JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Hey, Insiders. 👋
Did someone say lawnmower racing? You heard that right. That’s just one of the events taking place this weekend at the 2nd annual Hastings Cabbage, Potato & Bacon Festival on April 26 and 27.
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This weekend is also the Opening of the Beaches celebration at Jacksonville Beach! There will be beach cleanups, a parade, parties and much more all week and weekend!
Still looking for more? Check out our preview of the exciting events taking place from Friday, April 25, to Sunday, April 27. 👇
(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... 📅
- Opening of the Beaches Weekend: Parade and Sandcastle Contest 🆓🎶 The official Opening of the Beaches will kick off with a parade in the heart of Jacksonville Beach on Sunday, April 27, from 2-3 p.m. The parade will start at 5th Avenue N and 2nd Street. Once started, the parade will travel north to 11th Avenue North and 2nd Street, then turn East toward the ocean. Once the parade reaches 1st Street, it will turn south and travel all the way to Beach Blvd., where it will reach its conclusion. The 46th Annual Sandcastle Contest will be held on Saturday, April 26, just north of the Jacksonville Beach Pier. Registration for participation has closed. More info
- Jacksonville Icemen v Florida Everblades, Playoffs Rd 1, Gm 5 If Nec 💰🏒 “Bring the squad! We are back at home this Wednesday and Thursday for the 2025 Kelly Cup Playoffs.” Game 3 takes place on April 23, Game 4 on April 24, and Game 5 on April 27. More info
- Cabbage, Potato & Bacon Festival 2025 💰🎶 “Mark your calendars for the 2nd annual Hastings Cabbage, Potato & Bacon Festival on April 26 & 27, 2025! Experience a weekend immersed in agricultural celebration right in the heart of downtown Hastings! It’s a celebration of creativity and good, old-fashioned, family-friendly fun!” More info
- JASMYN Strides for Pride 5K Run/Walk 💰👟 JASMYN’s 14th Annual Strides for Pride 5K Run/Walk will take place on Sunday, April 27, at Northbank Riverwalk Artist Square (beneath the Fuller Warren Bridge in the Riverside Arts Market space). The event features a 5K out-and-back route across the Fuller Warren Bridge into San Marco, along with a 1-mile walk option. All proceeds from Strides for Pride benefit LGBTQIA+ teens and young adults who come to JASMYN for programs and services. JASMYN is the only youth center in Northeast Florida dedicated to LGBTQIA+ teens and young adults. More info
- JaxReady Fest 🆓🌀 JaxReady Fest will be held at the Prime Osborn Convention Center from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m., Friday, April 25, 2025; 9 a.m.- 3 p.m., Saturday, April 26, 2025, where attendees will be able to see JEA bucket trucks up close, get preparation tips, and learn about JEA’s Restoration 1-2-3 power restoration process. JEA is a lead sponsor of this free community event featuring a wide range of engaging activities, educational workshops, and interactive demonstrations for residents of all ages. More info
- Jacksonville Spring Boat Show 💰⛵️ The Jacksonville Spring Boat Show offers three days (April 25 – 27) of water-related fun and family-friendly activities, including food vendors, live music, special surprises for kids, and seminars and education for adults. Arrive by Boat, Get in FREE! Show hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, April 25; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 26; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 27. Admission is $12 for adults; free for children 12 and under; and $10 for seniors, military, and first responders with ID. More info
- Camden County community baby shower planned for April 26 🆓👶 The Camden County Health Department and Family Connection Camden will host a community baby shower on April 26 for any new babies and parents. The event is free to attend and will be at Christ Church Camden (250 Lake Pointe Drive in Kingsland) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. More info
- Shoot for Justice with Jacksonville Clay Target Sports 💰 The Justice Coalition will hold its annual Shoot for Justice sporting clay shooting event fundraiser on Friday, April 25. The event is an annual event to raise funds to support innocent victims/survivors of violent crime. More info
- Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp ⚾️💰One of the season’s most anticipated events, Bark & Brew Day, takes place April 27, allowing fans to bring their four-legged friends along to enjoy the game. While Friday and Saturday will light up the skies with fireworks, Sunday belongs to the pups — and to Southpaw, the team’s beloved mascot, who apparently is most excited about the food. More info
- Groundwork Jacksonville Hosts Festival on the Emerald Trail LaVilla Link 🆓 Groundwork Jacksonville invites the community to Celebrate Trails Day on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the LaVilla Link Butterfly Garden along the Emerald Trail. This free family is a great opportunity to appreciate nature and active living, while experiencing the beauty and community connection of the Emerald Trail. More info
- Clay County Drug Take Back Day 🆓💊 Clay County public safety agencies and local organizations are teaming up with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for National Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. More info
- 9K for K9s in honor of fallen K9 Kilo 💰🐶 K9s United announces its ninth annual 9K for K9s Saturday, April 26, at Ring Power, located at 500 World Commerce Parkway in St. Augustine. This event supports law enforcement canines who tirelessly protect and serve local communities and honors those who have fallen in the line of duty. More info
- 13th Annual Roscolusa Songwriters Festival 💰🎶 The 13th annual Roscolusa festival, featuring Nashville singers and songwriters, is Saturday, April 26, 2025, in Ponte Vedra Beach. Festival-goers will enjoy country music, performed by the original songwriters, and hear stories about the songs and the songwriters’ lives. The festival also includes a variety of food trucks along with beer and wine vendors. This outdoor festival in Nocatee benefits a children’s cancer fund. More info
- 28th Annual ‘The Taste of St. Augustine’ and Race to the Taste! 💰🎶 “Join us in celebrating 28 years of culinary excellence, local flavors, and community spirit while supporting a fantastic cause! ” $10 — children under 12 receive free admission. More info
For more ideas for fun weekend activities, take a look at our Events Calendar. 👇
Shrimp Spotlight 🦐⚾️
Bark and Brew: The Jumbo Shrimp’s first dog day of the season is this Sunday, April 27
The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are sliding into the new season with a winning record, a revamped ballpark, and a full slate of fan-friendly events — including their much-loved Bark & Brew this Sunday.
One of the season’s most anticipated events, Bark & Brew Day, takes place April 27, allowing fans to bring their four-legged friends along to enjoy the game. While Friday and Saturday will light up the skies with fireworks, Sunday belongs to the pups — and to Southpaw, the team’s beloved mascot, who apparently is most excited about the food.
For details on tickets and events, click here.
SnapJAX Stars 🌟📸
