Your Weekly Jacksonville Events Guide (April 3-9)
Jacksonville is buzzing with activity! From theatrical masterpieces to outdoor yoga, family-friendly fairs to blues festivals on the beach, the city offers something for everyone. Jacksonville’s event calendar for the coming days is packed with exciting opportunities. Here’s your guide to the best events happening around town!
Les Misérables
📍 Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts | 300 Water Street, Jacksonville FL 32202
📅 April 1-6, 2025
🕛 Various times
🎟️ $47.50 – $164.50
The acclaimed production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon Les Misérables arrives in Jacksonville for a limited engagement! Hailed as “Les Mis for the 21st Century” by the Huffington Post and “one of the greatest musicals ever created” by the Chicago Tribune, this brilliant staging has captivated audiences worldwide with its powerful storytelling and unforgettable music. Set against the backdrop of 19th century France, this epic tale follows Jean Valjean’s journey of redemption amidst broken dreams, unrequited love, passion, and sacrifice – a timeless testament to the endurance of the human spirit brought to life through soaring music and spectacular staging that has earned its place as one of the most celebrated productions in theatrical history.
Clay County Agricultural Fair
📍 2493 State Road 16 W. Green Cove Springs, FL 32043
📅 April 3-13, 2025
🎟️ Advanced Gate Deals: Adults : $10 | Seniors (55+) & Children (6-12): $6 | Ride Armbands: $20 (not valid on Saturdays)
🎟️ Gate Admission: Adults : $15 | Seniors (55+) & Children (ages 6-12): $9 | Children (ages 5 and under): FREE!
A beloved tradition since 1987, the Clay County Agricultural Fair returns with its signature blend of educational exhibits, thrilling rides, delicious fair food, and down-home fun. This year’s fair promises to be bigger and better, showcasing the agricultural heritage of Northeast Florida through interactive demonstrations, livestock exhibitions, and farm-to-table experiences. Kids will delight in the petting zoo and educational activities, while adults can enjoy craft competitions, live entertainment, and the variety of food vendors serving everything from classic fair treats to local specialties. The midway features rides for all ages, from gentle options for the little ones to heart-pounding thrills for daredevils.
UniverSoul Circus
📍 Tailgaters Lot | 225 Talleyrand Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32202
📅 April 3-20, 2025
🕛 Various showtimes
🎟️ $22-$49
The electrifying UniverSoul Circus has pitched its iconic big top in Jacksonville, bringing its new “Rhythm of the World” production that celebrates global performance traditions with a modern twist. This isn’t your typical circus—it’s an immersive cultural experience that combines heart-stopping acrobatics, mesmerizing fire acts, and comedy with an infectious soundtrack that will have you dancing in your seat. What makes UniverSoul truly special is its interactive approach, where performers regularly invite audience members to join the fun, creating unforgettable moments of connection. The internationally diverse cast brings techniques and traditions from across the globe.
First Thursday Yoga
📍 Friendship Fountain | 1015 Museum Cir. Jacksonville, FL 32207
📅 April 3, 2025
🕛 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🎟️ Free admission
Find your zen against the backdrop of Jacksonville’s iconic Friendship Fountain at this monthly community yoga event. As the sun begins to set, the fountain plaza transforms into an open-air yoga studio where practitioners of all levels gather to stretch, strengthen, and center themselves. The class offers modifications for beginners while providing opportunities for more experienced yogis to deepen their practice. What makes this event truly magical is the timing—class concludes just as the fountain’s evening light show begins, creating a meditation-enhancing spectacle of water and light.
Springing the Blues
📍 Seawalk Pavilion | 75 1st St N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
📅 April 4-6, 2025
🕛 All day
🎟️ Free general admission, VIP packages $141 – $292
One of America’s premier blues festivals returns to Jacksonville Beach for its annual celebration of this quintessentially American art form. With the Atlantic Ocean as its backdrop, Springing the Blues features an impressive lineup of national blues legends alongside promising regional talent across two stages. This year’s festival continues its tradition of diverse blues styles—from traditional Delta blues to electric Chicago blues, and contemporary fusion approaches. Beyond the music, the festival area features arts and crafts vendors, specialty food options highlighting Southern cuisine, and a beer garden where you can cool off between sets. The family-friendly atmosphere makes this accessible for music lovers of all ages.
First Fridays at Friendship Fountain
📍 Friendship Fountain | 1015 Museum Cir. Jacksonville, Florida 32207
📅 April 4, 2025
🕛 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
🎟️ Free admission
Kick off your weekend at this vibrant community gathering that transforms the Friendship Fountain area into Jacksonville’s most picturesque happy hour spot. The festive atmosphere features a DJ spinning an eclectic mix that appeals to all ages, creating the perfect soundtrack for a relaxed evening by the water. Food trucks offer a diverse range of culinary options—from gourmet tacos to artisanal desserts—while the cash bar serves refreshing beverages to enjoy as you watch the sunset over the St. Johns River. Lawn games scattered throughout the area encourage friendly competition, while local vendors showcase unique arts, crafts, and products from around the region.
Paint with Me in the Park
📍 Jarboe Park | 301 Florida Blvd, Neptune Beach, FL 32233
📅 April 6, 2025
🕛 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
🎟️ Free admission
Experience the joy of collaborative art creation in the beautiful setting of Jarboe Park with this innovative painting event. Unlike traditional painting classes where you work on your own canvas, this unique experience has you partnering with another participant, switching canvases every five minutes to create a truly collaborative piece of art. This format encourages spontaneity, breaks creative blocks, and results in unexpected and delightful finished works that neither painter could have created alone. The relaxed outdoor setting adds to the creative atmosphere, allowing participants to draw inspiration from nature while enjoying the social aspects of community art-making.
Jacksonville Spring/Easter Market + Food Festival
📍 Jacksonville Fairgrounds | 510 Fairground Place Jacksonville, FL 32202
📅 April 5-6, 2025
🕛 Saturday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sunday 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
🎟️ $0-$5
Shop, eat, and celebrate the season at this lively weekend market featuring more than 120 vendors offering everything from handcrafted jewelry to home renovation solutions. The festive atmosphere is enhanced with spring and Easter-themed decorations, making it the perfect place to find unique seasonal décor or gifts. Food vendors serve up a variety of delicious options, from comfort food classics to innovative culinary creations, ensuring no one shops hungry! Families will appreciate the kid-friendly activities, including photos with the Easter Bunny and craft stations where little ones can create their own spring-themed masterpieces. The hourly door prizes add an element of excitement throughout the day—you might leave with more than just your purchases!
BONUS: May Event – Jacksonville Whiskey Riot 2025
📍 Jacksonville Fairgrounds | 510 Fairground Pl, Jacksonville, FL 32202
📅 May 3, 2025
🕛 3:00 PM
🎟️ General Admission $90 | Early Entry Admission $120
For the whiskey enthusiasts and the whiskey-curious alike, Jacksonville Whiskey Riot offers an unparalleled opportunity to expand your palate and knowledge. This premier tasting event transforms the Fairgrounds into a whiskey lover’s paradise, featuring hundreds of varieties from around the world—from smooth bourbons to peaty Scotches and innovative craft expressions. What sets this event apart is the educational component: experts and brand founders lead informative seminars that demystify the world of whiskey, explaining production methods, flavor profiles, and tasting techniques. The side-by-side comparison format allows you to discover your preferences without committing to full bottles, making this an economical way to find your next favorite spirit.