Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Fun things to do in South Carolina in September

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September on the coast is usually a great month, as far as events are concerned. The whole kicks off with a busy Labor Day Weekend packed with fun events for the family and lots of things to do all over the coast. Reality is, Labor Day, is only the beginning. In September we hit the hight of the Fall festival season – just take a look at the massive list of festival, events and happenings below.

 

Restaurant Week – Charleston, SC

September 5 – 16, 2012

Who doesn’t love to go out and eat? All of us do, and during this event you have the opportunity to get a three course meal at a fixed price. It’s a good deal, and a great time to explore and find new places to eat in Charleston.

Read more about the event here – Charleston Restaurant Week

 

 

Largest Garage Sale – Myrtle Beach, SC

September 8, 2012

This is the 23rd year for  this huge garage sale held at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, Exhibit Hall. The sale features 280 vendor booths and thousands of shoppers.  

Read more about the Largest Garage Sale in Myrtle Beach, SC here.

 

Dog Day AfternoonDog Day Afternoon – Charleston, SC

September 9, 2012

Let your dog enjoy the last days of Summer with a special doggy play day at Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Park.  Read more about the event here.

 

Shaggin’ on the Cooper – Charleston, SC

September 8 & September 29, 2012

The last dance for the season on the Cooper i coming up in September! It’s a bittersweet goodbye because it means that Summer is ending and Fall is knocking on our door. Read more about Shaggin’ on the Cooper here.

 

Scottish Games & Highland Gathering – Charleston, SC

September 17, 2012

This festival offers has a little bit of everything and is great fun for the whole family. Here you can enjoy Scottish heavy athletics, from caber toss to hammer throwing and much more. The festival also holds the largest drum and pipe competition in the Southeast. Visit our special events page to watch the video from the event. 

Just click here.

 

Fall Tour of Home & Gardens – Charleston, SC

September 27 – October 28, 2012

During this event you get a chance to stroll through intimate gardens and architecturally significant private homes, churches and public buildings. Tours highlight American architecture from the early Georgian Period into the 20th century. You will enjoy unique neighborhoods that represent Charleston’s flourishing culture from the Colonial era to the present. Visit the website.

 

Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival – Huntington Beach State Park, SC

September 28 – 30, 2012

Atalaya is a Moorish-style “castle” built in the Great Depression as a winter home and sculpture studio by Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington at Huntington Beach State Park. This is the location of a great yearly Arts & Crafts Festival that draws a crowd from all over. 

Watch the video and get the link to the dollar off coupon from our special events page.

Click here for more about the Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival.

 

Moonlight Mixer – Charleston, SC

September 21, 2012

The Moonlight Mixer series is also wrapping up. The next Moonlight Mixer at Folly Beach Pier is coming up on September 21, 2012. Tickets are available first come first serve – at the gate for $10. More information www.ccprc.com

 

Museum Mile Weekend – Charleston, SC

September 21 – 23, 2012

The Annual Museum Mile Weekend is scheduled for September 21 – 23, 2012. Many of the cultural sites along Charleston’s Museum Mile have joined forces and created this event. This year you can visit 13 sites for only $25.  Read more about the Museum Mile Weekend

 

MOJA Arts Festival – Charleston, SC

September 27 – October 7, 2012

The MOJA Arts Festival is a colorful festival with a variety of performances. You can experience everything from visual arts, classical music, dance, gospel, jazz, poetry, R&B music, to storytelling, theatre, children’s activities, traditional crafts, ethnic food, and much, much more.

For tickets and updated information visit www.MOJAfestival.com

 

Other stories to read:

Oktoberfest on the River – Savannah, GA

Talk Like a Pirate Day – September 19

 

 

 

Waterparks in Charleston, SC

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Adding on to the park’s two additional extra value days – Military Mondays and Two For Tuesdays – Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark is now introducing Tropical Thursdays to the mix of the waterpark’s discounted admission days. With the slogan that “it’s 3 o’clock somewhere,” the waterpark will now offer its after 3:00 p.m. reduced rates all day every Thursday.

Regularly, attendees who enter Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark after 3:00 p.m. on weekdays receive a discounted rate of $10.99 per person ($9 off the general admission price for adults). Now, park-goers can enjoy the after 3:00 p.m. pricing all day on Thursdays. On this new value day dubbed “Tropical Thursdays,” the water park will also undergo a tropical transformation as island-style music fills the air, staff wear Hawaiian attire, and the park’s food and drink also go tropical. The Calypso Kitchen will serve island and Caribbean-style foods, with a rotating menu featuring items such as sweet potato fries, Mojo burgers, Hawaiian pizza, Cuban sandwiches and jerk chicken wraps. Park-goers will also be able to purchase a variety of fruity, non-alcoholic drinks.

Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark is located in North Charleston at Wannamaker County Park. The largest water-park in the Charleston area, Whirlin’ Waters features unique activities for all ages – from curious little ones to thrill-seeking adults. Young children enjoy hours of fun at Otter Bay, a kiddie pool area with a six-lane racer slide, and Lily Pad Lagoon, a toddler play section with a shallow pool and spray geysers. The Big Splash Tree House is great for all ages and features racer slides, sprays, tons of interactive play elements and a giant bucket that dumps 1,000 gallons of water. Adults and kids can unwind while drifting down Rollin’ River, a lazy river hosting 870 feet of relaxation. The Big Kahuna wave pool is a family favorite with 27,000 square feet of wave action. Looking for thrills? The slides of Riptide Run and the Tubular Twister are guaranteed to provide a rush of excitement.

Whirlin’ Waters also offers a full range of amenities including concessions, lockers for securing items, lounge chairs, showers and restrooms. Plus, the park is staffed with trained lifeguards to provide a safe experience.

Tropical Thursday’s discounted admission prices are valid every Thursday throughout the park’s hours of operation, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Whirlin’ Waters is open every day now through August 18, and then on weekends only through Labor Day.

The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission also offers two other area waterparks – Splash Island at Palmetto Islands County Park in Mount Pleasant, and Splash Zone at James Island County Park. Tropical Thursdays are offered at Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark only. Special days at all three county waterparks include Military Mondays, during which all active duty, retirees, and their dependents receive discounted admission on Mondays with a valid Military ID (one discount per ID), and Two for Tuesdays, featuring buy one, get one free admission of equal or lesser value on Tuesdays. Waterpark season passes are also available for purchase. For details on waterpark passes and the extra value days at the waterparks, visit www.splashparks.com or call 843-795-4386.

Fun Things To Do in June – Charleston, SC

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Wine Stroll

Charleston, SC, is always a beautiful place to visit in the Summer and there is always a lot going on in Charleston. One of our favorite places to visit is Middleton Place, and Arthur Middleton was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, so this is the time of year when a visit seems appropriate. There’s even a special naturalization ceremony to celebrate Independence Day.

There is of course a lot of other things to do in Charleston. Just walking around in the downtown district is an experience, and you might also want to visit Patriot’s Point. This is where the big 4th of July celebration is taking place. 

Here are some of the events in Charleston in June.

Wine Stroll Wednesdays
June 13, 20, 27
Middleton Place

Sip and stroll in a different garden location each week while sampling old and new world wine vintages. Special themed strolls are scheduled throughout the season.  The Wine Strolls take place from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. Cost $15. Call  (800) 782-3608 for more information.

Movies at the Mount Pleasant Pier
Friday, June 15. Movie begins around sundown.
Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park and Pier

Come to the Great Lawn at the Town of Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park for movies under the stars!This time Back To The Future is screening. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy a family-friendly film. Event admission is free.

Charleston Farmer’s Market
June 15, 22, 29 – Saturdays 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Marion Square, Downtown Charleston 

Visit Charleston Farmers Market at Marion Square on Saturday mornings. Fresh produce, vegetables, baked goods, plants, arts and crafts and more. This is an excellent place for people watching, or to have breakfast or brunch.

Read more about the Charleston Farmers Market here.

Folly Beach Pier

Folly Pier Fishing Tournament
Saturday, June 16, 6 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Folly Beach Fishing Pier

Come to a great fishing event at the Folly Beach Fishing Pier, the second largest pier on the East Coast. Online registration open through June 14. On-site registration available June 16 beginning at 6 a.m. Tournament ends at 4 p.m. and prizes are awarded at 4:15. Prizes are awarded for the largest catch in the King Mackerel category and the three largest catches in the Big Fish category. For additional information, call the Folly Beach Fishing Pier at (843) 588-3474. Ages 3 & up. An adult chaperone is required for participants ages 15 and under. Tournament held rain or shine.

Mt Pleasant, SC
Dance the night away in Mount Plesant, SC

Shaggin’ on the Cooper: The Cruiseomatics
Saturday, June 16, 7 – 11 p.m.
Mount Pleasant Pier

Dance the night away under the stars at the new Mount Pleasant Pier while enjoying live classic oldies and beach music performed by The Cruiseomatics. Beverages will be available for purchase on-site. As only 800 tickets will be sold for this event, advance purchase is recommended. Age: 3 & up. Fee: $10/$8 CCR Discount/$10 on-site if still available

Charleston Sprint Triathlon Series
Sunday, June 17, 7:15 a.m. race start
James Island County Park

Now in its 22nd year, the series will consist of five triathlons and will include a .3-mile swim, a 12-mile bike ride, and a 5K run. To register, contact Paul King at (843) 881-8872, or go to www.ccprc.com/csts. Open to ages 16 and up.

Moonlight Mixer
Friday, June 22, 7 – 11 p.m.
Folly Beach Fishing Pier

Dance the night away under the stars at the Folly Beach Fishing Pier. DJ Jim Bowers of 1340 The Boardwalk will play the hottest oldies and beach music classics! Beverages, food, and snacks will be available for purchase. Tickets are limited, so advance purchase is recommended. No refunds or exchanges. Tickets: $10/$8 CCR (Charleston County Resident) Discount/$10 on-site if still available

middleton place charleston south carolina
Middleton Place

Naturalization Ceremony
June 26, 2012 – 10 a.m.
Middleton Place, Charleston, SC 

Celebrate Arthur Middleton’s 270th birthday and welcome America’s newest citizens as they take the oath of citizenship at the home of an ardent patriot who signed the Declaration of Independence.

Reggae Concert Series: Da Gullah Rootz
Saturday, June 30, 7:30 – 11 p.m.
James Island County Park

Enjoy traditional old school roots reggae with a new school attitude in the beautiful outdoor setting of James Island County Park. Bring your chair or blanket and rock the night away to live music by Da Gullah Rootz! Food, beverage, and souvenirs will be available for purchase. Outside alcohol and coolers are prohibited. No advance tickets will be sold. Bands are subject to change. Gates open at 7:30 p.m.; music begins at 8:30 p.m. Fee: $8/Free: Gold Pass Holders & ages 12 & under. For more information about upcoming Reggae Nights, click here.

For more information about what to do in Charleston, visit www.charlestoncvb.com

REGGAE NIGHTS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES CHARLESTON

Things to do in South Carolina – April 2012

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It is spring, and actually Summer is right around the corner. The weather is beautiful, and it’s perfect to spend time outdoors. Luckily for us, there are plenty of events and festivals in the coastal South Carolina area to choose from. Here are some of the upcoming events for the month of April 2012.

Charleston has lots of events this month

First Friday on Broad – Charleston, S.C.
April 6, 2012
Stroll from one gallery to another on Broad Street and take in the Southern charms of blooming hidden courtyards and gardens, and old architecture.
Participating merchants include: Ellis-Nicholson Gallery, Hamlet Fine Art, Edward Dare Gallery, COCO VIVO, Mary Martin Fine Art, UTOPIA, Spencer Galleries, Ella Walton Richardson Fine Art, Martin Gallery, SCOOP Studios, Bernie Horton, Lambert GrayFine Art Studio, Jake’s, Blind Tiger and the Oak Steak House.

Farmers Market – Hilton Head Island, S.C.
April 6, 13, 20, 27
This farmers market is located at Honey Horn and is open on Fridays. April 6, 2012, is the opening day for the season and the mayor is coming out to ring the bell at 8:30 am and declare the farmers market open.

Hat Ladies Easter Parade – Charleston, S.C
April 7, 2012
The Hat Ladies will stroll down Meeting Street, between Broad and White on April 7th, 2012 at 11:00 am. Sounds like a great photo op!

The Farmers Market is open for the season

Charleston Farmers Market
April 7, 14, 21, 28 2012
This market is open from April 7 – December 16, 2012 at Marion Square in downtown Charleston. It is the perfect place to come and hang out, have a cup of coffee, watch people pass by and enjoy the downtown atmosphere.

2nd Sunday on King Street
April 8, 2012
Food, music, shopping and fun from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Sunday, April 8, Queen Street to Calhoun.
Gary Erwin of Shrimp City Slim fame and one of the best blues musicians around will grace 2nd Sunday along with Austin Fitzhenry, The Honeybees, South Carolina Broadcasters, Dan Mackey, Bianca & Page and Peter Kiral of Charleston Virtuosi.

Ken Burger will be on hand at the 2nd Sunday Info Tent at Wentworth to talk Charleston and sign copies of his latest book, Baptized in Sweet Tea.

Come to the Information Tent for your free parking vouchers, good in most City Garages downtown. (click here for the voucher)

Charleston International Film Festival in April

Charleston International Film Festival
April 11 – 15, 2012
Every year the city of Charleston, South Carolina, holds a film festival in the dowtown area. This festival offers a variety of programs for the cinema enthusiast as well as the film maker. Lots of independent films, short films, animations and documentaries. Check out the full program at www.charlestoninternationalfilmfestival.org 

The World Grits Festival – St. George, SC
April 13 – 15, 2012
The little town of St. George is world famous for its grits consumption. This festival celebrates grits in all its forms. You can have grits for breakfast, lunch and dinner at this event, participate in grit eating contests and most importantly roll in grits. Read more about the World Grits Festival here.

Plantasia 2012 – Charleston, SC
The Horticulture Society of Charleston holds Plantasia Friday, April 13, 11am -5pm. and Saturday, April 14, 8am – 2pm. at Wragg Square, 342 Meeting Street, in front of Second Presbyterian Church. Horticulturally-trained garden docents and volunteers will be available to help with plant selection and answer questions. Workshops will be offered every hour on the hour from topics ranging from basic garden to having chickens in the city. In addition, a wide selection of “Member’s Favorites”, plants grown and donated by Charleston Horticultural Society members, will be on sale at bargain prices. There will be a “Real Yard Sale” featuring previously loved garden items such as pots, furniture and ornamental items. “Member’s Favorites” and “Real Yard Sale” will only be available for purchase Saturday. For a complete listing of events, workshops, tours, and vendors, please check out our website at www.charlestonhorticulturalsociety.org.

Festival of House and Gardens
The 65th Annual Festival continues until April 21, 2012. This spring festival celebrates Charleston’s magnificent spring season. Right now, the city is in full bloom. During this event you have an opportunity to go on garden tours and visit some of the most beautiful Charleston Homes. Find out more here.

Colleton County Rice Festival
April 27 – 29, 2012
This festival in downtown Walterboror, S.C., is a celebration of the rice planting heritage that helped found Colleton County. The focus is family entertainment that includes a fireworks display, live entertainment, arts and crafts, food concessions, cultural displays and performances depicting our local heritage. Call 843-549-1079 for more information.

 

Mt Pleasant, SC
Dance the night away in Mount Plesant, SC

Shaggin’ on the Cooper
April 28, 2012
This is the first Shaggin’ of the season. Dust off your dancing shoes and get ready for summer and Shaggin’ on the Mount Pleasant Pier. Live music will fill the air with local bands performing throughout the season at the Mount Pleasant Pier. Gates open at 7:00pm and the music begins at 8:00pm. All ages are invited to let loose, breathe in the ocean breeze and dance the night away under the stars. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. 

Art & Craft Show – Hilton Head Island, SC
April 28 – 29, 2012
The Art Market at Historic Honey Horn, a juried fine art and craft show, is set for April 28 and 29, 2012 on Hilton Head Island. The Coastal Discovery Museum will jury in artists in media that includes: clay, wood, fibers, metals, glass, jewelry, watercolors, oil, mixed media and photography. All work will be on display and for sale.
This event host artists from 13 states annually and well-known local artists share the spotlight during this weekend-long event, as they compete for prizes.
The show is open to the public on Saturday, from 10 am until 5 pm and on Sunday, from 11 am until 4 pm. There is a $6.00 per car parking donation, while admission to the show is free. Demonstrations throughout the weekend will be held in glass, pine needle basketry, clay and much more. Food and beverage are for sale during the event. . Show admission is free, parking is $6 per vehicle.
The Art Market is presented by the Coastal Discovery Museum.

Town of Mount Pleasant Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival
April 29, 2012

This spring festival takes place at the new Memorial Waterfront Park at the foot of the Arthur Ravenel Bridge. About 12,000 people attend this festival every year. The festival takes place Sunday April 29th from 11:30 am – 6:00 pm. for more information, please call (843) 884-8517

Fun things to do in Jacksonville, Florida – April 2012

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April is the perfect time for outdoor festivals, and this month there is no shortage of fun things to do in Jacksonville.


Jacksonville Beer Week
April 2 – 7, 2012 
Lots of different events around town from smaller tastings to a pub crawl on April 6th. The week culminates with a grand tasting on Saturday, April 7th.
Read all about beer week here. 

MOSH Planetarium Jacksonville FloridaCosmic Concerts
April 6, 13, 20, 27
Experience total-sensory entertainment as laser lights, high-def images and digital sound collide to create a Cosmic Concert! Each concert costs $5 per person; $1 for laser glasses. Tickets are available online at www.moshplanetarium.org or at the door.

  • April 6: Pink Floyd: The Wall at 7 p.m., Pink Floyd: Wish You Were Here at 8 p.m., Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon at 9 p.m., and Pink Floyd: The Best of the Wall at 10 p.m.
  • April 13: Laser Beatles at 7 p.m., Laser U2 at 8 p.m., Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon at 9 p.m., and Jimmy Buffett: Parrot Head Party at 10 p.m.
  • April 20: Laser Magic at 7 p.m., Laseropolis at 8 p.m., Laser Hypnotica at 9 p.m., and Laser X at 10 p.m.
  • April 27: Lasermania at 7 p.m., Laser Retro at 8 p.m., Laser Vinyl at 9 p.m., and Laser Led Zeppelin at 10 p.m.

First Wednesday Art Walk
April 4, 2012
Downtown Jacksonville turns into an art adventure every first Wednesday of the month. The event is a free, self-guided tour that combines astounding visual and live art, engaging events and more. It’s a downtown happening you have to try at least once. Read more about the event here.

Spoken Word – The Ritz
April 5, 2012
Visit the Ritz for a Spoken Word event on Thursday, April 5. Call 904.632.55555 for more information. 

Mandarin Art Festival & Egg Hunt
April 7 – 8, 2012
Every Easter holiday art is celebrated at this two-day event in Mandarin. More than 100 artists are expected to participate this year. Paintings, jewelry, pottery, photography and more. There’s also a Kids Art Show and an egg hunt for the younger ones. You can read more about the Mandarin Art Festival & Egg Hunt here.

Riverside Arts Market
Saturdays in  April 7, 14, 21, 28 2012
This market under the Fuller Warren Bridge is full of hand made items, arts and crafts, as well as produce, plants and vegetables. Great place for people watching! 

5th Annual Sunrise on St. Johns
April 8, 2012
A variety of churches and faith-based organizations come together to host the 5th annual Easter sunrise service, open to the public at The Jacksonville Landing. More information available at www.jacksonvillelanding.com 

Movies in the Park
April 13, 20 and 27
Movies in the Park on the Wyndham Jacksonville Riverwalk’s riverfront lawn is a free, four-week-long movie series. The series is held each spring on Downtown’s Southbank, screening family-friendly movies under the stars beginning at dusk (around 8 p.m.). Bring family and friends, blankets to sit on or lawn chairs and a picnic. Music and kids lawn games will keep moviegoers busy before each show.

  • April 13 – Despicable Me, rated PG
  • April 20 - The Muppet Movie, rated G
  • April 27 - Grease, rated PG 

 

Jacksonville Sharks vs. Utah Blaze

April 12, 2012

The Jacksonville Sharks Arena Football Team take on Utah Blaze at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena.  

Jacksonville Superfest
April 13-15, 2012
 This festival is super BIG. Three stages, three days and over 70 acts. The organizers are expecting over 10,000 music fans of all ages, races, nationalities and abilities to come together during this event. All styles are represented here; from bluegrass, to R&B, dance, pop, rock, metal, gospel, country and more. Check out jacksonvillesuperfest.com for ticket information.

George’s Music Annual Springing the Blues
April 13-15, 2012
This popular three-day oceanfront music festival is free and features a number of renowned blues performers, held every spring in Jacksonville Beach. Click here for more information about Springing the Blues.

Van Halen – Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena
April 16, 2012
Legendary performer Van Halen is coming to Jacksonville to play at the Veterans Memorial Arena. Also, Kool and the Gang.

Burn the Floor – Times-Union Center, Jacksonville
April 17, 2012
If you love ballroom dancing and TV shows such as “So You Think You Can Dance?” – then this performance is for you. See the magnificent Paso Double, the Jive, Tango, Mamba and more performed by a company of 20 dancers. 

Southeast US Boat Show
April 20 – 22, 2012
The 16th Annual Southeast US Boat Show, formally known as the Jacksonville spring boat show, will take place  at the Metropolitan Park and Marina.  The 3 day event includes live seminars, live music and the world’s most enthusiastic boaters.

22nd Annual Earth Day & Ecology Fair
April 21, 2012

Come to the Jacksonville Landing to celebrate Earth Day and learn about how you can help save the planet. more than 80 booths of educational and interactive displays, arts and crafts and activities for the entire family.  Live entertainment takes place throughout the day on the main stage and the children’s stage. 


MOSH After Dark: The City Dark

April 26, 2012
 Stimulate your mind with an evening of “Thought Theater.” MOSH After Dark in April will showcase a thought-provoking documentary (starts at 6 p.m.). The City Dark tells the definitive story of light pollution and the disappearing stars and the consequences thereof. Cost is $10 per person, $5 for members. Call 396.MOSH (6674), ext. 226 to register or register online. The City Dark is part of MOSH After Dark, a fun series of adult programs presented each month.

Cirque de la Symphonie
April 26, 2012

Special performance with Jacksonville Symphony featuring aerial artist Alexander Stretslov and a cast of cirque-nouveau performers. Cirque de la Symphonie returns with an all-new show that combines the best in symphonic music with the magic of aerial and acrobatic artistry. Some of the most accomplished Cirque performers from across the globe, including acrobats, dancers, contortionists and stongment, enter the concert hall for an unforgettable night.

Butterfly Festival – Treehill Nature Center
April 28, 2012
The annual Butterfly Festival takes place at Treehill Nature Center in Arlington. This festival includes a live butterfly release and lots of fun for kids from kid’s activities, animal demonstrations, arts and crafts activities and much more. 

International Astronomy Day
April 28, 2012
The international Astronomy Day is celebrated in Bryan-Gooding Planetarium from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a variety of family-friendly activities in salute of International Astronomy Day. The day’s programming will also include a showing of the documentary, The City Dark, which tells the definitive story of light pollution, the disappearing stars and the consequences thereof.

day at the beachOpening of the Beaches & Parade 
April 28-29 
The beaches officially welcome visitors as temperatures become warmer and families head for a day in the sun. A sandcastle contest kicks off the weekend with prizes in several categories on Saturday. Then on Sunday, a lively parade marches through Jacksonville Beach at 2 pm – and Summer is officially here!

Korn – Metropolitan Park
April 29, 2012
Korn comes to Jacksonville and performs at Metropolitan Park. Â