Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

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.  

Things to do in Georgia – April 2012

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Festival season is in full swing on the coast and April is one of the busiest months. There is a lot to do in Georgia, here are some of the events and festivals coming up in the month of April.

 

Photo courtesy of SCAD

SCAD International Festival
Saturday April 7, 2012
Travel around the world without leaving Savannah by visiting SCAD’s International Festival. Experience different cultures; music, dance and other performances. You can also taste food from different countries. This is a free event. More information here.

Easter Egg Stroll – Jekyll Island
Saturday April 7, 2012
From 10 am to 2 pm there is a classic Easter Celebration in the historic district on Jekyll Island. The easter bunny will visit and there is an egg stroll for the little ones. For more information call 1-877-4-JEKYLL

Shell-e-brate Earth Day
Saturday April 14, 2012
Jekyll Island is getting an early start with a special Earth Day celebration at the Jekyll Island Sea Turtle Center. Earth-friendly games and crafts, and exhibitor’s venue, demonstrations and stage programs. This is a free event with paid admission to the center.

Blessing of the Fleet, Darien
April 20 – 22, 2012
This is without doubt the biggest event of the year in the small town of Darien. The whole county comes to this festival. The blessing itself takes place on Sunday at the bridge where shrimp boats will gather for a special celebration and kick off of the upcoming season.

Savannah Sidewalk Arts Festival
Saturday April 28, 2012
Every spring talented SCAD students gather in Forsyth Park for the colorful sidewalk arts festival. This is an art contest where students compete in creating beautiful chalk drawings on the sidewalks in the park.

Tybee Art Association Show & Sale
April 13 – 15, 2012
Local artists from Tybee Arts Association have a show and sale at the Firehouse Art Center on Tybee Island. Here you can find paintings,prints, glass art, photography, sculpture, jewelry, fiber art, mosaics, art quilts, notecards, art demonstrations and more. For more information visit www.tybeearts.org

Glynn Art in the Park
April 14 – 15, 2012
Over 80 fine artists and craftsmen gather in Postell Park for the Glynn Art in the Park event. Here you will find paintings, photography, pottery, baskets, woodwork, children’s toys, and much more. This is a free event. This event is sponsored by Glynn Art Association For more information call 912-638-8770 www.glynnart.org

NOGS Tour of Hidden Gardens
April 20 – 21, 2012
This is the 37th year for this popular garden event. Walking tour of 10 private gardens located in the Historic District of Savannah. Gardens are selected for their excellence of design, architectural features, historic interest, and overall beauty. In addition to the garden tour, enjoy an authentic Southern Tea in the double parlors of historic Green Meldrim House where iced tea and tasty savories are served. Tea is held between the hours of 2 and 4 pm, only. Entertainment will be provided. More information at www.gardenclubsavannah.org

Earth Day Festival in Forsyth Park
April 21, 2012
Find out how you can become more earth friendly at this event in Forsyth Park, Savannah. More than 100 exhibitors promoting green living and environmental activism. Tons of fun activites for children and great workshops featuring raising chickens, bees, composting, etc. Call 912.651.6943 for more information.

Valentine’s Day Weekend Tips from Joe

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We have just launched a Coastal Companion segment of our TV show “I Know Jax”. The weekly show broadcasts on CW 17 on the First Coast, in Camden County and Glynn County and surrounding areas and reaches approximately 675,000 households. Coastal Companion has it’s own segment in the show where we take a look at upcoming events, festivals and other happenings in the coastal area of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.

In this episode Joe is taking a look at what to do for Valentine’s Day. 

Going forward we’re going to highlight fun places to visit and talk about what you can do with friends and family. You can watch the complete episodes of I Know Jax online, just click here. I Know Jax inspires you to explore. Savannah Westin Hotel, Georgia

Things to Do in Georgia – August 2011

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August is the month when kids go back to school and life returns to normal for many parents. But here on the coast Summer is far from over. Actually August is usually one of our hottest months, so there is no surprise that the month offers both cool jazz and and a beach music festival.

Savannah is a special place in the summer with its beautiful squares and gorgeous architecture. In the summer, downtown is usually filled with people from all corners of the world and the city takes on an international atmosphere.  

It’s always a pleasure to visit the riverfront in downtown Savannah, especially in the summer.  Lot’s of people, and lots of fun.  

SAVANNAH

2009 Heirloom Tomatoes

Attack of the Killer Tomatoes!
August 2, 2011
Restaurant Cha-Bella is inviting all tomato-lovers to the 2nd Annual Heirloom Tomato Festival – a special evening of heirloom tomato celebration. This event offers 14 different kinds of organic heirloom tomatoes. A four course killer tomato meal is available for $29.  Email farmboxharvest@cha-bella.c​om to reserve your seat – space is limited and will fill up fast. Call 912.790.7888 for more information.

 

First Friday Oyster Roast & Fireworks
August 5, 2011 at 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm 

Savannah Westin Hotel, GeorgiaThe Westin Savannah Harbor hosts a riverside evening celebration with live music, libations and hot fresh grill items & oysters for the first Friday every month. Call 912.201.2000 for more information or visit www.westinsavannah.com

Cigar Box Guitar Concert
August 6, 2011 at 7:30 pm
Come to a free concert with local blues/slide guitarists Eric Culberson, Georgia Kyle and Roy Swindell at The Ships of the Sea Museum Garden. The musicians will play Museum-model cigar box guitars in advance of the cigar box guitar making workshop on August 20. Video appearances by Richard Leo Johnson and Scott Ainslie. Refreshments available. More information at www.shipsofthesea.org or call 912.232.1511

 

Jazz it Up on the River
August 13, 2011 at 5 pm. 
Jazz – Just Across The River presents, Barbara Rosene In Johnny Mercer Tribute at the Westin Savannah Harbor. 
Barbara Rosene, who is the vocalist with the Harry James Orchestra will perform a tribute to the master of lyric, Johnny Mercer. Recently Ms. Rosene has been touring with The Harry James Big Band led by Fred Radke. They have been visiting cities all over America and Canada including performances at The Montreal Jazz Festival. 

The concert is free for Coastal Jazz Association members and $10 for non-members. For more info call: 912.920.1317

 

Low Country Boil at the Fort
August 27, 2011 from 6 – 9 pm.

This annual event is the only fundraiser for this National Historic Landmark and Georgia’s oldest brick fortification – Old Fort Jackson in Savannah. The event includes a silent auction, live music, a low country boil, and programming for kids and adults. Admission is free. Call 912.232.3945 for more information.

 

Something Old, Something New…
August 28, 2011 from noon  – 4 pm. 
Planning a wedding soon? This event will feature service providers for limousine, photography, music, flowers and rental furniture and equipment. See the very latest in fashions and wedding attire in the fashion show and experience culinary delights created by the Richmond Hill City Center team. The event takes place in Richmond Hill at the Richmond Hill City Center. Call 912.445.0043 for more information. Tickets $5.00 at the door.

ST SIMONS ISLAND

St. Simons is also busy in the summer.  In the evenings, lots of people walk down to the pier to watch the sunset or the fishermen.  If you’re lucky, you might even spot a dolphin or two.

Jazz in the Park
August 28, 2011 

The Jazz in the park series at the lawn of St. Simons Lighthouse has become a favorite summer event in the Golden Isles area. This month the concert takes place on Sunday, August 28 when  Just Jazz Quintet is performing. Read more about the event on our page for Jazz in the Park

JEKYLL ISLAND

Beach Music Festival on Jekyll Island, GA
August 12 – 13, 2011  

To me nothing says summer more than beach music.   The Jekyll Island Beach Music festival is held in Great Dunes Park which is the new park that was built on Jekyll Island. Everyone’s favorite beach music band “The Swingin’ Medallions” is performing again this year.  

Check out our video from the event on the special page for Beach Music Festival on Jekyll Island.


 

Fourth of July Florida

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Fourth of July is always a big deal in Northeast Florida – and this year Independence Day is a long weekend. Many cities begin celebrating already on the weekend.

Take a look under each city on the navigation bar on top for more details. Below you will find a quick overview of what is going on in Northeast Florida and get good ideas for places to watch fireworks.

 

 

Fireworks at World Golf Village

The World Golf Village near St. Augustine starts early with fireworks already on Friday July 1, 2011at 9.30 pm.

 

Fourth of July in St. Augustine, Fla

The fireworks display over Fort Matanzas in St Augustine is one of the best places to watch fireworks in Florida, and it’s one of the most popular destinations for Fourth of July as well. Fireworks start at 9.30 pm. Be prepared for a lot of traffic. Just click here to get more details about fireworks in St Augustine on our special event page.


Fireworks – Jacksonville Beach, Fla.

You can also go to Jacksonville Beach for fireworks.  The beach area has its own Liberty celebration near Sea Walk Pavilion with music, food and fun. Fireworks at 9.30 pm.

 

Stars & Stripes Festival Fernandina – Amelia Island

Do your kids ask questions about how stuff works or why something does this or that? Most kids do and many of the questions relate to police cars, ambulances or fire engines. The Stars & Stripes Festival includes a popular “touch a truck” program where you can learn more about these vehicles.  It’s a fun learning opportunity for the young ones! The festival is followed by a parade and then fireworks in downtown Fernandina, Amelia Island, Fla.

 

Watch our video from the event and get all the details about the Fourth of July event in Fernandina on our special events page, just click here for details.

 

Daytona International Speedway - NASCARCoke Zero 400 Weekend – Daytona, Fla

Race fans from all over are heading to Daytona Beach for the Coke Zero 400 Weekend.  The weekend kicks off with the Sub Jalapeno 250 on Friday July 1, 2011 and continues with the big event, the Coke Zero 400 The NASCAR Nationwide Series on Saturday July 2, 2011.

The race event is followed by spectacular fireworks. More details on our special events page for Coke Zero 400 Weekend in Daytona.

 

 

Other pages of interest:

Annual Events & Festivals Jacksonville

Annual Events & Festival St. Augustine

Kingfish Tournament Jacksonville