A city that rewards curiosity
Jacksonville is much more than a beach weekend or a football stop. In one stretch of the calendar, visitors can move from a neighborhood Halloween parade to an agricultural fair, a free porch-music festival, an anime convention, a riverfront boat parade and a holiday light walk.
For families on a budget, the city’s weekly markets, museum promotions, public-library programming and oceanfront events provide a substantial second layer of things to do.
This guide is built for readers looking ahead, not a retrospective of events that have already passed. Listings begin after October 12, 2026 and extend into the announced 2027 season.
Jacksonville and Jacksonville Beach form the core; short-drive destinations in St. Augustine and Fernandina Beach appear separately. Every listing includes its own source link, and events without a confirmed future date are labeled accordingly.
Quick editorial picks
Best free neighborhood festival: Jacksonville PorchFest on Nov. 7, 2026.
Best classic fair: Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair, Nov. 5–15, at its NEW Westside location.
Best fandom weekends: Collective Con, March 19–21, 2027; Bold Matsuri, June 26–27, 2027.
Best free holiday outing: Deck the Chairs, Nov. 25, 2026–Jan. 1, 2027.
Best inclusivity resources: Zoo sensory bags; library sensory storytimes; Sensory Towne; ASL-interpreted Broadway shows.
Most spectacular free 2027 event: Jacksonville Sea & Sky Air Show, Oct. 23–24, 2027.
Best nearby costumed festival: Dickens on Centre in Fernandina Beach, Dec. 11–13, 2026.
How to use this guide
Status labels: CONFIRMED means dates appear on an organizer, venue, city or current tourism source. RECURRING means a published ongoing program with individual sessions that may vary. DATE TBA / WATCH means the next edition is not announced
Reader notes: “Free” applies to admission only, unless otherwise specified; optional food, parking, purchases, activity tickets, and registration may cost extra. Accessibility is not presumed from an event being called family-friendly.
Geography: A festival “near Jacksonville” can still be 30–50+ miles away.
01 | Confirmed: October–december 2026
First Coast Wind Symphony: Fall Concert
Oct. 15, 2026 · 7:30 p.m. • CONFIRMED
Jacksonville | Nathan H. Wilson Center for the Arts, FSCJ South Campus
A free community symphony concert with the FSCJ Symphonic Band. Confirm entry instructions with the city calendar.
Free · Music · All ages • Free • Official / event source ↗
Zoo Spooktacular
Oct. 15–18, 22–25 & 29–31, 2026 · evenings • CONFIRMED
Jacksonville | Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
After-dark Halloween trail, lights, treat stations, photo stops and an optional scare zone. Tickets use timed entry windows; the 2026 sensory-friendly session was Oct. 11 and has already passed.
Halloween · Families · Optional scare zone • Ticketed • Official / event source ↗
Beaches Oktoberfest
Oct. 16–17, 2026 • CONFIRMED
Jacksonville Beach | Seawalk Pavilion, Jacksonville Beach
Coastal Oktoberfest with national music acts. Check ticket types and age restrictions before describing specific activities as family-friendly.
Festival · Music · Food • Ticketing varies • Official / event source ↗
Arts Bazaar
Oct. 16, 2026 · 6–9 p.m. • CONFIRMED
Jacksonville | The Performance Academy
A curated local arts bazaar from the City of Jacksonville community calendar; confirm vendor and admission details through the organizer.
Art · Pop-up • Ticketed / check listing • Official / event source ↗
Fall Festival & Trunk-or-Treat
Oct. 18, 2026 · 4:30 p.m. • CONFIRMED
Jacksonville Beach | One Church Jacksonville Beach
Church/community fall festival and trunk-or-treat listed on the city calendar. Contact the host for age suitability and admission details.
Fall · Family · Community • Check organizer • Official / event source ↗
Seawalk Sessions: Perry Bechtle
Oct. 22, 2026 · 5–7 p.m. • CONFIRMED
Jacksonville Beach | Latham Plaza / Seawalk Pavilion
Bring a chair or blanket to this oceanfront community concert.
Free · Live music · Families • Free • Official / event source ↗
Murray Hill-O-Ween
Oct. 24, 2026 · parade at dusk • CONFIRMED
Jacksonville | Edgewood Avenue / Murray Hill
Community block party with music, food trucks, kids’ activities, a pumpkin patch and a Halloween parade along Edgewood Avenue.
Halloween · Parade · Family • Check organizer; public block party • Official / event source ↗
904 PopUp at the Beach
Nov. 1, 2026 • CONFIRMED
Jacksonville Beach | Seawalk Pavilion
A large curated makers’ market with local vendors and food trucks. This is the final listed 2026 edition; organizer has not yet published 2027 dates.
Free · Makers · Pop-up · Food trucks • Free admission • Official / event source ↗
Kids Free November
November 2026 · individual offers TBA • CONFIRMED
Jacksonville area | Participating Jacksonville attractions
Citywide family promotion offering participating-attraction deals. The live tourism page has not yet listed a verified 2026 participant roster: do not promise that every child enters every attraction free.
Families · Savings · Watch details • Deals vary • Official / event source ↗
Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair
Nov. 5–15, 2026 • CONFIRMED
Jacksonville | Jacksonville Festival & Fairgrounds · 13601 Normandy Blvd
The 71st fair debuts at its new Westside location, with carnival rides, agriculture, livestock exhibits, food, entertainment and vendor booths. Do not use the former downtown address.
Fair · Rides · Livestock · Families • Ticketed; children 0–5 free • Official / event source ↗
Jacksonville PorchFest
Nov. 7, 2026 · noon–8 p.m. • CONFIRMED
Jacksonville | Historic Springfield porches and parks
20-plus musical performers on neighborhood front porches, with arts vendors, food trucks and public gathering areas. An excellent community-first event.
Free · Music · Family · Walkable • Free admission • Official / event source ↗
Super Girl Surf Festival
Nov. 7–8, 2026 • CONFIRMED
Jacksonville Beach | Jacksonville Beach Pier / Seawalk Pavilion
Professional women’s surfing, beach sports and free music; organizers state free concert pre-registration is required. Strollers are not allowed in concert enclosure.
Free · Sports · Surf · Music · Families • Free; concert pre-registration • Official / event source ↗
Jacksonville Veterans Day Parade
Nov. 11, 2026 · 11:01 a.m. • CONFIRMED
Jacksonville | Downtown Jacksonville
Annual military/veterans tribute in the city center; confirm route and accessible viewing guidance nearer to the event.
Free · Parade · All ages • Free to watch • Official / event source ↗
Jacksonville Greek Festival
Nov. 13–15, 2026 • CONFIRMED
Jacksonville | St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church · 12760 Beach Blvd
Greek cooking, live dancing, music and cultural programs at the church’s Beach Boulevard campus. Credit/debit payment for admission.
Culture · Food · Dance · Families • $5; free parking • Official / event source ↗
Jet Pull Challenge
Nov. 14, 2026 · 9 a.m. • CONFIRMED
Jacksonville | Cecil Field
Teams pull an aircraft in a community challenge benefiting the Jacksonville Speech & Hearing Center. Look up spectator instructions separately.
Unusual · Charity · Spectator • See organizer • Official / event source ↗
Jacksonville Symphony: Home Alone in Concert
Nov. 20–21, 2026 • CONFIRMED
Jacksonville | Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts
The holiday film with a live orchestral score; a distinctive family-friendly evening for movie and music fans.
Movies · Orchestra · Families • Ticketed • Official / event source ↗
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
Nov. 22, 2026 • CONFIRMED
Jacksonville | FSCJ Artist Series venue · check ticket page
Holiday-themed touring acrobatics and stage entertainment.
Circus · Holiday · Family • Ticketed • Official / event source ↗
Deck the Chairs
Nov. 25, 2026–Jan. 1, 2027 • CONFIRMED
Jacksonville Beach | Seawalk Pavilion + Latham Plaza
Free nightly chair displays and holiday light installations, with selected stage shows and Sunday markets. Organizer explicitly notes wheelchair accessibility and welcomes service animals.
Free · Lights · Families · ADA • Free • Official / event source ↗
Glowing Gardens at Jacksonville Arboretum
Nov. 27, 2026–Jan. 3, 2027 • CONFIRMED
Jacksonville | Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Seasonal light experience promoted by Visit Jacksonville. Special-event prices and trail accessibility may differ from regular daytime arboretum visits.
Lights · Nature · Family • Check holiday ticket prices • Official / event source ↗
Christmas Made in the South
Nov. 27–29, 2026 • CONFIRMED
Jacksonville | Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center · 1000 Water St
Major artisan and handmade-goods marketplace. One paid admission covers all three days with hand stamp; parking extra as applicable.
Craft fair · Holiday · Shopping • $10 adults; children 12 and under free • Official / event source ↗
Holiday River Fest + Light Boat Parade
Nov. 28, 2026 · 5 p.m.; boats 6:30 p.m. • CONFIRMED
Jacksonville | Riverfront Plaza and St. Johns River
Riverfront holiday activities, tree lighting, illuminated boats and an approximately 8:30 p.m. fireworks finish. Distinct components of one city-hosted evening.
Free · Lights · Boats · Fireworks • Free • Official / event source ↗
Hamilton
Dec. 1–13, 2026 • CONFIRMED
Jacksonville | Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts
Touring Broadway musical; ASL-interpreted performances listed for Dec. 6 and 13 at 7 p.m. Confirm production age guidance.
Broadway · Teens+ · ASL shows • Ticketed • Official / event source ↗
Jacksonville Symphony Holiday Pops
Dec. 3–6, 2026 • CONFIRMED
Jacksonville | Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts
Seasonal pops performances in the Symphony’s 2026–27 program.
Holiday · Orchestra · Families • Ticketed • Official / event source ↗
A Celtic Christmas
Dec. 6, 2026 · 4 p.m. • CONFIRMED
Jacksonville Beach | St. Paul’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church
Beaches Fine Arts Series presents Tomáseen Foley’s A Celtic Christmas.
Free · Holiday · Celtic music • Free • Official / event source ↗
Gingerbread Extravaganza
Dec. 11–27, 2026 • CONFIRMED
Jacksonville | Historic Springfield Society · 210 W 7th St
Gingerbread displays, holiday trees and family programming including special kids’ activities and candlelight events.
Holiday · Art · Families • Confirm admission • Official / event source ↗
First Coast Nutcracker
Dec. 18–20, 2026 • CONFIRMED
Jacksonville | Jacksonville Symphony / performing arts venue
Traditional Nutcracker performances with the Jacksonville Symphony.
Ballet · Holiday · Family • Ticketed • Official / event source ↗
Jacksonville New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Dec. 31, 2026 • CONFIRMED
Jacksonville | St. Johns River / downtown viewing locations
City-recognized free riverfront fireworks tradition; check final times and official launch/viewing zones.
Free · Fireworks · Families • Free • Official / event source ↗
02 | Confirmed & announced: 2027
Snow White Ballet
Jan. 10, 2027 • CONFIRMED
Jacksonville | FSCJ Artist Series performance venue
Touring story ballet; check age guidance and venue information when reserving.
Ballet · Family • Ticketed • Official / event source ↗
The Sound of Music
Jan. 26–31, 2027 • CONFIRMED
Jacksonville | Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts
Touring musical; Jan. 31 at 6:30 p.m. is identified as a sign-language-interpreted performance.
Broadway · Family · ASL show • Ticketed • Official / event source ↗
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in Concert
Feb. 12–13, 2027 • CONFIRMED
Jacksonville | Jacksonville Symphony performance venue
Film screening with live symphonic accompaniment.
Movies · Live orchestra · Family • Ticketed • Official / event source ↗
The Wiz
Feb. 16–21, 2027 • CONFIRMED
Jacksonville | Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts
Touring musical; Feb. 21 at 6:30 p.m. is an ASL-interpreted performance.
Broadway · Family · ASL show • Ticketed • Official / event source ↗
Puppy Pals LIVE!
Feb. 28, 2027 · 2 p.m. • CONFIRMED
Jacksonville | FSCJ Artist Series performance venue
Family-oriented stage show with talented rescue dogs.
Animals · Family • Ticketed • Official / event source ↗
Gate River Run
Mar. 6, 2027 • CONFIRMED
Jacksonville | Downtown Jacksonville / sports district
Iconic 15K across Jacksonville’s bridges. Spectating is a separate option from paid registration; confirm 5K/youth components on organizer pages.
Run · Spectator · Community • Registration fee • Official / event source ↗
Cirque Alice
Mar. 7, 2027 • CONFIRMED
Jacksonville | FSCJ Artist Series performance venue
Contemporary circus production drawing on Wonderland imagery.
Circus · Fantasy · Family • Ticketed • Official / event source ↗
Collective Con
Mar. 19–21, 2027 • CONFIRMED
Jacksonville | Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center
Celebrity and voice-actor guests, panels, cosplay, arcade and vendors. Organizer confirms March dates; ignore older tourism listings still displaying the 2026 dates.
Con · Anime · Comics · Cosplay • Ticketed; 10 and under free with adult • Official / event source ↗
Mission Nutrition with Jason Hudy
Apr. 6, 2027 • CONFIRMED
Jacksonville | FSCJ Artist Series performance venue
A family-oriented educational stage performance listed in the 2026–27 season.
Educational · Kids • Ticketed • Official / event source ↗
Jersey Boys
Apr. 9–11, 2027 • CONFIRMED
Jacksonville | Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts
Music-theater production. Apr. 11 at 6:30 p.m. is listed with sign-language interpreting.
Broadway · Older teens/adults · ASL • Ticketed • Official / event source ↗
Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert
May 7–8, 2027 • CONFIRMED
Jacksonville | Jacksonville Symphony performance venue
Film-with-orchestra experience for Star Wars fans.
Sci-fi · Movies · Live orchestra • Ticketed • Official / event source ↗
Bluey's Big Play
May 12–13, 2027 • CONFIRMED
Jacksonville | FSCJ Artist Series performance venue
Touring live Bluey stage production; a standout date for younger children.
Preschool · Families · Stage show • Ticketed • Official / event source ↗
The Outsiders
May 18–23, 2027 • CONFIRMED
Jacksonville | Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts
Touring musical; May 23 at 6:30 p.m. is listed as sign-language interpreted.
Broadway · Teens+ · ASL • Ticketed • Official / event source ↗
Bold Matsuri
June 26–27, 2027 • CONFIRMED
Jacksonville | Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center
Annual anime and cosplay festival with competitions, guests, panels and gaming; exact 2027 dates are on organizer site.
Con · Anime · Cosplay · Gaming • Ticketed; 10 and under free • Official / event source ↗
Fourth of July Fireworks
July 4, 2027 • CONFIRMED
Jacksonville | Downtown and city-designated viewing zones
City calendar confirms holiday fireworks; times and final zones to follow.
Free · Fireworks · Families • Free • Official / event source ↗
First Coast Comic Con
July 10, 2027 • CONFIRMED
Jacksonville | Duval Hall · new Jacksonville Fairgrounds
Comic-centric one-day show focused on creators, independent publishers, collectors and fan culture.
Con · Comics · Creators · Family • Ticketed • Official / event source ↗
Sea & Sky Air Show
Oct. 23–24, 2027 • CONFIRMED
Jacksonville Beach | Jacksonville Beach oceanfront
Free beachfront air show with the Blue Angels planned. Very loud aerial performances; families needing lower sensory stimulation should review quieter viewing locations.
Free · Aviation · Family · High noise • Free • Official / event source ↗
03 | Recurring: Free, pop-ups & everyday fun
Riverside Arts Market
Every Saturday · 10 a.m.–3 p.m. • RECURRING
Jacksonville | Under Fuller Warren Bridge / Riverside
Weekly rain-or-shine local produce, crafts, vendors and entertainment.
Free · Farmers · Makers · Families • Free to browse • Official / event source ↗
RAM free community yoga
Saturday mornings, typically 9 a.m. • RECURRING / CHECK
Jacksonville | Riverside Arts Market main-stage area
Market-associated community yoga has been offered free; confirm weather schedule and bring a mat.
Free · Wellness · Outdoors • Free • Official / event source ↗
Downtown First Wednesday Art Walk
First Wednesday monthly · 5–9 p.m. • RECURRING
Jacksonville | James Weldon Johnson Park and downtown venues
Walkable self-guided gallery and makers evening. Weather may relocate activities indoors.
Free · Art · Music · Family • Free to attend • Official / event source ↗
MOCA at Art Walk
First Wednesday monthly · Art Walk hours • RECURRING
Jacksonville | MOCA Jacksonville · 333 N Laura St
Museum participates in Art Walk with free admission and hands-on art activities for different ages.
Free · Museum · Art-making • Free during Art Walk • Official / event source ↗
MOCA VyStar Free Saturdays
Saturdays · check calendar • RECURRING
Jacksonville | MOCA Jacksonville · 333 N Laura St
MOCA promotes VyStar Free Saturdays; verify which galleries/programs are included on the day of visit.
Free · Museum · Art • Free promotional admission • Official / event source ↗
Cummer Museum First Saturday
First Saturday monthly · 10 a.m.–4 p.m. • RECURRING
Jacksonville | Cummer Museum · 829 Riverside Ave
Free general admission to art and gardens on first Saturdays, per museum program.
Free · Museum · Gardens · Family • Free • Official / event source ↗
Cummer Museum Third Thursday evenings
Third Thursday monthly · 4–8 p.m. • RECURRING
Jacksonville | Cummer Museum · 829 Riverside Ave
Museum-listed free third-Thursday admission; confirm dates and special ticketed events.
Free · Art · Evening • Free • Official / event source ↗
Beaches Museum
Regular open days · posted schedule • ONGOING
Jacksonville Beach | Beaches Museum · 381 Beach Blvd
Admission to the coastal history museum is free; train day and specialty programming vary.
Free · History · Family • Free • Official / event source ↗
Jacksonville Public Library Little Readers
Multiple weekly branch sessions • RECURRING
Jacksonville | City library branches
Books, songs and movement; sample Oct. 21 session at West Branch. Check each branch and age range.
Free · Ages birth–5 · Storytime • Free • Official / event source ↗
Jacksonville Public Library Games & Fandoms
Recurring schedule · confirm branch • RECURRING
Jacksonville | Charles Webb Wesconnett Regional and branch programs
Library programming for ages 9+ with themed puzzles, fandom activities and challenges.
Free · Youth · Fandom · Games • Free • Official / event source ↗
Free fitness at Friendship Fountain
Tuesday evenings · verify each week • RECURRING / CHECK
Jacksonville | Friendship Fountain
Downtown Jacksonville public calendar includes a free Zumba series; confirm that the individual date is running.
Free · Fitness · Downtown • Free • Official / event source ↗
Food Truck Wednesday at The Jessie
Selected Wednesdays · 11 a.m.–2 p.m. • RECURRING / CHECK
Jacksonville | The Jessie · 40 E Adams St
Rotating food trucks and community lunch gathering; confirm the alternate-week schedule.
Pop-up · Lunch · Downtown • Free entry; food for purchase • Official / event source ↗
904 PopUp: 2027 date watch
Future editions not yet announced • 2027 DATE TBA
Jacksonville Beach | Seawalk Pavilion
Watch the organizer after the confirmed Nov. 1, 2026 edition; do not assign 2027 dates yet.
Pop-up · Makers · Food trucks • Historically free • Official / event source ↗
04 | Sensory, disability access & inclusion
Jacksonville Zoo sensory bags and social stories
Available during regular daytime operations • ONGOING
Jacksonville | Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
Guest Relations offers bags with noise-canceling headphones, fidgets and sunglasses (ID held); zoo also provides social stories, visual schedules and communication boards. Wheelchairs and scooters can be rented.
Sensory · Accessible · Family • Zoo admission + free supports • Official / event source ↗
Jacksonville Public Library Sensory Friendly Storytime
Series; check future dates / registration • RECURRING / CHECK
Jacksonville | Selected library branches
Small-group storytime adapted for sensory sensitivities. Previous 2026 sessions included Mandarin, Highlands and Pablo Creek; new dates must be selected from live calendar.
Sensory · Ages 2–5 · Library • Free; registration may be required • Official / event source ↗
Sensory Towne: open play and classes
Weekly classes and scheduled open play • ONGOING
Jacksonville | 8380 Baymeadows Rd, Suite 6
Purpose-built sensory gym with swings, textures, interactive play and a calming space. Website lists midweek art and Friday music/movement classes; children need grip socks.
Sensory · Inclusive · Ages 6mo–8 • Paid; check current rates • Official / event source ↗
Surge Adventure Park Sensory Sunday
First Sunday monthly · 10 a.m.–noon (reconfirm) • RECURRING / CHECK
Jacksonville | Participating Jacksonville Surge Adventure Park
Visit Jacksonville describes an early-hours session with reduced sound and lighting. Confirm the current participating location and calendar before travel.
Sensory · Family · Lower stimulation • Ticketed; confirm participating site • Official / event source ↗
AMC Regency 24 sensory-friendly movies
Selected film screenings • ONGOING / CHECK SHOWTIMES
Jacksonville | AMC Regency 24
Theater lists Sensory Friendly Films as an amenity, plus captions, audio description and wheelchair access. Choose a specifically tagged sensory-friendly screening.
Sensory · Movies · Accessible • Movie ticket • Official / event source ↗
FSCJ Artist Series ASL-interpreted Broadway
Dec. 2026–May 2027 · five listed dates • CONFIRMED
Jacksonville | Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts
HAMILTON Dec. 6/13, Sound of Music Jan. 31, The Wiz Feb. 21, Jersey Boys Apr. 11, Outsiders May 23. Assistive listening devices and accessible seating available.
ASL · Wheelchair · Assistive listening • Ticketed • Official / event source ↗
Cummer Museum Sensory-Friendly Sunday
Previous 2026 sessions June 7 & Aug. 2; future TBA • NEXT DATE TBA
Jacksonville | Cummer Museum · 829 Riverside Ave
Dedicated calmer morning museum access has been offered. No post-Oct. 12, 2026 date independently verified; track new announcements.
Sensory · Museum · All ages • Prior events free; registration recommended • Official / event source ↗
Jacksonville Zoo Spooktacular sensory night
2026 date Oct. 11 — already passed; 2027 TBA • 2027 WATCH
Jacksonville | Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
In 2026 the zoo offered a calmer no-scares edition without loud music or flashing lights. Important program to track for 2027; not an upcoming 2026 date.
Sensory · Halloween · Families • Special event admission • Official / event source ↗
Autism-friendly visitor planning
Year-round travel resource • ONGOING
Jacksonville area | Visit Jacksonville / multiple attractions
Visit Jacksonville maintains a resource on autism-friendly attractions, including Sensory Towne, the zoo and iFLY. Venue certification does not guarantee every session is low-sensory.
Access · Planning · Families • Varies by venue • Official / event source ↗
Jacksonville Arboretum accessible Lake Loop
Regular daytime opening hours • ONGOING
Jacksonville | Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Organizer identifies the entrance walkway and Lake Loop as wheelchair-accessible; other trails and seasonal lighting may differ.
Accessible paths · Nature • Standard daytime admission • Official / event source ↗
05 | Major 2027 events: Dates to watch
World of Nations Celebration
2027 date not yet announced • DATE TBA
Jacksonville | Downtown Jacksonville / organizer confirms site later
City-hosted multicultural festival of food, performances and traditions from dozens of countries. Tourism pages indicate spring 2027 but city special-events calendar still lists TBA.
Culture · Food · Family • Admission TBA • Official / event source ↗
Jacksonville Jazz Festival
May 2027 · exact dates TBA • DATE TBA
Jacksonville | Downtown Jacksonville
Long-running free festival returns in May 2027 according to the city; do not copy the May 21–24, 2026 dates onto a 2027 Atlas listing.
Free · Music · National draw • General festival typically free • Official / event source ↗
WasabiCon 2027
2027 edition not yet announced • 2027 WATCH
Jacksonville | Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center in 2026
The Oct. 9–11, 2026 event is over as of this research date. Monitor the official site for the next edition and venue confirmation.
Anime · Cosplay · Gaming · Families • Ticketed in 2026 • Official / event source ↗
Wizarding Market
2027 dates forthcoming • DATE TBA
Jacksonville | River City Railway / downtown concept
Fan-run fantasy and magic-themed market with vendors, guest appearances and distinctive railway setting; tourism office says 2027 dates coming soon.
Fantasy · Makers · Costumes • TBA • Official / event source ↗
COSCON
2027 date not confirmed • 2027 WATCH
Jacksonville | 2026 venue: 841 Prudential Drive
Dedicated cosplay fan convention held July 18 in 2026; track future announcements rather than inventing its 2027 date.
Cosplay · Con • TBA • Official / event source ↗
Murray Hill-O-Ween 2027
2027 date not announced • 2027 WATCH
Jacksonville | Murray Hill / Edgewood Avenue
Track the neighborhood association once the confirmed 2026 edition concludes.
Halloween · Parade · Family • TBA • Official / event source ↗
Jacksonville PorchFest 2027
2027 date not announced • 2027 WATCH
Jacksonville | Historic Springfield
An established November tradition; November 7 is the confirmed 2026 date only.
Free · Music · Community • Historically free • Official / event source ↗
06 | Nearby bonus trips (not Jacksonville city)
St. Augustine Nights of Lights
Nov. 21, 2026–Jan. 18, 2027 • CONFIRMED
St. Augustine | Historic St. Augustine downtown
Citywide illumination, especially around the plaza and bayfront. This is a St. Johns County outing, not Jacksonville proper.
Nearby · Free · Lights · Family • Free to walk; tours cost extra • Official / event source ↗
Dickens on Centre
Dec. 11–13, 2026 • CONFIRMED
Fernandina Beach / Amelia Island | Historic downtown Fernandina Beach
Costumed Victorian Christmas market with vendors, entertainment and a kids zone. Not a Renaissance faire, but a strong costumed/fantasy-adjacent alternative.
Nearby · Victorian · Faire-style · Holiday • Free festival admission • Official / event source ↗
Fernandina Beach Shrimp Drop
Dec. 31, 2026 · shrimp drops 7 p.m. • CONFIRMED
Fernandina Beach / Amelia Island | Downtown Fernandina Beach waterfront
Quirky early-evening New Year’s celebration featuring a giant illuminated shrimp.
Nearby · Unusual · New Year • Free public celebration • Official / event source ↗
St. Augustine Cathedral Festival
Feb. 26–28, 2027 • CONFIRMED
St. Augustine | St. Augustine festival site; confirm venue
Community festival with fair midway, food and musical entertainment.
Nearby · Fair · Music · Family • Check organizer • Official / event source ↗
St. Augustine Celtic Festival & Highland Games
Mar. 13, 2027 • CONFIRMED
St. Augustine | Francis Field
Highland games, parade, music and vendors. Replaces the retired Celtic Music & Heritage Festival; do not treat the two as simultaneous active events.
Nearby · Celtic · Games · Faire-adjacent • Check event • Official / event source ↗
Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival
Apr. 30–May 2, 2027; parade Apr. 29 • CONFIRMED
Fernandina Beach / Amelia Island | Historic Fernandina Beach downtown
Large downtown festival with a pirate invasion, arts, kids zone and shrimp; excellent unusual-costume crossover.
Nearby · Pirates · Seafood · Families • Free festival entrance • Official / event source ↗
River City Wrestling Con
June 5–6, 2027 • CONFIRMED
St. Augustine | World Golf Village Renaissance Resort
Professional-wrestling fandom event. Despite the name, the announced 2027 venue is in St. Augustine, not Jacksonville.
Nearby · Wrestling con · Families • Ticketed; kids 10 and under free with adult • Official / event source ↗
Editorial cautions and corrections
As of October 12, 2026, WasabiCon (Oct. 9–11) and Jacksonville Zoo’s 2026 sensory-friendly Spooktacular night (Oct. 11) have already concluded. They appear only as next-year watch items, not future 2026 recommendations.
The Museum of Science & History (MOSH) closed its Southbank location in 2025 as part of its relocation and should NOT be advertised as an open daily attraction in 2026 or 2027.
Springing the Blues announced its retirement after the April 2026 festival; do NOT create an automatic 2027 page for it.
For Renaissance faire seekers: no dated, verified 2026–27 Renaissance faire in Jacksonville proper surfaced in this research. Nearby Celtic games, pirate programming and the Victorian Dickens festival are clearly identified as alternatives, not relabeled as actual Renaissance faires. Florida Renaissance Festival takes place far to the south in Deerfield Beach and is not a Jacksonville-area event.
The 2027 River City Wrestling Con venue is in St. Augustine despite its name. Collective Con’s organizer confirms March 19–21, 2027, even though one older tourism listing still describes March 2026. Organizer dates take priority.
Do not equate wheelchair access, reduced-noise sessions and sensory-friendly designation. Examples: the air show is free but can be loud; the zoo has sensory support resources but regular operating hours are not equivalent to a dedicated sensory night.
Best ongoing sources for fresh additions
City of Jacksonville Special Events — Open source Free municipal events, parades, sports and festival listings
Visit Jacksonville annual events — Open source Tourism calendar and major annual festivals
Visit Jacksonville full calendar — Open source Smaller concerts, pop-ups and attractions
Downtown Jacksonville events — Open source Art Walk and public-space pop-ups
Jacksonville Beach calendar — Open source Free beach concerts and community dates
Jacksonville Public Library events — Open source Free stories, crafts, fandom and inclusive youth programming
Jacksonville Zoo accessibility — Open source Verified sensory supports, mobility details and accommodation contacts
Visit Jacksonville autism-friendly travel — Open source Inclusive venue index, to verify against venue calendars
Research snapshot: October 12, 2026. Ticket prices, accessibility services, programming details and dates can change. Links point to organizers, venue providers, public agency calendars or current destination sources. This is an editorial research guide, not an exhaustive guarantee of every small one-off neighborhood event.