Bill Maher has many talent. He is known as stand-up comedian, television host, political commentator, author and actor. Before his role as the host of HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher, Maher hosted a similar late-night talk show called Politically Incorrect originally on Comedy Central and later on ABC. He even has his own star on Hollywood Boulevard’s Walk of Fame star which he received on September 14, 2010. Bill Maher is performing at the Florida Theatre in Jacksonville on May 27, 2011 at 8:00 pm. Book your tickets here!
Kenny Chesney is coming to Jacksonville
Kenny Chesney is coming to the Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida. Kenny is of course on of the biggest and brightest stars on the horizon of country right now. He has produced more than 30 Top Ten singles on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, 20 of which climbed to the top of the charts. Kenny Chesney has been honored with numerous awards from the Academy of Country Music (ACM), Country Music Association (CMA), American Music Awards (AMA), Country Music Television (CMT), Billboard Music Awards (BMA), People’s Choice Awards (PCA), and the French Country Music Awards (FCMA).
This popular country star is coming to Jacksonville on Thursday May 12, 2011 at 7:00 pm.
Art of Fighting and Guns N Hoses Boxing in Jacksonville in April
Love a good fight? Here are two choices coming to Jacksonville, Florida, in the month of April – Art of Fighting and the Guns N’ Hoses Boxing.
This event takes place at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena on Saturday April 2, 2011 at 7:00 pm.
Click here to reserve your seat for Art of Fighting!
Guns N Hoses Charity Boxing event returns to Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena on Saturday April 16, 2011 at 6:30 pm.
Things To Do in Jacksonville – April 2011
April is the perfect time for outdoor festivals, and this month there is no shortage of fun things to do in Jacksonville.
George’s Music Annual Springing the Blues
April 1-3, 2011
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.
Cosmic Concerts
April 1, 8, 15, 22
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 1: Laseropolis at 5 p.m., The Beatles at 6 p.m., Laser Vinyl at 7 p.m., and Laser Retro at 8 p.m.
- April 8: Laseropolis at 5 p.m., Led Zeppelin at 6 p.m., Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon at 7 p.m., and Pink Floyd: The Wall at 8 p.m.
- April 15: Laseropolis at 5 p.m., Laser Retro at 6 p.m., Laser X at 7 p.m., and Metallica at 8 p.m.
- April 22: Laseropolis at 5 p.m., Laser Vinyl at 6 p.m., Laser Retro at 7 p.m., and Metallica at 8 p.m.
First Wednesday Art Walk
April 6 2011
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.
Movies in the Park
April 8, 15 and 26
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.). 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.
Starry Nights
April 9, 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
Earth Day at MOSH
April 16, 2011Â
Come to MOSH in Jacksonville for Earth Day activities from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 16. Visitors will work to together to paint a masterpiece on a working rain barrel, make crafts from recycled items and more.
Beaches Sandcastle Contest & Parade
April 23-24
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 Sunday, a lively parade marches through Jacksonville Beach.
Mandarin Art Festival & Egg Hunt
April 23-24
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.
World of Nations Celebration
April 28 – May 1
Each spring, Jacksonville celebrates its cultural diversity with the World of Nations Celebration, 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 in Jacksonville here.
Music Under the Stars
April 28, 2011
Learn about the stars that shine over Jacksonville while enjoying a live musical performance under the stars of the Bryan-Gooding Planetarium. Event is from 6 to 10 p.m.. The music presentation begins at 7 p.m. and rooftop stargazing is from 8 to 9 p.m. Admission, which includes museum access, one beer or glass of wine, music presentation, star show, and rooftop stargazing, is $10 for the public and $5 for MOSH Members. Music provided by arrangement with Friday Musicale. Call 396.MOSH (6674), ext. 230 for required reservations.
Things To Do Amelia Island in April 2011
April 1, 2011 – Sounds on Centre
Come to downtown Fernandina and listen to live music under the stars. You can read more about this seasonal Amelia Island event by clicking here.
April 2 – 3, 2011 – First Weekend Union Garrison
This event takes place on the first weekend of the month at Fort Clinch State Park. On Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
During the First Weekend, living historians will recreate life at Fort Clinch during the War Between the States. This is a fun way to learn a little bit about our history for the whole family. Activities may include black powder artillery demonstrations and marching drills, as well as soldiers and civilians taking up duty in the laundry, infirmary and kitchen. Candlelight viewings on Saturday evenings every First Weekend except December.
Fees: Park entrance fee plus $2.00 per person Fort admission.
Contact: For more information, call 904-277-7274.
April 2, 2011 – Old Town Fernandina Bicentennial Celebration
Two hundred years ago, the small community of Fernandina was so named by Spanish Governor Enrique White, and the town was platted according to the Spanish Law of the Indies of 1573.  On April 2, 2011, Old Town Fernandina will mark this milestone with Bicentennial Day, a celebration of Old Fernandina’s unique history.  In 1811, two events took place in Old Town Fernandina that were milestones in the development of today’s City of Fernandina Beach. On January 1, the name of the Spanish Amelia Island Military Post and the town that had grown up around it was renamed Fernandina. The decree, issued by Enrique White, the Spanish Governor of the Spanish Province of East Florida, was issued on December 24, 1810, and named the town for Spain’s King Ferdinand VII.
On May 11, 1811 Jose Estrada, White’s successor as Governor instructed his Surveyor-General George F Clarke to plat the town according to the Spanish Law of the Indies. Other US cities have used the same plan include Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Los Angeles. Fernandina was the last to be so platted, and according to the University of Florida “the Old Town grid remains as one of the last and purest examples of the Law of the Indies planning Edict of 1573”.
In 1811, Old Fernandina was booming as it profited from being close to the United States, but not subject to its laws. Smuggling and Slave-Trading were the mainstays of its economy. As the US grew in international stature, it became increasingly obvious thatWashington could not allow Amelia Island and Fernandina to remain in foreign hands. The next 10 years saw much of Fernandina’s colorful history as five of the island’s eight flags were raised and lowered, but in 1821, when Florida became a US Territory much of this “economic stimulus” was removed.The event will include walking tours, home tours, nature walks, archeological exploration, authentic Spanish music and Flamenco, a pirate weapons display, re-enactors, and much more.
- Archeological Exploration – join experts from Florida Public Archeological Network.
- Authentic Spanish Music and Flamenco – talented musicians from around the U.S. and Spain perform classical and contemporary Spanish music and dance.
- Bosque Bello tours – meet costumed past residents of Old Fernandina courtesy of Amelia Island Genealogical Society.
- Fort-to-Fort 5K Family Fun. – run or walk from site of Fort San Carlos, through the State Park and along the old military road to Fort Clinch, Amelia Island Runners.
- Free Trolley shuttle service from North End Boat Ramp to and around Old Town from Amelia Island Trolleys.
- Home tours – Old Town residents welcome you into their living rooms and display the diversity of cottages and Captains’ homes.
- Nature of Old Town walks – explore flora and fauna of woods and river’s edge with Florida State Park Master Naturalist
- Pirates’ weapons display, and Pirate School – courtesy of Fernandina Pirates.
- Re-enactors on San Carlos Plaza.
- Spanish Choral Works – Island Chamber Singers.
- Spanish Petanca – try your skill and join local enthusiasts, courtesy of Petanque America Inc.
- Treasure Hunt – children seek the ‘legendary Treasure of Old Town’, courtesy of Fernandina Pirates.
- Vignettes of History – learn of the tumultuous Second Spanish period through the lives of then-residents, including Felipa the Witch of Old Town.
- Walking tours – learn of Old Fernandina’s extraordinary history with Amelia Island Museum of History docents.
Fort to Fort Run  (5K)                          08:30 AM
Official Opening                                    10:00 AM
Pirate Invasion                                      10:15 AM
Nature of Old Town                             10:30 AM and 2:00 PM
Pirate School                                        11:00 AM and 2:00 PM
Sail Boat Race On The River                10:30 AM
Vignettes of History                              11 AM and 1:30 PM
Spanish/Music/Dance                           1:00 – 5:00 PM
Spanish Choral Music                           2:00 – 2:45 PM
Captain’s Homes, Cottages Tours         10:30-3:30 PM
Walking tours                                       10:30-3:00 PM
From 10:00 AM, Archeological dig, Bosque Bello Tour, Petanca by the Plaza, Music, Pirate weapons display, Vendors.
Home Tours – $10 prior to April 2 – $12 day of
Tickets available from March 21st at the Museum of History and Lindy’s on Centre Street .
Bosque Bello Tours – $8, $10 day of.  On sale at the library.
For more information:Â www.oldtownfernandina.org or call 904 491 1259
Note: These events may be modified or withdrawn at any time.
Join Kevin McCarthy of Amelia River Cruises for a fun way to travel to the Bicentennial Celebration of Old Town! Ferry service out of Fernandina Harbor Marina begins at 9:30 a.m. and will run out of Fernandina every hour on the half hour. Return trips from Old Town begin at 10 a.m. and will run every hour on the hour. Price is $5 roundtrip for adults; seniors (65 and older) and children under 12 years of age ride free! No reservations taken, first come; first serve basis.
• Last departure from Fernandina Harbor Marina – 5 p.m.
• Last return trip from Old Town – 5:30 p.m.
April 6, 2011 — Amelia Island Lighthouse Tours
The only way to visit the Amelia Island Lighthouse up close and personal, is by going on the tour. The tour leaves from the Atlantic Ave Recreation Center.
on the 1st and 3rd Wed of the month through May, A shuttle will depart from the Atlantic Ave Rec Center for a tour of the Lighthouse. Limit 25 people per tour. Call 904-277-7350 for more information.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011, 10am
Atlantic Ave Recreation Center, 2500 Atlantic Avenue, FERNANDINA
Cost:Â Adults, $5; children 12 & under, $3
www.fbfl.us
April 8, 2011 — Friends of the Library Book Sale
Stock up for the summer and get new books to read. If you love to read and enjoy books, you certainly want to take advantage of the Friends of the Library Book Sale. Choose from books, audio books, magazines, videos, CDs, DVDs, vinyl records, children’s books, games, and puzzles—with prices ranging from $.50 to $3 for most items. For the best deals, get there early to examine specially priced first editions and other special collections. The sale takes place at the Peck Recreation Center., 516 South 10th Street, Fernandina Beach, on Friday, April 8, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m., and continues on Saturday, April 9, 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m., with fire-sale markdowns early Saturday afternoon. Proceeds from the sale benefit the Fernandina Beach Library, so you’ll be getting great deals and supporting a good cause.
Friday, April 8, 2011, 9:30am – 5pm
Peck Recreation Center, 516 South 10th Street, Fernandina Beach, Florida
Fernandina Beach Library: (904) 277-7365
April 9, 2011 — Artrageous Art Walk
This is a self-guided artwalk in downtown Fernandina. Take a nice stroll around town and get a first look at art from the area. You can read more about this event on our special events page, just click here.
April 16, 2011 — 8th Annual Arts and Crafts Show
This annual event is a showcase for fine artisans and craftsmen from throughout the northwest Florida/ southeastern Georgia region. Items featured include paintings, photographs, fabric accessories for the home and for personal wear, designer jewelry, beautiful glass objects, and other mixed media creations. The show is held in Maxwell Hall behind the Memorial United Methodist Church, 601 Centre Street, from 9am until 3 pm. There is no charge for admission. Delicious baked goods and light lunches are available for purchase.
Saturday, April 16, 2011, 9am – 3pm at Memorial United Methodist Church, 601 Centre St., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
904-261-8314
April 29 — 48th Annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival
The shrimp festival on Amelia Island takes place from April 29-May 1, 2011, with lots of fun for the whole family.   The popular event features a nationally-recognized juried fine arts and crafts show, antiques, live entertainment, kids activities, contests, pirates, free admission and 25 food booths serving up the tastiest shrimp you can find, prepared every way possible by local non-profit organizations, and of course a parade and a pirate invasion. Read more about the shrimp festival by clicking here.