Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Jacksonville in May 2011

by

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.

First Wednesday Art Walk in Jacksonville March 3, 2010

by

Maybe winter has finally left Florida, about time I say.  I checked the weather report today and it says that the weather for Wednesday is partly cloudy but with a high temperature of 55 F, so we should be OK for the art walk.

The theme for March 3, 2010: Rock ‘n’ Roll, so you don’t want to miss this one.

A few notes for this month’s event:

There’s a new venue for this art walk, the RiverFit Gym at The Landing, where you can meet t artist, Rejel of REJCEL.co.

Rock ‘n’ Roll to help Haiti with the best bands in Jacksonville and a silent auction benefit by local artists will take place at Suite 106 Gallery.

There’s an Elvis tributes by five-year-old (?!)  Gabriel Jarrett, and Elvis tribute artist, Randy Elvis Walker at Visit Jacksonville. If you enjoy fashion, you’ll have the opportunity to watch a live runway show by “Princess of the Prom” at Cafe 331 & The Sinclair

At the Florida Theater you can view  the 2010 ADDY award-winning work from local advertising agencies and participate in the 2010 AAF JAX Media Auction at 6 p.m.

To watch our video, and to download an map for The First Wednesday Art Walk in Jacksonville, Florida –  click here

First Wednesday Art Walk in Jacksonville on Dec 2nd, 2009

by

Come to downtown Jacksonville for the First Wednesday Art walk and celebrate the holiday season.
The Art Walk in Jacksonville, Florida, is a free, self-guided tour of downtown’s galleries and museums, as well as cultural venues, restaurants and businesses.

First Wednesday Art walk takes place monthly from 5-9 p.m. – rain or shine. The Art Walk takes place in an area consisting of about 15-block in downtown.

Click here to download the Art Walk map for December 2, 2009!

December 2nd: Holidays Around the World

Hemming Plaza – Jacksonville’s River Music presents “A Christmas to Remember”, candlelight sing-along at 7 and 8 p.m. Enjoy horse and carriage rides courtesy of the City of Jacksonville Office of Special Events.

229 N. Hogan – AIGA is hosting its first custom toy show, “Designers in Toyland”. A portion of the proceeds from the event will be donated to The Big Fun Box.

Cafe 331 – Art and toys come together in the spirit of Christmas during the “Tattoos-4-Tots” fundraiser featuring Henna tattoos and body painting by The Henna Princess.

Quiznos – Features works by Transitional Tapestries, a craft cooperative of female refugees, including traditional hand-woven Karen bags, knit goods and handmade jewelry.

Snyder Memorial Church – This historic church is the perfect setting for a screening of one of your favorite family holiday movies!

Visit Jacksonville – Enjoy holiday music from The Fabulous Moods of Roger Glover, with special guest presentations while you meet Santa and Mrs. Claus.








If you liked this post, please fill in the box below to receive more fun things from the coast from us!



Visit our page about First Wednesday Art walk in Jacksonville

First Wednesday Art Walk in Jacksonville – Aug 5th, 2009

by

Yesterday I visited the First Wednesday Art Walk in downtown Jacksonville. I had a great time, despite the rain – actually, it wasn’t too bad. It sprinkled a little bit, but later on in the evening the rain clouds disappeared.

I picked up my map for the self guided walk from an ambassador dressed in a bright orange shirt at Hemming Plaza and started my walk. There is always a lot to see, and you never know what’s going to happen.

This time I walked through Hemming Plaza, where I found some great photos by Timothy Hall. Check him out next time you go by! He’s very talented. I also stopped by the “Earth Mandala” made in chalk before I headed to the library.

I visited the reception for “Reflections of the River” sponsored by Tree Hill Nature Center. Afterwards I visited the Gallery L in the Modis building for Allison Watson’s reception, and a whole bunch of other galleries in the area.

Although my feet were sore, I enjoyed the evening, and I would definitely recommend visiting the art walk in Jacksonville. It’s just great fun! I’ll let you know as soon as I post the video.

First Wednesday Art walk in Jacksonville

by

First Wednesday Art Walk has become one of the most popular recurring events in Jacksonville, and no wonder. It is a free, self-guided tour of Downtown Jacksonville’s galleries and museums and more. The Artwalk is held every month from 5-9 p.m. – rain or shine.

Download the Art Walk in Jacksonville Aug 5th, 2009 Map

It takes place in about 15-block radius in the Downtown area with Hemming Plaza as the focal point. It’s a great opportunity to see some of the creative talent Jacksonville has the offer.

Hemming Plaza
Give your own creativity a chance. Add your own mark with chalk to the spontaneous urban expression, “Earth Mandala.” Then it’s time to let your hair down and shake loose with drum and dance along with the EarthDrum Community Rhythms Circle, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Also visit:

* The City Kids Art Factory table
* The Friends of Jacksonville Animals, Inc.
* The Landing’s Yappy Hour table
* The Child Guidance Center’s Turtle Trail table
* Over 50 local artists

Pet Walk August 5th
Read more in our events calendar about the Pet Walk in Jacksonville

Parking
Street parking is FREE after 6 p.m. and the Downtown Garage on the corner of Adams and Clay offers FREE parking Art Walk night.

For more information call 904.634.0303 ext. 230 or visit the events calendar listing for First Wednesday Artwalk Jacksonville
Jax-skyline