JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – If you're looking for something to do over the Memorial Day holiday weekend in the Jacksonville area, there's no shortage of choices.
Many events are being held for the federal holiday. Memorial Day, a day to remember those who died while serving in the nation's armed forces, takes place this year on May 27.
Some of the events taking place in northeast Florida and southeast Georgia include the city of Jacksonville's 2019 Memorial Day Ceremony, the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville offering free admission to veterans on Memorial Day and activities taking place at Sea Island, Georgia.
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Here's a list of several of the larger events going on nearby.
Jacksonville Jazz Festival: Thursday through Sunday
This three-day event will feature two stages of live jazz, local food, drinks, shopping and entertainment. Entry into this family fun event, which takes up 10 blocks of the downtown area, is completely free. It runs through Sunday, finishing with stage musical legend Gladys Knight on the main stage Sunday night.
Jacksonville Symphony Patriotic Pops: Friday and Saturday
The Jacksonville Symphony will honor fallen soldiers this Memorial Day with Patriotic Pops at the Times Union Center. The Jacksonville Symphony has partnered with local organizations that support the military and its members for the concert event to salute to heroes in the U.S. military who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the freedom we cherish.
Palatka Blue Crab Festival, Friday through Sunday
Food trucks, two stages of music, carnival, games, ski show on the St. Johns River, seaplane rides, fireworks. Free admission.
Florida Folk Festival: Friday through Monday
A three-day celebration of the music, dance, stories, crafts and food unique to Florida. The festival has been a Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park tradition for 67 years. Visitors can come for a day or stay overnight at a nearby campground. There will be opportunities to learn from those keeping traditions alive, as well as expand your skills by trying your own hand at playing mandolin, telling stories, making a pine needle basket, and more.
Jacksonville Memorial Day Observance: Monday
Loved ones, veterans, service members, government leaders and citizens gather at the Veterans Memorial Wall at 8:30 a.m. in memory of Jacksonville’s fallen heroes. Free parking, bottled water and fans will be available for attendees. Music will be provided by the Navy Band Southeast and the Jacksonville Young Men’s Chorus. Four names have been added to the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Wall in recognition of their sacrifice. The city will lay a wreath in honor of the 75th anniversary of D-Day and recognize Jacksonville’s living D-Day veterans. Patriotic attire is suggested.
Palm Coast Memorial Day Ceremony: Monday
The ceremony begins at 8 a.m. at Heroes Memorial Park, 2860 Palm Coast Pkwy. NW. U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz will speak at the ceremony which honors the men and women who have died while serving in the U.S. military.
Green Cove Springs RiverFest: Monday
There will be an average of 100 food and craft vendors, a kid’s zone that includes pony rides, bounce houses and slides, train rides, face painting, and more. There is live entertainment throughout the day and fireworks at night to honor our veterans for their service to our country. The event will start at 10 a.m. at Springs Park.
Memorial Day Beach Cleanup: Monday
Beach Yoga with Big Fish Power Yoga hosts the event at the Jacksonville Beach Pier. Yoga starts at 8 a.m. for donation-based yoga, all levels, all ages. Bring your own mat or towel. Meet at the north side of the pier at 9 a.m. for the clean-up. We'll have 1-gallon kids buckets and a treasure chest for the little ones to pick a prize out of for helping us keep our beach clean.
5K Florida Fun Run: Monday
The race will start near the Orange Park Town Hall Park at 8 a.m. You can register online. All finishers will receive a commemorative medal and the top 10% win a finisher’s hat.
Memorial Concert & Picnic in the Park: Monday
The picnic and concert is a free event. It will be held at Memorial Park in Riverside honoring our fallen heroes featuring the U.S. Navy Band Southeast. It starts at 6:30 p.m., but event-goers should arrive early to reserve a good spot. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own blankets, folding chairs, and their own picnic food to enjoy during or after the concert. Everyone is also encouraged to dress patriotically in red, white, and blue.
Wicked Barley Brewing Company Fish Fry: Monday
Wicked Barley Brewing will feature live music, special beer releases and more. The event at 4100 Baymeadows Road will go from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. It is open to the public and family friendly.
For more event ideas coming up, view the calendar below or click here.