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 – March 2012

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Spring is in the air, and festival season is getting into full swing, so this month is packed with happenings and events.

You have to taste the catfish!

Heart & Soul Festival
March 4, 2012
Kingsland, Georgia

The three most popular festivals in Camden County; the Rock Shrimp Festival in St Marys, Catfish Festival in Kingsland and Crawfish Festival in Woodbine are combining forces in a special festival where you get the opportunity to taste food from all the festivals. Taste tickets on sale now at Kingsland Visitor Center. The event takes place 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM lat North Shore’s Shell Cracker Clubhouse and is one of the events where the TV series Lovetown, USA is filming. For more information contact Kingsland CVB at 912-729-5999

Savannah International Boat Show
March 2 – 4, 2012
Savannah International Trade and Convention Center

Set course for the annual Savannah Boat & Outdoor Show. The show attracts thousands of boat owners and outdoor enthusiasts with its extensive displays of the latest in watercraft lines, marine equipment, accessories and services. Live music, fishing clinics and simulations, kids’ activities and great food make this a family-friendly event.

Peaches to Beaches

Peaches to Beaches Yard Sale
March 9 – 10, 2012
various locations in Georgia & Golden Isles

This popular yard sales takes place along the Golden Isles Parkway, US 341, from Middle Georgia to the beaches in the Golden Isles. It’s a 220 mile long yard sale paradise for those looking for a good deal. 

Jekyll Island Arts & Antique Festival
March 9 – 11, 2012
Jekyll Island Historic District

Jekyll Island is also located in the Golden Isles area, and on the same weekend, there is an Arts & Antique festival in the beautiful historic district on the island. 

st patrick's day savannah georgia
Green for everyone

St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah
March 9 – 17, 2012
various locations

This is one of the biggest and most popular events in Savannah. Actually, the parade is the second largest in the country – so expect a huge crowd. The official start of the celebration is the Greening of Forsyth Park Fountian at noon on March 9, 2012 in Forsyth Park. This event is followed by a family-friendly event to celebrate everything Irish in Emmet Park on March 10, 2012 – Tara Feis Irish Festival. On the same day, there’s also a parade on Tybee Island. But the big event is the St. Patrick’s Day parade on March 17. Read all about St. Patrick’s Day parade here.

Savannah Tour of Homes and Gardens
March 22 – 25, 2012

For the past 76 years, Savannah has played host to the Annual Tour of Homes & Gardens, which offers residents and visitors alike a rare opportunity to enter some of the City’s finest private homes. Historic Savannah Foundation partners with the Women of Christ Church to host the Tour, giving participants the chance to admire restored interiors and special furnishings that have been treasured by families for generations. In addition to a variety of walking tours, guests will enjoy seminars, special trolley tours, evening events and some of the best food and hospitality the South has to offer. Call 912.234.8054.

Bassekou Kouyate
Savannah Music Festival

Savannah Music Festival
March 22 – April 7, 2012
various locations

The Savannah Music Festival is a city-wide musical arts event showcasing renowned performers in jazz, classical, Americana and world music against the backdrop of one of America’s most enchanting historic districts from March 22 to April 7. Described by The Times of London as “one of the best events around the world,” the festival features more than 100 productions over 17 days. Highlights include numerous festival debuts and unique collaborations. In addition to a wealth of varied concert programs, SMF gives attendees a chance to hit the dance floor with Cajun, Salsa and Zydeco dance parties, and also presents an unmatched variety of American acoustic music, blues and jazz. More information at savannahmusicfestival.org

Fun Things To Do in Savannah in March

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Savannah is an artsy city, with SCAD placed right in the heart of downtown. Art is alive here and March is the month to explore creative expression in the city. There are two free events to get you started in the beginning of the month. Another big theme for March is of course music. First there’s the Stopover festival and then the big Savannah Music Festival. March is also the month when everything turns green, and I’m not talking about spring here – I’m talking about St. Patrick’s Day. Here are some of the events coming to Savannah in March.

telfair museum, savannah, georgiaFree week at Jepson
 Feb 27 – March 4, 2012
Jepson Museum
This week is the best time to take in a little culture at the Jepson Center. The art museum is offering free admission everyday, all day to the public Feb. 27 through March 4. Don’t miss this great opportunity to enjoy one of Savannah’s heralded museums at no cost. View the posted link for details about the different events offered each day during Free Week at Jepson Center. Hours are 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Sunday and Monday, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information call 912.790.8800.

PULSE 2012
Feb 27 – March 4, 2012
Telfair Museum Explore how art and technology can intersect in Telfair Museums’ Art and Technology Festival will be back in 2012 with a line up of exciting exhibitions, performances, lectures, workshops, and events celebrating technology and creative innovation. These events are free. 

Savannah International Boat Show
March 2 – 4, 2012
Savannah International Trade and Convention Center Set course for the annual Savannah Boat & Outdoor Show. The show attracts thousands of boat owners and outdoor enthusiasts with its extensive displays of the latest in watercraft lines, marine equipment, accessories and services. Live music, fishing clinics and simulations, kids’ activities and great food make this a family-friendly event.

st patrick's day savannah georgiaFirst Saturday on the River
March 3, 2012
Riverfront Arts and crafts, entertainment and fun for the entire family on historic River Street. This is free and open to the public. Fire engines, fireworks, fish and fiestas for First Saturday on the River. More information at www.riverstreetsavannah.com

Savannah Stopover Festival March
March 7 – 10, 2012
Historic downtown Savannah The best up and coming indie bands stop over in Savannah on their way to SXSW in Austin, Texas for 4 nights of music in the the city’s famed historic district.The Festival, founded in 2011, takes places across multiple venues within walking distance of all Savannah has to offer. Over 60 bands will perform. More information at www.savannahstopover.com The Greening of the Fountain March 9, 2012 Forsyth Park The official start of St. Patrick Day Celebration is the greening of the fountain in Forsyth Park. The greening takes place at noon.

Tara Feis
March 10, 2012
Emmet Park
This is the family-friendly version of the St. Patrick’s Day celebration with lots of fun for the whole family. Read more on our special page for Tara Feis.

Tybee Irish Heritage Celebration Parade
March 10, 2012
Tybee Island
Tybee Island outside Savannah has its own parade. Tybee Island’s fun, family-friendly parade to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Dress in green & join in the fun at 3pm on Saturday. Parade starts at City Hall and proceeds down Butler Avenue to Tybrisa Street. Call (912) 786-5444/(800) 868-2322 or visit tybeevisit.com

Girl Scouts over the Bridge
March 10, 2012
Join the Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia in beautiful Savannah with a Centennial Bridging Ceremony and Party in the Park! Thousands of Girl Scouts will cross over the Savannah Bridge to symbolically cross over to the next century of the Girl Scout movement. Later Participants will gather at Forsyth Park in beautiful Historic Savannah for an afternoon of fun. Call 912.233.4501 or visit http://www.juliettegordonlowbirthplace.org/ for more info.

March of Dimes Shamrock Run
March 11, 2012
The annual March of Dimes 5K Shamrock Run begins and ends in City Market. The race starts at 6 p.m., with a free 1/4 mile Kiddie Fun Run prior to the race start. Call 912.354.5900 or visit www.savannahcitymarket.com for more information.

St Patrick's Day Parade in Savannah, GeorgiaCeltic Cross Ceremony
March 11, 2012
Charles H. Morris Center
The Celtic Cross Ceremony is a time to honor the city’s Irish ancestors and the contributions they made.

St Patrick’s Day on the River
March 16-17, 2012
Come to Riverstreet to wear, drink, eat, and be merry celebrating on historic River Street. The great green St. Patrick’s Day fun for the O’Masses with non-stop live entertainment and more. More information at www.riverstreetsavannah.com

St Patrick’s Day Parade
March 17, 2012
Savannah is famous for it’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration with lots of people and lots of fun. This year it’s the 188th year for the parade. Read all about St. Patrick’s Day parade here.

Savannah Tour of Homes and Gardens
March 22 – 25, 2012
For the past 76 years, Savannah has played host to the Annual Tour of Homes & Gardens, which offers residents and visitors alike a rare opportunity to enter some of the City’s finest private homes. Historic Savannah Foundation partners with the Women of Christ Church to host the Tour, giving participants the chance to admire restored interiors and special furnishings that have been treasured by families for generations. In addition to a variety of walking tours, guests will enjoy seminars, special trolley tours, evening events and some of the best food and hospitality the South has to offer. Call 912.234.8054 or visit Savannah Tour of Homes and Gardens page for more information.

Savannah Music Festival
March 22 – April 7, 2012
various locations
The Savannah Music Festival is a city-wide musical arts event showcasing renowned performers in jazz, classical, Americana and world music against the backdrop of one of America’s most enchanting historic districts from March 22 to April 7. Described by The Times of London as “one of the best events around the world,” the festival features more than 100 productions over 17 days. Highlights include numerous festival debuts and unique collaborations. In addition to a wealth of varied concert programs, SMF gives attendees a chance to hit the dance floor with Cajun, Salsa and Zydeco dance parties, and also presents an unmatched variety of American acoustic music, blues and jazz. More information at savannahmusicfestival.org

Nel Adams at Gallery S.P.A.C.E in Savannah, GAThe Annual Sheep to Shawl Festival
March 24, 2012
Oatland Nature Center
Observe and participate in the magical creation of a shawl from sheep shearing to carding, spinning, dying and weaving the wool. Members of The Fiber Guild of the Savannah’s join Oatland staff and volunteers in making this traditional spring celebration fun for the whole family. Crafts, games, hay rides, pony rides and other children’s activities as well as food concessions will be available. 10 am – 4 pm. For more information call 912.395.1500 or visit oatlandisland.org

Spring Garden Festival
March 24, 2012
Bamboo Farm & Coastal Gardens
Visit the Bamboo Farm and Coastal Gardens’ 18th Annual Spring Garden Festival. This event will help raise funds and will include educational lectures, activities for children, plant vendors, and arts and crafts vendors. Call 912.921.5460

Market at the Lighthouse
March 25, 2012
Tybee Island Lighthouse
“Market at the Lighthouse” on Sunday March 25th from 9 am. To 4 pm. The market features select local dealers selling art, antiques, collectables, jewerly, and photography. The market will take place on the field adjacent to the lighthouse grounds. Admission is free to the market.

Episode with Joe

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I’m always on the lookout for fun things to do on the coast from South Carolina, Georgia to Northeast Florida. Every week I’ll show my findings to you – sometimes you’ll agree, and sometimes I’m sure you’ll disagree with my choice.

If so, make sure to let me know – and don’t hesitate to submit your suggestions for things we should showcase in one of our upcoming episodes – send me an email to joe@coastalcompanion.com.

I’d also appreciate your comments below! Thanks!