Fun Things To Do In Jacksonville FL 

Florida's largest city offers visitors plenty to see and do, including the country's most extensive urban park system, miles of beautiful batches and a surprisingly good selection of museums and art galleries. And whatever time of year you are visiting this area of northeast Florida, you may be able to catch one of these biggest events in Jacksonville, FL.

Taking place over the last weekend in January, the show features plenty of boats on display, with everything from fishing boats to canoes and small watercraft. And whatever you need in the way of marine equipment, you can probably find it at one of the dozens of exhibitors showcasing fishing equipment, batteries, marine insurance, and dry storage facilities. There are also seminars on fishing, plenty of kid-friendly activities and events, and several food trucks offering visitors the chance to enjoy a barbecue, Cuban cuisine and of course, seafood.

This two-day event held in Jacksonville during early March allows you to travel the world without having to show your passport. The exhibition showcases the culture, arts and crafts, music and food of over 20 countries, and you can expect to explore such diverse destinations as Cuba, Poland, Japan, and South Africa. Highlights of this popular event include a naturalization ceremony and a parade of flags, featuring participants dressed in the national costumes of their host country. Over 75,000 people typically attend this event, one of the state's most significant multicultural events, and it's a great place to get a taste of the diversity of Jacksonville.

If you like jazz, May is a great time to be in Jacksonville, when the city hosts one of the country's largest free jazz festivals during Labor Day weekend. Performers play for free at several venues around downtown and through the city, and as well as plenty of great music, the event also offers a jazz piano competition, several workshops and lectures, and vendors selling music and other jazz-related items. The event is even more popular after the sun goes down, with many venues attracting music lovers until 2 am. And a highlight for many attendees is the jazz brunch featuring music and great food at the Omni Hotel on Sunday morning. Past performers at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival have included such well-known names as the Rippingtons, Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, Buddy Guy, and the Count Basie Orchestra.