Jacksonville Events Calendar
Jacksonville runs on a rhythm. Spring is the dense, marketable season — road races, jazz and golf's biggest week. Fall brings the sports and the sky, with the Jaguars at home and the Blue Angels overhead. And come the holidays, the riverfront lights up. Here's the year, season by season, with the real 2026 dates so you can build a trip around the thing you actually came for.
The standing dates
Two things happen on the calendar no matter the season. If you're in town on the right day, build your morning or evening around one of these — they're free, local and the best people-watching in the city.
Spring — the big season
If you only come to Jacksonville once, come in spring. The weather's perfect, the calendar's stacked, and four of the city's marquee events land within a couple of months of each other. Book your room early — these weekends move fast.
Fall — sports & sky
When the heat finally breaks, Jacksonville turns its eyes upward and onto the field. This is football season, beer-festival season, and the weekend the Navy's best put on a show over the river.
Holiday — on the river
The St. Johns River is the star of Jacksonville's winter. From Thanksgiving weekend through New Year's Eve, the riverfront glows — boats, lights, fireworks and a college bowl game to close out the year.
1. No Florida–Georgia game in Jacksonville this year. The annual rivalry game — the "World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party" — is not in Jacksonville in 2026 (it moves to Atlanta) or 2027 (Tampa) during the stadium renovation, and is expected to return to town around 2028. If that's what you're coming for, double-check the host city.
2. The beaches air show is on pause. The Sea & Sky Air Show is paused until October 2027, so the NAS Jax show (Oct 17–18, 2026) is your aviation draw this year.
As always, dates and lineups shift — always confirm with the official event before you book travel.
Book before the rates spike
Event weekends fill the city — Jazz Fest, THE PLAYERS, a Jaguars home game and Oktoberfest all push hotel rates up fast. If your trip is built around a date on this page, lock in your room early and thank yourself later.
Make a weekend of it
Common questions
What is the best time of year to visit Jacksonville for events?
Spring is the big season. The weather's perfect and four of the city's marquee events land within a couple of months of each other, including the Gate River Run, THE PLAYERS Championship and the Jacksonville Jazz Festival. Book your room early because these weekends move fast.
Is the Jacksonville Jazz Festival free?
Yes. It's one of the largest free jazz festivals in the U.S., spread across Downtown over Memorial Day weekend (May 21-24, 2026). Stake out a spot early since Downtown packs in for this one.
Is there a Florida-Georgia game in Jacksonville in 2026?
No. The rivalry game is not in Jacksonville in 2026 (it moves to Atlanta) or 2027 (Tampa) during the stadium renovation, and is expected to return around 2028. If that's what you're coming for, double-check the host city before you book.
Can you see the Blue Angels in Jacksonville in 2026?
Yes. The Navy's Blue Angels headline the NAS Jax Air Show on Oct 17-18, 2026 at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. With the beaches Sea & Sky show paused until October 2027, this is the city's big aviation weekend for 2026.
What free events happen in Jacksonville every week?
The Riverside Arts Market runs Saturdays year-round under the Fuller Warren Bridge, 10am-3pm, with local art, makers, food and live music. Downtown's First Wednesday Art Walk happens monthly, 5-9pm. Both are free and great for people-watching.