Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

July in Florida

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Many of my friends schedule their vacation time in July.  For us here in Florida, July usually means heat Summer. But many are just like us forced to stay at home to work in July. Actually July can be one of the best times on the coast of Northeast Florida. There is always a lot to do, and it’s always an nice to spend time outdoors during our Florida Summer evenings. 

 

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA

 

First Wednesday Art Walk

The Art Walk in Jacksonville takes place on Wednesday July 6, 2011. The focus this month is dance with “Art Shook Up”as the theme. There are lots of interesting activities going on downtown.

Here are a few highlights:

Zumba is a growning workout trend, and if you are curious here is your chance to try it out for yourself during the Art Walk this month. Positively Fit is having a big Zumba Party at Hemming Plaza from 5.30 pm to 7 pm. I talked to Vickie at Positively Fit, and she said it is going to be a lot of fun. They will have a mini-stage and several instructors ready to go, so come downtown and join the fun! The Zumba party is open to everyone, even the complete newbie!

Mark’s Downtown is hosting free Tango, Salsa, and Swing group classes hosted by A Social Affair Dance Studios.

MOCA Jacksonville & Café NOLA – Presents “Deformance” by Liz Gibson at 7 p.m. 111 E. Bay St. Studios – F13RCE Dance Theatre presents “Reflections of Dance” at 7 p.m.

For more information about the First Wednesday Art Walk visit our special events page.

 

The Jacksonville Landing Market

Friday July 8, 15, 22, 29, 2011, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Vendors set up throughout The Landing selling locally-grown produce, baked goods, plants, pottery, arts and crafts and more. Every Friday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. For more information call (904) 353-1188.

 

Riverside Arts Market

July 9, 16, 23, 30. The Riverside Arts Market is open every Saturday. Even though it can be hot and humid, it’s usually cool in the shade under the bridge. This is a great place to visit. There is always something fun going on. Now you can also take your boat to the Arts Market. For more information, check out our special events page.


Jazz at Jacksonville Beach

July 10, 2011 from 5 pm. In the summer you can listen to cool jazz at Sea Walk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach during the Summer Jazz series. This is a free concert. For more information, call the  EVENTS HOTLINE at (904) 247-6100 press 3. You can read more on our special events page for the Summer Jazz series at Jacksonville Beach.

 

Summer Movie Classics – Florida Theatre

Sunday, July 10 at 2 pm.All Summer long you can escape from the Summer heat and relax with a good movie and good company at the Florida Theatre. The movie screened on July 10, 2011, is “Taxi Driver”.

Chris Tucker

Friday, July 15, 2o11 at 8 pm. The very funny guy Chris Tucker is coming to the Veterans Memorial Arena. Chris Tucker might be most popular for the Rush Hour movies, but he is also a great standup comedian. Click here to get your tickets! 

 

 

Family Fun Day

Saturday, July 16 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.It is the 2nd Annual Family Fun Day with dance and musical performances, bounce houses, water activities, arts and crafts, giveaways, face painting, Family Expo, demonstrations, special appearances by popular characters and much more at the Jacksonville Landing downtown. All events and activities are free.. There is also Live music in the Courtyard by Hipp Street 7 p.m. – 12 a.m.

 

Kingfish Tournament JacksonvilleKingfish Tournament in Jax

This is one of the biggest fishing events around.  The Kingfish Tournament last for six whole days! More details available on our special page for Kingfish Tournament

 

 

Toby Keith at St. Augustine Amphitheatre

Toby Keith with Aaron Lewis is coming to the St. Augustine Amphitheatre on  July 21, 2011 at 7 pm. Click here to buy your tickets now!

 

Britney Spears

Saturday, July 23 from 4 p.m. at the Jacksonville Landing

95.1 WAPE’s Brittney Spear’s Pre and Post Party featuring a Brittney Spears look-a-like contest, Brittney karaoke, giveaways including tickets to the concert, drink specials and more. Live music in the Courtyard by Little Green Men 7 p.m. – 12 a.m.

Britney Spears Concert at the Veteran’s Memorial Arena – July 23, 2011 at 8 pm.

Britney Spears with Jessie and the Toy Boys is coming to Jacksonville Veterans Memorial for a special concert. This is going to be a popular event, so don’t wait. Book your tickets now.

 

ST. AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA

 

St Augustine, Florida

 

Concerts in the Plaza

Downtown St. Augustine comes alive every Thursday night in the summer when it’s time for the Concert in the Plaza concert series. Bring your own chair or blanket to this free concert in the plaza. Performances in July 7, 14, 21,28. For details visit our special events page for Concert in the Plaza, St Augustine.

 

Uptown Saturday Night

Every month antique dealers and art galleries in the Old City’s San Marco District in Saint Augustine, Fla.,  hold the Uptown Saturday Night.  This is a monthly art event combines a festive party atmosphere with hospitality and special deals.  Uptown Saturday Nights takes place the last Saturday of  the month, so in the month of July that means Saturday, July 30, 2011.

The event takes place from 5 to 9 p.m.  Galleries, antique stores and shops between Ripley’s Museum and the Mission of Nombre de Dios in St. Augustine’s San Marco Shopping District stay open.

 

FERNANDINA BEACH, FLORIDA

 

Fernandina Farmers Market

Every Saturday from 8 am – 2 pm the Fernandina Farmers Market opens in downtown Fernandina on Amelia Island, Fla. Here you can find fresh vegetables, plants, fruit, cheese, arts and crafts and much more. Read more on our special page. 

 

More interesting posts from Florida to read:

Sounds on Centre in Fernandina Beach

Jacksonville City Page

 

St. Augustine City Page

 

 

 

 Opening of the Beaches - Sand Castle Competition Jacksonville Beach, Fl

 

 

 

Take a Chance 5K Trail Run – Charleston, SC

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In Charleston runners have an opportunity to get away from the hot asphalt and on to the trail for some fun racing this summer.

 

Take a Chance

On the evening of Wednesday, July 13,Wannamaker County Park hosts The Chance Run. The 5K race starts at 6:00 p.m. in the evening and features a split in the course that forces runners to choose one of two routes.  Runners who choose the wrong path will find themselves on a slightly longer course than those who selected the other route. Take the chance!

 

Registration for the Race

Online registration for both of the Summer Fun Trail 5K Series races is open now through the day before each event. Late registration and packet pickup will be available on race day from 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. Fees to participate in each race are $20 or $16 for residents of Charleston County. The Summer Fun Trail Series is for participants ages 10 and older; runners ages 10-15 must be accompanied by an adult. Chaperones are not required to register or participate in the run.

To register online for the Summer Fun Trail 5K Series, visit www.ccprc.com or call 843-795-4386 for more information.

Take a Chance 5K race

Fourth of July in South Carolina

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Since Independence Day is a national holiday, many families get together and for a picnic or barbecue and take advantage of the long weekend to spend time with relatives. The first week of July is usually one of the busiest travel times of the year. Many people are heading to South Carolina for the Fourth of July weekend.

Here is a list of some of the events:

 

Fourth of July Boat Parade – Murrells Inlet, SC

Murrels Inlet 4th of july boat parade
Boat Parade, Murrells Inlet, SC

The boat parade in Murrells Inlet draws visitors from near and far to the quaint little fishing village on the inlet. The theme for 2011 is “Ride the Inlet Wave of Freedom”. The boat parade is also followed by fireworks.

 

Make it a day and plan to come early and stay late. There are also lots of nice restaurants and bars in the area. Check out our special events page for Murrells Inlet Boat Parade.

 

4th of July Blast Patriot’s Point – Charleston, SC

Patriot's Point Charleston, SC
Patriot's Point Charleston, SC

This is one of the most popular Fourth of July celebrations in South Carolina. There is a festival at Patriot’s Point with lots of fun for the whole family followed by fireworks.

Patriot’s Point has been named by media as one of the top destinations for Fourth of July.

Read more on our special events page for Patriot’s Point Fourth of July.

 

Red, White and Blue – Summerville, SC

Summerville, SC, parade
Non-motorized parade in Summerville, SC.

The city of Summerville celebrates Independence Day with a festival on Saturday, July 3, 2011 in the downtown area. This event includes all kinds of activities, but something that we noticed is the parade.

 

Many cities have Fourth of July parades, but Summerville’s parade has an additional twist to it. The parade does not allow any motorized vehicles – which brings out all kinds of creative means of transportations from rollerblades to bicycles and more.

You can get all the details about this fun festival on our events page for Red, White and Blue on the Green in Summerville, SC.

 

 

Independence Day at Middleton Place, Charleston, SC

July 2 – 3, 2011,  South Carolina residents receive 1/2 off admission with a valid driver’s license

middleton place charleston south carolina
Middleton Place, Charleston, SC

Visit Arthur Middleton’s home, the signer of the Declaration of Independence. You can listen to fife and drums as reenactors celebrate Independence Weekend at Middleton Place.  During this special event the time period of the American Revolution will  come to life with the Second South Carolina Regiment encampment in the Plantation Stableyards.

You and your family gets an opportunity to see  how the troops lived in their camp. The event also includes both cooking and musket firing demonstrations.  At 1:00 p.m. on both days, you can hear formal readings of the Declaration of Independence.

More information at www.middletonplace.org

 

Mt Pleasant, SC
Mount Plesant, SC
Uncle Sam Jam – Mount Pleasant, SC

A perfect spot to celebrate the 4th of July is the Mount Pleasant Pier at the foot of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. The fairly new pier stretches 1,250 feet out in the water and is an excellent vantage spot for firework watching. But that’s not the only thing going on at this location. There is also the popular Uncle Sam Jam at the pier.  The band with the suitable name for the season – Permanent Vacation – is performing playing a variety of music from beach music to party music. For $10 you can dance the night away under the stars and watch the fireworks. (The front section of the pier will still be open without admission fee for those who just want to watch the fireworks). Gates open at 7 pm, and music starts at 8 pm. Only 800 tickets will be sold, so visit www.ccprc.com to get purchase your tickets early.

 

 

Italian Festival in Myrtle Beach, SC

Many people visit Myrtle Beach for the Fourth of July weekend and there are lots of different events and fireworks. One of the more unusual events is the Italian Festival in Valor Park.

Even if you are not Italian, but just love good italian food -you are welcome to Valor Park for a special Italian American celebration.

You can read more about Fourth of July in Myrtle Beach on our special events page.

 


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

Fourth of July Weekend in Georgia

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Fourth of July Weekend in Coastal Georgia 2011

There are lots of fun things to do in coastal Georgia for the Fourth of July weekend. Many cities start their celebration of Independence Day already on Saturday July 2  this year.  So if you really enjoy fireworks, you  can actually enjoy several fireworks and celebrations and make the weekend an extraordinary birthday bash for our country.

 

SAVANNAH, GEORGIA

Savannah celebrates Fourth of July in style. The Great American Weekend takes place on River Street July 2 – 4, 2011, with lots of fun things for the whole family. On Monday July 4th, there is of course fireworks over the river as usual.

In the Savannah area you can watch fireworks twice. Start already on Sunday July 3rd, with Tybee Island Fireworks at dusk. Just be prepared to come early and stay late.

Read more about Savannah & Tybee Island’s  Fourth of July Events here.

 

ST. SIMONS ISLAND, GEORGIA

"state of georgia flag"St. Simons Island has a great Arts & Crafts Festival every Fourth of July called the Sunshine Festival.  The festival takes place July 2 – 4, 2011.  As usual, there is also Fourth of July fireworks over the water. The fireworks  on St. Simons Island are scheduled for 9 pm on July 4, 2011.

 


BRUNSWICK, GEORGIA

In downtown Brunswick, Georgia, head to Mary Ross Park for an old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration with music, food and fun for the whole family.

 

DARIEN, GEORGIA

The concert Red, White and Blue on the Bluff takes place on Saturday July 2, 2011 at the waterfront park. The concert is followed by fireworks.  Another great family event in Darien is the Cannons Across the Marsh at Fort King George.

Read more about Fourth of July events in St Simons, Brunswick and Darien here.

 

ST. MARYS, GEORGIA

In St. Marys, Georgia, Fourth of July this year is celebrated on Monday July4, 2011, with a customary 4th of July Festival followed by fireworks.

Read all about the St. Marys Fourth of July here.