7+ Things to do in Jacksonville, FL this week! (April 17–23)

April 23, 2025

From Broadway Magic to Historic Home Tours—Your Guide to Jacksonville’s Must-See Spring Events

This week, Jacksonville is hitting all the right notes- literally. From the electric rhythms of MJ The Musical lighting up the stage downtown to the historic charm of Springfield’s 46th Annual Home & Garden Tour, there’s a vibrant mix of art, culture, and community to explore. Here are 7 events happening between April 17–23 you’ll want to add to your calendar.

Additionally, we’ve included a bonus event in early May that’s perfect for whiskey lovers- scroll to the end for that one!

🎭 MJ The Musical (April 22–27)

📍 Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, 300 Water St
🕒 Multiple showtimes available
💸 Prices vary

✨ He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s artistry takes center stage in Jacksonville with MJ The Musical—the multiple Tony Award®-winning Broadway phenomenon that dives into the creative energy behind the 1992 Dangerous World Tour.

Directed and choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon and written by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, this electrifying show goes beyond the music and signature moves to reveal the collaborative genius behind MJ’s global impact.

🎟️ Ticket Info:

Tickets available on FSCJ’s website until 3 PM on weekdays or 4 hours before weekend shows
Ticketmaster sales end at 5 PM day-of
In-person sales start 1 hour before showtime at the venue

🏡 46th Annual Historic Springfield Home & Garden Tour (April 26–27)

📍 Tour begins at SPAR Building, 1321 N Main Street
🕒 Saturday & Sunday, 12 PM – 5 PM
💸 $20 Early Bird (by April 24) | $25 Day-of

Celebrate 46 years of community, creativity, and historic preservation with a walk through one of Jacksonville’s most architecturally rich neighborhoods. Tour charming homes, blooming gardens, and lovingly restored properties at your own pace—whether walking, biking, or using the free shuttle.

🎟️ Buy Tickets Here — proceeds benefit SPAR, the nonprofit supporting preservation in Springfield.

🚤 Jacksonville Spring Boat Show (April 25–27)

📍 Metropolitan Park, 1410 Gator Bowl Blvd
🕒 Fri 11AM–7PM | Sat 10AM–6PM | Sun 10AM–4PM
💸 Adults $12 | Seniors/Military/First Responders $10 | Kids under 12 Free

Explore boats, gear, and fun for the whole family! The Jacksonville Spring Boat Show features a full marina of watercrafts, seminars, live music, and food trucks. Kids can participate in a free fishing clinic scavenger hunt on Saturday (first 200 get gear!), and adults can enter to win a YETI cooler with ticket purchase.

👉 Buy Tickets Here

⚾ Thirsty Thursday: Jumbo Shrimp vs. Gwinnett Stripers (April 24)

📍 121 Financial Ballpark, 301 A Philip Randolph Blvd
🕒 First pitch at 7:05 PM
💸 Tickets start at $18

Once the announcer starts ramping up, you know it’s time to get your food order in! Jumbo Shrimp games are more than baseball—they’re a culinary adventure. From loaded all-beef hot dogs to crispy mac & cheese bites and fried jumbo shrimp, there’s something for every craving. And nothing beats washing it down with a cold $2 Coors Light on Thirsty Thursday!

👉 Buy Tickets

🎉 Opening of the Beaches Parade (April 27, 2–3 PM)

📍 Jacksonville Beach – from 5th Ave N to Beach Blvd
💸 Free!

Get ready to welcome beach season in style! The Opening of the Beaches Parade is a colorful coastal tradition featuring local bands, creative floats, performers, and festive flair. The parade kicks off at 5th Ave N and 2nd Street, travels north to 11th Ave, then east to the ocean and south along 1st Street to Beach Blvd.

🚧 Streets close at 9:30 AM for setup, and paid parking resumes at 4 PM. Come early, grab your spot, and soak in the sunshine and surfside spirit!

👉 Event Details

🎷 Casbah Jazz Night in Avondale (April 21, 9 PM–Midnight)

📍 3628 St Johns Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32205
🕒 Live Jazz every Sunday from 9 PM – Midnight
💸 $3 Mimosas all night

Casbah’s Sunday night jazz sessions are pure atmosphere. Enjoy Mediterranean favorites, sip on mimosas or martinis, and groove to live jazz in their twinkle-lit courtyard. It’s the perfect way to wind down your weekend.

👉 Casbah Events

🐅 Visit Catty Shack Ranch (Weekend Afternoons)

📍 1860 Starratt Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32226
💸 Donation-based entry suggested

Roar into the weekend with a visit to Catty Shack Ranch, a wildlife sanctuary for rescued big cats. Experience tigers and lions up close—especially during feeding hours. Family-friendly, educational, and unforgettable.

Day Tours: Daily, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
Night Feedings: Fridays and Saturdays, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM.
Enrichment Tours: Sundays, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM.

👉 Plan Your Visit

🥃 BONUS: Whiskey Riot Festival (May 3)

📍 Jacksonville Fairgrounds, 510 Fairground Pl
🕒 3 PM – 7 PM (Early Entry at 3 PM)
💸 $90 GA | $120 Early Entry

Calling all whiskey lovers! With over 200 whiskeys to sample, educational tastings, and exclusive pours, Whiskey Riot is the ultimate festival for anyone who enjoys a good dram. Bring friends and your palate!