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

 

 

 

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

Things To Do Amelia Island May 2011

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FODfest (May 6-7)
A special fundraising event, FODfest offers the community free, public concerts that bring together diverse groups of artists and audiences. FODfest offers, school programs, and multimedia productions that promote its community-building mission. For additional information, visit www.fodfest.org.

Butterflies are Free Breakfast, Author Talk, and Butterfly Release (May 10)
New York Times best-selling author Mary Alice Monroe has chosen Amelia Island to launch her latest book, “The Butterfly’s Daughter”.  A breakfast and author talk will be followed by a release of monarch butterflies, coordinated by volunteers from Wild Amelia Nature Festival. Tickets are $50 and include a signed copy of the book. Tickets can be purchased at Red Otter Outfitters and the Golf Club of Amelia Island after March 15, or by contacting Dickie Anderson (904) 556-6455. The event will benefit the Wild Amelia Nature Festival.

Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival (May 20-June 19)
The Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival will showcase world-class artists performing classical music in intimate and historic settings on Amelia Island. The festival is dedicated to bringing a wide variety of chamber music at the highest level, with performances by the Tokyo String Quartet, Louciana Souza, violinist Rachel Barton Pine, eighth blackbird, classical guitarist Sharon Isbin, and many more. The festival offers four free concerts, including the Air National Guard Band of the South performing a Splendor in the Brass concert. Other Festival highlights include two Candlelight Concerts at Fort Clinch State Park, the more informal Beer and G Strings at the Palace Saloon, and La Tierra Prometida. Click here to read more about the Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival

Wild Amelia Nature Festival (May 20-22)

The 2011 Wild Amelia Nature Festival invites residents and visitors to experience the wild side of Amelia Island. With more than 25 seminars and experiences, the three-day festival includes a Segway tour of Ft. George Island, kayaking the marshes along Ft. Clinch State Park, and exploration of bird habitats by bike. The festival also offers programs designed specifically for children, including a Kid’s Niche with hands-on nature activities. There will also be an EcoExpo with green and nature-based exhibitors, and a Silent Auction. For more information visit Wild Amelia Nature Festival

2011 Ed Gaw Amelia Island Open Water Challenge (May 28)
The Ed Gaw Amelia Island Open Water Challenge includes a 5K (3.1 miles) ocean swim. The event will take place at 8:30 a.m. at Main Beach. The cost to participate is $30. Participants can register online at www.active.com or at the Atlantic Avenue Recreation Center.


WWII Event (May 28-29)
Fort Clinch State Park will hold a Memorial Weekend program in honor of the men and women who served in World War II.  Visitors can explore military displays, view memorabilia, and learn about the uniforms, weapons, vehicles, and lifestyle of those who were part of the war during the 1940’s.  The event will take place on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  For details, call (904) 277-7274 or visit www.floridastateparks.org/fortclinch.

Jacksonville in May 2011

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Summer is almost here and there is no shortage of fun things to do on the coast this month. May is usually an action-packed month. We’ll start out with two popular festival that technically start in April, but I wanted to add them to the list anyway to make sure you don’t forget.

 

World of Nations Celebration
April 28 – May 1, 2011

Jacksonville celebrates its cultural diversity with the World of Nations Celebration in Metropolitan Park every spring. The festival is presented by the City of Jacksonville. Metropolitan Park transforms into a multi-ethnic marketplace of cuisine, crafts and entertainment of people from around the world.
Read more about World of Nations Celebration here.

 

Florida’s Birding and FotoFest
April 28-May 1

This event features professional photographers giving hands-on advice and nature excursions throughout Northeast Florida. Headquartered at Guana Environmental Education Center, attendees can experience a butterfly house, vendors and other family activities. Read more here.

 

Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival
April 28 – May 1

This unique Amelia Island festival combines delicious fresh seafood with a fun, small town celebration complete with parade, pirate invasions, live music, activities, contests and much more. The festival takes place in historic downtown Fernandina Beach. Read more and watch our video from Fernandina Shrimp Festival here.

 

First Wednesday Art Walk
May 4, 2011

Every month downtown Jacksonville comes alive with the art walk. Come participate and take a stroll downtown to explore new art and new experiences. The weather is perfect for an evening walk. Start in Hemming Plaza. More information here.

Movies in the Park
May 6, 2011

Downtown Jacksonville’s series is returning to historic Treaty Oak Park Fridays in the spring. Hosted by Downtown Vision, Inc. and JaxParks, the series features four family-friendly movies shown under the stars, each beginning at dusk (around 8 p.m.)

Pops at the Beach – Mother’s Day Concert
May 8, 2011

This is a great idea for how to celebrate Mother’s Day within your budget. Head to Jacksonville Beach for a free Mother’s Day concert, you can even bring your own picnic dinner. Read more about Pops at the Beach here.

World Golf Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
May 9, 2011

This year’s ceremony marks the first time this event will be held during THE PLAYERS Championship. The induction class of 2011 will be featured in a new exhibit at the World Golf Hall of Fame Museum. Event takes place on an outdoor stage adjacent to the Hall of Fame and is free and open to the public. Seating is limited. Call (904) 940-4123 or visit www.worldgolfhalloffame.org.

THE PLAYERS Championship
 May 9-15, 2011

It’s one of golf’s biggest events and it’s played annually on the coastline of Northeast Florida at the famed Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra, Florida. The lush, green rolling hills and steep inclines offer spectacular views of each hole. The tournament begins on Monday with practice rounds. Thursday, the competition heats up as Round 1 of tournament play begins, concluding Sunday with fans gathering around the 18th hole to see who will take home the crystal trophy. Visit our special page for THE PLAYERS.

Dancin’ in the Street
May 21, 2011

Atlantic beach block party. Log on to www.jacksonvillebeach.org or call (904) 270-1658 for more information.

starry nightsStarry Nights
May 21, 2011

The City of Jacksonville presents Starry Nights, an event that combines the sounds of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra with a national performer. Concert is held at Metropolitan Park, along the St. Johns River. www.makeascenedowntown.com

Moonlight Movies
May 20 & 27
Enjoy classic movies under the stars and by the ocean. These events are free to the public and featured movies will be announced a few weeks prior to the first screening. Held over four Friday evenings at 9 p.m.  Visit our Moonlight Movies page for more info.

Jacksonville Jazz Festival
May 26-29, 2011

Held annually over the Memorial Day holiday weekend in the heart of Downtown Jacksonville. Street party atmosphere includes four stages scattered in the city’s Laura Street corridor. Enjoy internationally acclaimed jazz performers, as well as the region’s best musicians during this four-day event. More information about the Jacksonville Jazz Festival here.

Memorial Wall Ceremony
May 31, 2010

Remember wounded and lost soldiers and their families this Memorial Day. Jacksonville honor its military heritage and local heroes with keynote speakers, presentation of colors, family tributes, a wreath presentation, a 21-gun salute, “Taps” and musical tributes. Call (904) 630-3690 or log on to www.makeascenedowntown.com.

48th Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival – Fernandina Beach Florida

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This year it’s the 48th Anniversary for the popular Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival in Historic Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island ,Florida. This year the festival is scheduled for April 29 – May 1, 2011. Now this event is one of the first events we visited when we moved to the coast so it will always be special to me. Don’t take my word for it come and check out the festival for yourself and let me know what you think.

 

For all the details checkout our Shrimp Festival page