Beach!

When: 11/27-1/1

Enjoy colorful light displays along A1A Beach Boulevard and St. Johns County Ocean Pier Park as the St. Augustine Beach LIGHTS UP THE BEACH this 2021 holiday season. The event takes place each evening through January 1, 2022.

 

Festival of Trees at Lightner Museum

When: 11/29-12/2

Help light the way home with the Inaugural Festival of Trees presented by St. Francis Shelter at Lightner Museum. Enjoy an amazing display of theme decorated trees and wreaths for auction, holiday music, photos with Santa, and Letters to Santa’s Mailbox. All this while supporting local unhoused families, individuals, and youth. Festival of Trees is free and will be open to the public in the foyer of the Lightner Museum

Get Information

  



Luminary Night

When: 12/1

Visit the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum for a family friendly tradition during Nights of Lights from 6-9 p.m. with holiday crafts, visits with Santa, yuletide refreshments and live music. Admission is free. There is a suggested donation of a non-perishable food item. 81 Lighthouse Ave., St. Augustine 904-829-0745

   

Christmas at the Villa Zorayda Museum

When: see schedule

Join us this holiday season for a special Christmas experience at Villa Zorayda Museum The villa is decorated for the holidays with a spectacular Christmas tree and more than 100 candles throughout the museum.

Get Information

 

 

Christmas on the Farm at Sykes Family Farms

When: 11/26-12/18

Enjoy this ¾ miles drive thru light display at Sykes Family Farms, 5995 Brough Rd., Elkton. Fridays and Saturdays beginning at 6 p.m. from November 26-December 18. Admission is $15 per person on Fridays & Saturdays.

Get Information

 

UNF Sports 

UNF Men's Basketball vs Edward Waters 12/2 7PM

UNF Men's Basketball vs Austin Peay 12/11 2PM

Get Information

 

Prospect 5 Points

Prospect has happy hour from 3-6pm daily including $2 bottled beers, $3 wines, $5 well cocktails & $8 flat breads PLUS Brunch Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 11am-2pm!

They are open everyday for dinner (excluding Tuesday) & their address is 1521 Margaret Street! To make a reservation, call (904) 503-3430 or check out their menu.

Get Information

 Fast Eddy’s

 Fast Eddy’s, Jacksonville’s new Fast Casual Middle Eastern & American Restaurant is now open at 10915 Baymeadows Road (Just off I295)

The new spot serves Chaldean Iraqi inspired dishes as well as several popular American entrees (Everything we tried was delicious . Their unique blend of homemade spices and flavors set them apart from similar concepts. Their signature Spicy Chicken Curry, homemade Falafel, amazing Hummus and sizzling Grilled Tikka and Kabobs are hugely popular with their growing and dedicated customer base. Other popular items include their Signature Beef or Chicken Eddy pita wrap, 1/2 lb Star Spangled Burger and Derby Fillies(chicken or steak). They also have several Vegetarian and Gluten Free options and plan to add more. Fast Eddy’s food is inspired by their mixed cultural upbringing as first generation American boys. Their restaurant is inspired by the music they love and grew up with through the height of the 90’s grunge and metal era. It all comes together to create a unique fun and delicious dining experience that leaves you hungry for more.

Get Information   

Friday Night Picnic

Where: The Cummer

When: Fridays 5-9PM

Wind down and decompress as you relish in the beauty of the historic Cummer Gardens. Guests will enjoy al fresco dining with a picnic, and access to seating throughout the Museum’s 1.45 acre property or bring your own blanket.

Get Information and Tickets

 


St. Johns River Taxi Tours

St Johns River and Taxi Tours is a great way to spend your day or night. They have cruises for happy hour, dolphin lovers, and more. They even offer cruises for transportation to Jags games and Daily’s Place.

Get Tickets

 

Lucky Goat  

Everything they do is rooted around that basic concept. Located right on the corner of Kernan & Beach Blvd (12620 Beach Blvd), Their specialty coffee shop opened last year and is open 7 days a week 7am-6pm except Sunday’s 8am-6pm.

 

Simply Tasty Thai

Where: 2292 Mayport Rd

Voted BEST THAI RESTAURANT in Jax countless times and been serving the community for over 15 yrs! Nancy, their owner & chef has over 20 years experience in traditional Thai food. She has studied with the best chef’s in both Thai and Filipino cuisine and her Pad Thai and Curry are at the top of our favorites list in the 904! Stop in soon and give Nancy’s spot a try - You won’t be disappointed!

Get Information 

 

Le Dream Nails & Beauty Lounge

Pumpkin Spice  and you’ll be feeling very nice after the seasonal “Spice Spice Baby” pedicure at Le Dream Nails & Beauty Lounge! It’s the perfect fall indulgence to keep warm & cozy during this cool weather. ALL NOVEMBER get 10% OFF in celebration of Le Dream’s 1 year birthday on November 13th!! 

Get Tickets and Information

 

Riverside Arts Market

When: Saturdays 10-3

Where: 715 Riverside Ave

Enjoy local makers, artists, and farmers under the bridge. It’s free and pet friendly. Bring some friends and enjoy the market rain or shine.

Get Information

Jacksonville Icemen Games

Where: Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena

Hockey season is back! Check out the upcoming games at home.

Jacksonville Icemen vs Florida Everblades 11/24 7PM

 Jacksonville Icemen vs Florida Everblades 11/26 7PM

Jacksonville Icemen vs Florida Everblades 11/27 7PM

Jacksonville Icemen vs Orlando Solar Bears 12/1 7PM

Get Tickets and Information

 

UNTOLD STORIES: EBBS AND FLOWS

Where: Florida Theatre

When: 11/27

Untold Stories is a live performance series featuring personal and transformative tales told by a diverse range of voices, both natives and residents, connected to Northeast Florida. From artists and entrepreneurs to educators and medical professionals, we all carry memories and stories shaped by our environment. Untold Stories honors the tradition of oral storytelling in a modern context, where stories are deeply wedded to the place we inhabit.

Get Tickets and Information 


Melanin Market 

When: 11/26

Where: 822 A Philip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32206 

Bring the whole family out!!

We'll have live entertainment, a Kids Zone, 

Food Trucks, and more

as we highlight the importance of shopping local,

and supporting small businesses this Holiday Season! 

Get Information

 

Jaguars vs Falcons

When: 11/28 1 PM

Where: TIAA Bank Stadium

Come see the Jaguars play against the Falcons! It is a great way to spend your afternoon with friends and family

Get Tickets and Information

 

Gameday Tailgate Experience

Join Gameday Tailgate Experience (“GTE”) at a pre-game tailgate for the Atlanta vs Jaguars game on November 28. Tailgate is hosted by former Jaguars’ Linebacker Tom McManus, Reality TV Star Robby Hayes, and Atlanta Superfan Carolyn "Bird Lady" Freeman.

Enjoy Unlimited Food and a 4 Hour Open Bar with hundreds of fans! Food, Beverages, Tented Seating Areas, Live Music & Entertainment, Celebrity Host Meet and Greets, Family Friendly Tailgating Games and Amenities, TVs, Bathrooms, and more are all included with your ticket! Tailgate with former Players and Celebrities!

Get Tickets and Information

 

 

 CHRISTMAS CAROLE  

When: 11/17-12/24

Where:  Alhambra Theatre

 Based on the book written by the incomparable Charles Dickens, this Alhambra classic follows the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his extraordinary journey. This musical is sure to delight people of all ages.

Get Information

 

Pedal Pub

Experience some of Jax’s locally owned and long-enjoyed bars and pubs while rolling through the high rises of the business district. One stop is Bold City Brewery, featuring a custom Pedal Pub Brew!

Get Tickets and Information

 


Fall Night Market

When: 11/26

Come kick off your holiday shopping during Wicked Barley's Fall Night Market on Friday, November 26th! Sip and shop with local vendors while enjoying some tasty, locally brewed beers!

Get Tickets and Information

 

 

Jacksonville Light Boat Parade

When: 11/27 6PM

The Jacksonville Light Boat Parade has been a holiday tradition for more than 30 years. Vessels of all shapes and sizes adorn their hulls with festive decorations as they float along the north and south banks of the St. Johns River. Residents and visitors alike gather downtown along the North and Southbank Riverwalks including Riverfront Plaza to witness this magical event. Following the parade, the evening concludes with a beautiful fireworks show featuring the one-of-a-kind waterfall fireworks on the Main Street and Acosta Bridge.

The 2021 Light Boat Parade will feature The 904 Pop Up from 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. at Riverfront Plaza!

Get Information

  

 

 First Wednesday #ArtWalk

First Wednesday #ArtWalk in Downtown Jacksonville returns Wednesday, December 1st featuring City of Jacksonville,’s Christmas Tree lighting hosted by Mayor Lenny Curry and his family; DJ NICKFRESH; performances from Scott Jones School of Dance and CAP Kids (Cathedral Arts Project); and our Beer Garden will feature selections from Sun King Brewery!

At each Art Walk, James Weldon Johnson Park transforms into a European-style beer garden, a communal gathering place featuring festive music and convivial atmosphere. Join your neighbors for a pint or a glass of wine, grab some food from one of our delectable food trucks, and enjoy live music and entertainment every first Wednesday from 5pm to 9pm!

 

Trace Adkins

Where: St. Augustine Ampitheatre

When: 12/2 7PM

In his 25-year career in Country music, Trace Adkins has sold over 11 MILLION albums, charted over 20 singles, earned numerous awards and GRAMMY nominations, and garnered over TWO BILLION streams. A Grand Ole Opry member for nearly two decades, the Louisiana native is known for dynamic baritone and fiery, always-memorable live performances, and has expanded his Country career to include film and TV acting.

Get Tickets and Information

 

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

  

X106.5 Next Big Thing

Where:  St. Augustine Amphitheatre

When: 12/3 6:30PM

Come Join Bastille, Girl in Red, Nessa Barret, and Mod Sun at the Next Big Thing! It will be a great night with lots of great artists.

Get Tickets and Information

  


Christmas Parade

When: 12/4 

Experience St. Augustine's annual Christmas Parade with floats, marching bands, cars, horses and the arrival of Santa. The parade starts at 9 a.m. by the Mission Nombre de Dios off San Marco Avenue and continues through the downtown streets of historic St. Augustine.

Colonial Night Watch

When: 12/4

Join Historic Florida Militia for activities depicting 18th century combined Spanish, British, French, colonial militia and Native American military arts, culture and lifestyles throughout the day at the Colonial Quarter, 33 St. George St., and Castillo de San Marcos, 1 S. Castillo Dr. The St. Augustine Colonial Night Watch Torchlight Parade is at 7 p.m. from the Castillo to the Governor's House Cultural Center & Museum.

Surf Illumination

When: 12/4

This free holiday event from 4-7 p.m. at the St. Johns County Ocean Pier Park features a ceremonial lighting of the holiday tree, a visit from Santa, music, arts and crafts and children’s activities.

 



Palm Valley Boat Parade

When: 12/4

Enjoy this annual tradition of lighted boats to celebrate the holiday season in Ponte Vedra Beach. The parade route is seven miles of the Intracoastal and starts one mile south of the Palm Valley Bridge and travels north. It begins at 6 p.m.

Holiday Regatta of Lights

When: 12/4

This is an annual holiday parade, hosted by the St. Augustine Yacht Club, of motorized vessels - sailboats, trawlers, shrimp boats and many other vessels decorated with brilliant lighted displays. Beginning at 6 p.m., the boats will light up St. Augustine’s Matanzas Bay between the Bridge of Lions and Castillo de San Marcos.

 

The Ritz Carlton, Amelia Island Holiday Breakfast with Santa 2021 at Jacksonville

When: 12/4

Children of all ages will delight in sharing their holiday wishes with Santa Claus. Indulge in a lavish buffet adorned with magical gingerbread houses and holiday decorations. Fun breakfast favorites for the entire family compliment an array of delectable pastries and a holiday cookie-decorating station. Includes a complimentary holiday photo with Santa.

Get Information

Ugly Sweater Beer Run

When: 12/5

 Break out your ugliest sweater and join us at Veterans United Craft Brewery Sunday December 5th. This event we are giving out  some of our favorite race finisher medals and shirts from 2021 - no guarantee on the medal or shirt but all that register before December will be guaranteed a random medal and shirt size they select.  

Get Information

 

Girvin Road

Blackhawk Bluff is a sight to see during the holidays. It is right off of Girvin. Neighbors come together to create a beautiful light display. Play some music and drive through to see the holiday magic.

Zoo Lights

When: select December nights

ZOOLights, a fantastical holiday light experience set to transform Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, will take guests on a magical journey of the artistry of lights, sound, and nature itself. During this nightly event, the animals settle down for their long winter’s nap, while the lights take center stage.

From our daytime magic into a winter wonderland, ZOOLights will immerse guests in a joyous multimedia light and musical experience. The season will come alive through different zones combined with twinkling replicas of zoo animals, strolling performers, carolers, hot chocolate, s'mores, and ever-warming adult beverages.

Get Information

 

 

Main & Six Christmas Drag Show

The time has come and we are finally doing it, our first drag show! The always amazing Karrissa Wade will be hosting the fun evening!  This will be a private, ticketed event, so once the tickets sell out, there will be none left to purchase. So be sure to buy your tickets early.  Tickets are only $5! We will of course have a special tapping for this event, so stay tuned for those details!

Get Tickets and Information

Very Shrimpy Christmas

When: 12/11

Where: 121 Financial Ballpark

The event will run from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. with Christmas movie classics How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Frosty's Winter Wonderland being shown on the high-definition video board. Fans can also enjoy free pictures with Santa Claus, face painting and Christmas crafts. There will be a full range of concessions available, as well as other Christmas treats, and a kid zone on the field with a bouncy house and inflatable slide.

Admission is only $1 per person at the home plate gate or free with one new unwrapped toy, per family, to donate to children in need this holiday season. All toys will be donated to the Florida Baptist Children's Homes and One More Child.

Get Information

Root Realty’s annual Festive Family Films: Dr. Suess’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Where: Memorial Park

When: 12/11 7:30 PM

Food Trucks: Mikes Yum Yum Come Getcha Some + Papa Churros

Please join us for Root Realty‘s annual Festive Family Films events in October, November & December!For December’s event, we will be showing Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! Bring your favorite blankets, lawn chairs, & the whole family! This event is free to the public, there will be free popcorn , two food trucks (Mikes Yum Yum Come Getcha Some & Papa Churros), & lots of fun! 

We hope to see you there 

 

SIGN UP FOR THE 904 REPORT

Join over 70,000 North Floridian's that receive our weekly newsletter.



Trust us, It's good!

Related Articles