JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Hey, Insiders! 👋
From veterans to vibes, we’ve got some fun and helpful events on tap around Jacksonville this weekend.
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Speaking of veterans, we definitely want to wish our Navy a Happy Birthday! Did you know the U.S. Navy is actually a year older than our country? It was founded on Oct. 13, 1775, and celebrated its 250th anniversary this past Monday. ⚓
For those who have served -- and their families -- we thank you!
Now, let’s check out all the happenings around Jacksonville from Oct. 17-19. 👇
(Emoji Key: 💰 = Paid/ticketed event 🆓 = Free event 🎶 = Live music 🔞 Event is 18 and up or 21 and up)
As always, be sure to check the organization’s website and social media accounts for any last-minute event changes or cancellations.
Weekend Events... 📅
- Biketoberfest 2025 🆓🏍️ Bikers coming to Daytona’s Biketoberfest from Thursday, Oct. 16, to Sunday, Oct. 19, can enjoy exploring the surrounding areas, especially St. Augustine -- a bike-friendly community with history, attractions, award-winning restaurants and bars, and comfortable places to stay. More info
- Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Los Angeles Rams 💰🏈 Admittedly, their last game wasn’t great, but London could be lucky for the Jags! They take on the LA Rams at Wembley Stadium, and there are watch parties all over town for the early morning 9:30 a.m. kickoff. Here are just a few we found:
- Spooktacular 💰🍬 Explore the Zoo and Botanical Gardens and discover a world of spooky delights and seasonal fun! Enjoy over eight treat stations throughout the grounds, then head to the Great Lawn for fall festivities including carnival games, crafts, DJs and photo ops. For those daring enough, the Lost Swamp returns with a chilling comeback in Riverview Gardens, where demented forest creatures lurk in the shadows, ready to torment brave souls who enter their eerie domain. (Recommended for ages 13+.) Tickets are $20.00 - $40.00. 370 Zoo Parkway, Jacksonville. More info
- Vibe-Rations Music Festival 2025 🆓🎶 Vilano Beach Main Street hosts VIBE-Rations, a one-day music festival featuring some of the area’s most popular performers, on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 10:45 a.m. to 6:45 p.m at the Hampton Inn parking lot at 95 Vilano Road. More info
- 41st Annual Caring Chefs 💰🍽️ Enjoy tastings from over 25 of Jacksonville’s top restaurants, each serving up delicious bites and beverages. All event proceeds will benefit children and families in Northeast Florida through the Children’s Home Society of Florida. More info
- Terror on the Timber Farm 💰☠️ Mark your calendars! Terror on the Timber Farm in Yulee, FL brings 35 acres of haunted trails every Fri & Sat from Oct. 10–Nov. 1! Face witches, clowns, and terrors, plus a Blackout Night on Nov 1 in total darkness! 🎟️ Tickets are $15-$50. Low-scare $15, GA $23, Group Discounts available. 86300 Hot Shot Trl, Yulee. More info
- Veterans Resource Fair 🆓🎖️ Come out to hear speakers and visit organizations with information on benefits & resources from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Jacksonville Elks Lodge #221 at 1855 West Road. Free lunch served to all following the morning speakers. More info
- 2nd Annual Community Health Expo 🆓🩺 Come to Legacy Ministries Worship Center from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18, for the Community Health Expo—a day full of wellness, connection, and fun! Enjoy free health screenings and mammograms provided by Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center, shop with local vendors, grab a bite at food trucks, and explore resources to inspire and uplift. This event is completely FREE and open to everyone—bring along your family, friends, and neighbors! More info
- JaxParks Movie Night - Tim Burton’s The Night Before Christmas 🆓🍿 Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and even sweaters because it might be chilly on the river for the JaxParks Movie Night at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17, at Artist Walk at 718 Riverside Ave. Free movie, popcorn and food trucks featuring Tim Burton’s The Night Before Christmas! More info
- Duval Sistas 360 Breast Cancer Awareness Fashion Show 💰📷 Join us for the first annual Duval Sistas 360 Breast Cancer Awareness Fashion Show, a powerful evening of fashion, hope, and empowerment! This inspiring event celebrates survivors, honors loved ones lost—including organizer Simone Key’s late aunt, Lillian—and unites the community through style and purpose. Enjoy local designers, live performances, vendors, a survivor guest speaker, and the heartfelt “Wall of Strength.” More info
- Selfie Fest Outdoor Pop Up Market 🆓🛍️ The Duval Selfie Fest Pop Up Shop from 12-5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18, outside The Selfie Showroom on Lem Turner Road is a vibrant community event, welcoming all ages. Attendees can indulge in delicious offerings from food trucks, explore unique products from local vendors, and groove to the beats of live music. More info
- Spooky Sprint Jacksonville 💰👟 Get ready to run for your life at the Spooky Sprint Jacksonville from 8 a.m.-10 a.m. on Oct. 18! Choose from a Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, 1-Mile, or Kids Dash—and don’t forget your costume! Join the Halloween excitement at Baldwin Station Jax-Baldwin Trailhead! More info
- Free Saturdays at MOCA 🆓🎨 Join us every Saturday for free access to the art, artists, and ideas of our time! MOCA Jacksonville and @uofnorthflorida are pleased to partner with @vystarcreditunion to make the arts more accessible to our community through VyStar Free Saturdays @ MOCA. 333 N Laura St., Jacksonville. More info
For more ideas for fun weekend activities, take a look at our Events Calendar 👇
It’s fall, y’all! 🎃
County-by-county events 📅 News4JAX has compiled a 2025 list — including multiple Florida counties and Georgia — of the best pumpkin patches, haunted houses, and events in your area! Check them out here