The latter half of 2024 might be even more spectacular than the former in Jacksonville, Florida, with festivals, sporting events, conventions and holiday celebrations lighting up the city. Read on to discover the events that will pull you in this season.
Florida Fin Fest
A free two-day ocean conservation event, Florida Fin Fest, returns to Jacksonville Beach September 13-14. Fin Fest features an Education Village with panels by sustainability and science experts, kid-friendly activities, touch tanks and an underwater virtual reality experience. The festival is also host to one of the city’s best music festivals, featuring nationally recognized acts with over ten different artists playing soulful melodies and infectious beats.
WasabiCon
The Prime F Osborn III Convention Center transforms into WasabiCon October 11-13. As Jacksonville’s longest-running pop-culture event and the largest in the region, this convention is the premier location for many to celebrate all things gaming, cosplay, comics and more. The event schedule includes cosplay competitions, a lip sync battle, an 18+ after-party and plenty of panels to attend.
NAS Jax Air Show
Witness amazing aviation feats at the Naval Air Station Jacksonville, the birthplace of the Blue Angels, during their annual air show. On October 19-20, the base will host this free event with food vendors, a kids zone and activities all surrounding military and civilian air demonstrations. The event’s grand finale is a show by the Navy’s flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels.
Jax River City Pride Festival & Cabaret
Discover the Jacksonville River City Pride Festival & Cabaret to celebrate all things Pride in Northeast Florida, kicking off with a parade on September 29. On October 5, the festival will include live entertainment from local talents and dance groups that lead into the cabaret of nationally renowned performers. The festival marketplace invites attendees to explore tables of nonprofits and local artists, a roundup of food trucks and more.
Kids Free November
From November 1-30, Kids Free November is the perfect chance for families to visit Jacksonville to enjoy free or discounted entry to many of the city’s attractions and museums. Take part in the Kids Free November Challenge on the Visit Jax App. Participants are able to scan QR codes at participating attractions and earn prizes from Visit Jacksonville based on the number of check-ins completed.
Super Girl Surf Pro
Experience the world’s largest women’s surf, lifestyle and music festival November 8-10 in Jacksonville Beach! Super Girl Surf Pro features a world-class surf competition, alongside a festival village packed with activities, including 12 live musical performances, a female DJ contest, multiple women’s sports competitions, fitness classes, a video game lounge, a leadership panel and much more during the event’s three days.
PorchFest
Come dance in the (closed) streets of the Historic Springfield neighborhood. Just north of Downtown Jacksonville, it’s the place to be November 9 during the 10th annual PorchFest. Dozens of local and regional bands and artists will take to the porches of beautiful, historic homes for a one-of-a-kind, free musical event.
Deck the Chairs
The iconic Jacksonville Beach holiday event of the year, Deck the Chairs, will run from November 27 to January 1, with a variety of programming. The event is known for the American Red Cross Lifeguard chairs decked in festive coastal decorations, a must-see for beach visitors coming for the holidays. Events include moonlight movie nights, live dance performances by local dance troops and several choral and band concerts.
Light Boat Parade
Three decades running, the Jacksonville Light Boat Parade brings a nautical twist to festive light presentations. November 30, the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend, water vessels of four judging categories will cruise the North and South Banks of the St. Johns River near Downtown, competing in a lighting arrangement competition. The parade also features a unique waterfall fireworks display cascading off the Main Street and Acosta Bridges over the river for a magical cap to the event.
80th TaxSlayer Gator Bowl
The south’s most anticipated college football bowl game, the Taxslayer Gator Bowl will have its 80th game on January 2, 2025. The game will be held at the Bill Gay Grounds at Everbank Stadium for this iconic Jacksonville sporting event, an exciting contest between the SEC and the ACC football giants.
Learn more about these events and others on the Visit Jacksonville website.
