Jacksonville, FL Discount Hotels

Sports

Jacksonville Kennel Club

186 Pecan Park Road

Greyhound racing.

Alltel Stadium

Alltel Stadium also continues to host the annual NCAA University of Florida vs. University of Georgia, and Gator Bowl football games. Alltel Stadium seats 73,000, but additional temporary seats are added behind the South End Zone - expanding the capacity from 73,000 to well over 80,000 - for the annual Florida-Georgia game.

Greater Jacksonville Fair

The Jacksonville Fairgrounds are located in the sports complex adjacent to Alltel Stadium,  the Jacksonville Coliseum, and Wolfson Baseball Park.

Gator Bowl Association

One Gator Bowl Blvd

Jacksonville, FL 32202

(904) 798-1700

(800) 374-BOWL toll-free

(904) 632-2080 fax

The Gator Bowl Association, a non-profit organization that hosts Toyota Gator Bowl on January 1,  as well as 33 other year round Events. Each year the Gator Bowl brings 35,000 visitors to Jacksonville to ring in the New Year.

Barracudas Hockey

5740-1 Spring Park Road

Jacksonville, FL 32216

904-367-1ICE(423)

904-367-1424 fax

Barracudas will take the ice at home early in November each year.

Theaters

Alhambra Dinner Theatre

The Alhambra has been performing professional, Broadway style musicals and comedies in Jacksonville for more than 30 years. The intimate 400 seat theatre offers a wonderful dinner buffet with a full selection of beverages.

The Florida Theatre

128 East Forsyth Street

Jacksonville, FL

From ballet and opera to contemporary pop, jazz, rock, country and blues, the Florida Theatre offers 200 cultural and entertainment events annually for every taste and age.

Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra

300 West Water Street

(904) 354-5547

The Orchestra offers a Family Series each season that introduces children to the classics.  The symphony plays outdoors in Metropolitan Park during spring and summer.  Special concerts every year include Halloween “Symphonic Spooktacular” and Holiday Pops in December.

Nathan H. Wilson Center for the Performing Arts

11901 Beach Blvd.

FCCJ South Campus, Building M1

Jacksonville, FL 32246

904-646-2222

A variety of national productions have put the Wilson Center on their schedule bringing to town opera, dance and multidisciplinary productions, as well as creative theater for all ages. Since it's not a large performing arts center, each experience is more intimate.

Times Union Center for the Performing Arts, Moran Theatre

300 Water St

Jacksonville, FL 32202

904-633-6110

The Moran Theater is finished in warm wood tones and rich red colors providing a royal setting for the large productions that grace this hall. Jacksonville's traveling Broadway shows, are held here.  The theater's capacity is 3,000.

Theatreworks, Inc.

1 east Independent Drive

(904) 353-3500

A nonprofit organization that brings live, professional children’s touring productions to Jacksonville.  Reservations are required as most performances are sellouts.

Events

January

Toyota Gator Bowl Classic

(800) 374-BOWL toll-free

(904) 632-2080 fax

The Gator Bowl Association, a non-profit organization hosts Toyota Gator Bowl at Alltel Stadium on January 1 each year.

"A Slave Ship Speaks: The Wreck of the Henrietta Marie"

An exhibit of historical artifacts recovered from an English Merchant ship that carried human cargo from Africa to America for 3 years before sinking off the Florida Coast in 1700. Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Museum, 829 N. Davis Street, Jacksonville. For more information call 904-632-5555.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade

Mid-January

(904) 775-0540

Annual parade Marching bands from all over the northeast honor Dr. King’s dream for America.

Symphony Sampler

End of January

Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra performs at Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts, 300 Water St Jacksonville. Call 877-662-6731.

Jacksonville (call for schedule)

Jacksonville Barracudas match up at Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1145 East Adams Street, Jacksonville. For more information call 904-367-1423.

February

Ritz Voices Black History Jazz Concert

February 

Enjoy the sounds of the Ritz Voices and celebrate Black History Month.  Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Museum, 829 N. Davis St., Jacksonville. Call 904-632-5555.

Jazz in Dixieland

Late Feb.

a half-century of classic jazz, along with colorful stage sets and costumes, vintage musical instruments, and tap dancing. Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts, 300 Water St., Jacksonville. Call 904-354-5547.

Jacksonville Scottish Highland Games

Late February

Clans from all over the world come together to celebrate Scottish culture. Dance and athletic competitions are just part of the fun. University of North Florida, Jacksonville. Call 904-725-5744.

Much Ado About Books

February 22

Jacksonville's annual celebration of reading and writing. Prime Osborn Convention Center, 1000 Water St., Jacksonville. Call 904-630-2665.

March

Monster Truck Show

Early March 

Experience the excitement of the U.S. Hot Rod Superbowl of Motorsports. ALLTEL Stadium, 1 Stadium Place, Jacksonville.

Call 630-3900.

Opera Season Opens

Early March 

FCCJ Artist Series, Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts, 300 Water St., Jacksonville. Call 904-632-3373.

Concours d' Elegance

4750 Amelia Island Parkway

(904) 636-0027

One of the nation's largest classic car shows. Ritz Carlton,Amelia Island and The Golf Club of Amelia Island at Summer Beach.

Bob Hayes Invitational Track Meet

Mid March 

The Bob Hayes Invitational Track Meet is the largest one-day track event in the nation. The meet honors Jacksonville native Bob Hayes, the only man to win an Olympic Gold Medal and an NFL Super Bowl ring. Athletes will be competing at William M. Raines High School. For more details, call 904-924-3049.

St. Johns River Celebration

Mid March

Every March, hundreds of volunteers spend a Saturday morning removing trash from the St. Johns River as part of the annual St. Johns River Celebration, one of many environmental efforts to protect Northeast Florida’s natural resources. Call 904-630-3690.

The Players Championship

End of March

The Tour's richest tournament and premier spring event in Jacksonville is played at the famed TPC at Sawgrass Stadium Course in Ponte Vedra Beach. Call 904-285-7888.

Stars On Ice

Late March 

The multi-million dollar Stars on Ice production combines a cast of the most versatile and exceptional figure skating stars in the world with state-of-the-art lighting and sound technology, cutting edge costume designs, progressively innovative staging and choreography, and a mix of American standards to the most contemporary tunes in all genres of today’s music. Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1145 E.Adams St., Jacksonville. Call 904-630-3900.

April

Springing the Blues Festival

Early April

Nationally recognized blues festival featuring blues performers, great BBQ and seafood, childrens’games and rides. Arts and Crafts Show. Sea Walk Pavillion, Jacksonville Beach, Call 904-247-6100.

Jacksonville Jazz Festival

Mid April

The Jacksonville Jazz festival returns larger and better than ever in the spring with a variety of jazz genres represented, multiple locations and expanded list of performers. Metropolitan Park 1410 Gator Bowl Blvd., Jacksonville. Call 904 630-3690.

Blessing of the Fleet

Mid April

The Office of Special Events and Captains' Club join together to present the annual "Blessing of the Fleet," Northbank Riverfront Park.  Jacksonville. Call 904 268-3419 or 904 630-3690

Earth Day Celebration

Third weekend in April

Come and enjoy two stages of live entertainment and  interactive children’s activities. Jacksonville  Landing, Jacksonville. Call 904-630-3692.

World of Nations Celebration

Late April

Annual World of Nations Celebration celebrates the rich cultural traditions and unique heritage of people from around the world. An  opportunity to experience the cuisine, artistry and customs.  Saturday night features a fireworks showcase choreographed to music specially chosen for the World of Nations Celebration. Metropolitan Park, 1410 Gator Bowl Blvd., Jacksonville, 904- 630-3690.

Art After Dark

Late April 

Art After Dark is the community’s premiere showcase for the works of emerging visual artists. The focal point is an art exhibition and sale featuring a dozen First Coast artists working in several different media. Also features a silent auction, live music, door prizes and special showings of student artwork. Florida Theatre,

128 E.Forsyth St., Jacksonville. Call 904-355-2787.

The Official Opening of the Beaches

Late April

Featuring the Beach Music & Dance Festival, Sandcastle Building, good food entertainment, children’s activities, Arts and Crafts, Beachfest Parade,and 5k Run/Walk. Sea Walk Pavilion, Jacksonville Beach. Call 904-249-3972.

Florida Ballet

Late April

Annual spring repertory dance performance by Jacksonville's Florida Ballet. Florida Theatre, 128 East Forsyth St., Jacksonville. Call 904-355-2787.

May

Annual Shrimp Festival

Early May

The shrimp festival is the largest event of the year on Amelia Island, attracts about 150,000 people during the weekend. The festival is rated as one of the best in Florida and one of the top 20 events in the southeast region of the U.S. Features shrimp, live music, and  arts & crafts, antiques, etc., Call 1-800-226-3542.

Wave Master's Surfing Contest

Early May

Florida's Largest and most prestigious open amateur surfing tournament. This event attracts over 300 competitors from all over the southeast. Beach at 5th Ave. North., Jacksonville Beach. Call 904-241-0600.

Jacksonville Suns (all month) Call for schedule

7:05pm, The Baseball Park

201 A. Phillip Randolph Blvd.,

Jacksonville. Call 904-358-2846.

Pops at the Beach- Mother's Day Concert

Mother’s Day

Pops Concert by the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. Jacksonville Beach, Sea Walk Paviliion, Call 904-247-6100.

Sail Jacksonville

Mid-May

Jacksonville's downtown riverfront comes alive with the tall ships from around the world. The three-day festival includes a variety of activities including in-the-water events, such as the Parade of Sail, land-side demonstrations and events. Jacksonville. Call 904-630-3690.

Jacksonville Film Festival

Mid-May

Celebrate the best of local, national, and international independent films. Florida Theatre, Ritz Theatre and La Villa Museum. Jacksonville. Call 904-247-8337.

Spring Music Festival

A Memorial Day Weekend tradition in Jacksonville. A free concert, starring a national headline recording artist. Metropolitan Park 1410 Gator Bowl Blvd., Jacksonville. Call 904-630-3690.

Kuumba African Cultural Arts and Music Festival

3^rd week in May

The festival hosts performances from various parts of the globe.

Including West Africa, Northeast Africa, The Caribbean, Canada, and from cities around the globe. A. Philip Randolph Park, Jacksonville. Call 904-630-3690.

June

Jacksonville Suns all month:  Call for schedule

June 1

3:05pm, The Baseball Park

201 A. Phillip Randolph Blvd.,

Jacksonville. Call 904-358-2846.

Fiesta Players

June 21

Fiesta Playera dia de San Juan Bautista is an annual event in Jacksonville, Florida, and is one of the largest Latin American festivals in the country. A three-weekend long event, this festival celebrates the culture and customs of Puerto Rico with Latin American music and cuisine. Sea Walk Pavillion, Jacksonville Beach. Call 904-247-6100.

July

Freedom, FanFare and Fireworks

July 4

Metropolitan Park,

1410 Gator Bowl Blvd.,

Jacksonville. Call 904-630-3690

Liberty Fest:  an Independence Day Celebration

July 4

Help celebrate America's Birthday. The festival area will be the spot for entertainment, food music children's, activities, skydivers,and fireworks.Sea Walk Pavillion, Jacksonville Beach. Call

904-247-1651.

September

Remembrance Ceremony

September 11

A ceremony for the victims and their families,heroes of the tragedies of September 11, 2001. 7:30pm Sea Walk Pavillion,J acksonville Beach,Call 904-249-3972

Grassroots Music Festival

Come and celebrate American grassroots music.  Rooted in culture and history influenced by blues,country,bluegrass,jam and rock styles. Sea Walk Pavilion, Jacksonville Beach, Call 904-249-3972.

October

Jacksonville Sea and Sky Spectacular

Last weekend in October

Sea Walk Pavillion , Jacksonville Beach. Call 904-630-3690.

Florida Georgia Weekend

Last weekend in October

call for more information 904-630-3690

November

Veteran's Day Parade

November 11

Call 904-630-3690

Jacksonville Light Parade

November 29

call for more information 904-630-3690

December 31

Annual New Year's Eve Celebration call for more information 904-630-3690