JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Hey, Insiders! 👋
Can you believe it’s already 2025 and we’ve entered a brand-new year? A new year brings fresh beginnings and exciting events happening across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia.
If you’re reading this, you are one of 90,000 individuals receiving the River City Guide in their inbox weekly. Pretty cool, right?
My main goal of this newsletter has always been to keep community members informed about local events and to create a convenient, comprehensive list to make life easier for you.
And as we jump into 2025, my goal is no different! ☺️
So, without further ado, here’s a look at the awesome events happening this weekend to kick off the new year. 👇
(Emoji Key: 💰 = Paid/ticketed event | 🆓 = Free event | 🎶 = Live music | 🔞 Event is 18 and up or 21 and up)
As always, be sure to check the organization’s website and social media accounts for any last-minute event changes or cancellations.
Weekend Events... Jan. 3-5 📅
- Hanna Park Public Stargazing 💰✨ “Stargazing at Hanna Park hosted by the Northeast Florida Astronomical Society [NEFAS]. Get ready to see stars, planets, the Moon, and interesting sky objects, and the general public is most welcome! Location: Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, 500 Wonderwood Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32233 *Park entry fee is $5 per car. You must have paid and entered NO LATER THAN 5:30 p.m. when the gate entrance is closed for the evening. There will not be re-entry once you leave.” More info
- The Best of Phantom, West Side Story & Matinee 💰🎶 “The best of Broadway comes to Jacoby Symphony Hall as the Symphony and powerhouse guest vocalists celebrate two dynamos of American theater: Leonard Bernstein and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Experience the most iconic musical theater moments from Phantom of the Opera, West Side Story, Candide and more all combined in one incredible show.” More info
- Riverside Arts Market 🆓 “The Riverside Arts Market (RAM) is a unique arts and entertainment venue under the canopy of the Fuller Warren Bridge. RAM features artists, food artists, farmers/growers and food vendors, as well as a variety of live entertainment options. More info
- Lives Eliminated, Dreams Illuminated at MOSH 💰 Jan. 3 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. “Lives Eliminated, Dreams Illuminated (LEDI), features remarkable portraits based on archival photographs of girls and young women whose lives were senselessly lost during the Holocaust. The lives they never had and the dignity they had stolen are reimagined via art and music. LEDI aims to tell their stories, personalize the horror they experienced, and provoke important conversations about the Holocaust and the dangerous recent escalation of antisemitism.” More info
- Barreltop Burlesque 💰🔞 “Whiskey & Burlesque, what a combo for a complimentary immersive floorshow! Almost Every First Friday join Burlock & Barrel with Lady Mekaella DeMure & Her Danger Dames pouring sparkle, glitz & glam with your locally made reserve in downtown Jax for a 21+ vaudeville tasting event, oozing vintage vibes straight from the barrel! Doors open at 7:30 pm with the first performances starting at 8 p.m. Burlock & Barrel Distillery & Tasting Room 476 May St, Jacksonville, FL 32204. ID is required for entry. Parking: onsite & street. 21+ only. Adult Humor & Art not suitable for all audiences.” More info
- Art with a Heart in Healthcare the Power Within 💰 “MOCA Jacksonville is pleased to continue its partnership with Art with a Heart in Healthcare and present the exhibition “The Power Within.” More info
- First Fridays at Friendship Fountain 💰🆓 “First Fridays at the Fountain happen the first Friday of the month from 5-9:30 p.m. The special event will have a DJ, cash bar, food trucks, vendors, and lawn games all localized at the Fountain!” More info
For more ideas for fun weekend activities, take a look at our Events Calendar. 👇
You Gotta See This 🎟️💯
Free admission registration begins for Florida children 5 and under at Busch Gardens, SeaWorld in 2025
I had to make sure you saw this story I wrote on Thursday. Be sure to share it with friends and family who have young children!
SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay have announced the return of the popular “Preschool Card” promotion, offering Florida residents free admission for children aged five and under throughout 2025.
The free admission includes entry to SeaWorld and Aquatica Orlando, as well as Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island.
Click here to read the full story and for more information on registering your Preschool Card.