Jacksonville, Florida, is a thriving city with an incredible waterfront district ideal for beach vacations. The wealth of things to do, both in urban areas and along the ocean, present endless things to do. The hundreds of annual events in Jacksonville afford visitors even more to do and see and a chance to enjoy an array of community gatherings. Jacksonville events range from music festivals, to boardwalk bashes, to art fairs, to seafood food festivals. The extensive variety of Jacksonville festivals and events means there is an event of interest for every age.

Beginning in May, the beat of tourist activity picks up, just in time to enjoy a number of exciting events in Jacksonville. The Jacksonville Beer & Food Festival is one of the top events in May, featuring more than 130 different beers and signature dishes from the city's area restaurants. Visitors receive complimentary food samples until 8 p.m. as well as great live music featured by local bands. Also in May is one of the most renowned and exciting Jacksonville festivals—the Fernandina Shrimp Festival—held on beautiful Amelia Island. Arts, crafts, live music, fireworks, and an endless supply of shrimp are the main draws for visitors heading to the island for food and fun in downtown Fernandina.

The Northeast Florida Blueberry Festival kicks off in the last weekend of June at the Northeast Florida Fair Grounds. This festival in Jacksonville is much-anticipated and ideal for families on Jacksonville tours. Food is a major player during this event where attendees can try delicious Southern cuisine, jerk and Thai chicken, and sumptuous barbeque recipes. There is also plenty of live entertainment including a re-enactment of the Civil War, live horse and steer shows, plenty of activities for children, and an arts and crafts show.

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During the dog days of August, take your mind off the heat and head to great summertime Jacksonville festivals. The Jacksonville Fall Boat Show & Corral is the perfect event for anyone interested in boating and fishing. Speed boats, fishing boats, speed boats, and more are all on display while waterfront cruises are a great way to catch some cool ocean breezes. The Festival By The Sea, also happening in August, celebrates wine, food, and music and offers discount golfing as part of the fun. This one of many annual Jacksonville festivals is on Hammock Beach, one of the area's favored beaches, and is set up at the Palm Coast's Club.

Throughout the rest of the year there are countless other Jacksonville events to attend. Jacksonville festivals and events are open to the public and are either free or charge a nominal entry fee. Anyone visiting in October should consider attending a few of the notable events in Jacksonville such as the Jacksonville Guitar Show, Music, and Arts Festival, the Jacksonville Sea & Sky Spectacular where flight demonstrations are a huge hit, or the revered Amelia Island Book Festival for some great vacation reading options.

In November, Trains! is one of the leading Jacksonville events, hosted by one of the best museums in the city—The Museum of Science & History. Model train displays, railroad history, moving trains and more than 500 feet of rail track are displayed. In December the Gator Bowl Parade takes front and center and is one of the most awaited holiday events in Jacksonville with massive helium balloons, parades and floats in downtown Jacksonville near the Riverwalk and Jacksonville Landing. With each month featuring some excellent Jacksonville events to attend, there is always an activity to add to a vacation itinerary. Whether you're looking for festivals, sports games, or arts and crafts shows, Jacksonville delivers with a wealth of fun community occasions.