🔒River City Guide: Free festivals, music, a ‘Wizarding Market’ and more exciting events are on tap from April 11-13

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Hey, Insiders. 👋

What an exhilarating week! The Florida Gators returned home Tuesday after their thrilling 65-63 victory over the University of Houston in the 2025 National Championship Game. As a proud Florida Gator currently pursuing a master’s degree in digital strategy at the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications, I couldn’t be more proud of this team! 🎉

If you’re searching for something fun to do this weekend, we’ve got you covered.

Check out our preview of the exciting events taking place from Friday, April 11, to Sunday, April 13. 👇

(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... 📅

• Jax Beach Arts Market at the Seawalk Pavilion 🆓🏖️ Saturday, April 12 at 10 a.m. | “The Jax Beach Arts Market is a family friendly event featuring local arts and crafts. The event is free to attend. Artists may sign up for booths at www.jaxbeachartsmarket.com." More info

• Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp v. Charlotte Knights 💰🦐 April 9-13 games at VyStar Ballpark | Shrimp season is in full swing! Be sure to cheer on our home team throughout the 2025 season. Tickets and more info

• UniverSoul Circus 💰🎪 “UniverSoul Circus returns with the newest, most exciting combination of interactive circus arts, theater, and music you have ever seen!” The UniverSoul tent is popped up next to the EverBank Stadium in the Tailgaters Lot on 225 Talleyrand Avenue from Thursday, April 3, to Sunday, April 20. More info

• Planetarium Night Live - Vital Dust at MOSH 💰✨ Friday, April 11 at 7 p.m. | “The Bryan-Gooding Planetarium at MOSH presents Planetarium Night Live, a program that allows you to expand your mind and explore the cosmos through space simulations, storytelling, interactive demonstrations, and immersive, live-narrated video projection under the Planetarium’s 60-foot dome. New insights await!” More info

• Biscuits and Bubbles 5K and Fun Run 💰👟Saturday, April 12 at 8:30 a.m. | “Join us at San Marco’s Posting House for the second Biscuits and Bubbles 5K and Fun Run - Supporting Haven Retreat! Haven Retreat is a registered 501(c)3 whose mission is to create sustainability for foster and adoptive families.” More info

• 2025 Jacksonville Science Festival 🆓🧪 April 10 & 11 at FSCJ South Campus & April 12 at Friendship Fountain | “Free and fun family event showcasing STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) activities at the FSCJ South Campus on Friday, April 11, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.” More info

• Final weekend of the Clay County Fair! 🎡💰This is the last weekend the Clay County Fair will be in town! The final day takes place on April 13, 2025. Enjoy thrilling rides, tasty food, and free family entertainment all across the Fairgrounds. More info

• ONU Veterans’ Cup Clay Shoot Fundraiser 💰🎖️ Friday, April 11 at 12 p.m. | “Now in our ninth year, join us for the area’s best clay shoot fundraiser in support of servicemembers, veterans, and military spouses. Expect an incredible experience, including a competitive shoot, high-end raffle prizes, an upscale vendor experience, food and beverage offerings, prizes, and bragging rights.” More info

• Platform 9 3/4 Wizarding Market 2025 💰🪄 Saturday, April 12 at 12 p.m. | “Join the 5th annual Platform 9 3/4 Wizarding Market as we return the magic to another event full of special guests, vendors, and activities on Saturday, April 12, 2025! Once again, the 9 3/4 Wizarding Market is in the amazing River City Railway event venue in Downtown Jacksonville! Enjoy an outdoor area full of nerdy art vendors and special guests set up in their own train cars! All ages are welcome for a day of family-friendly fun! Children 7 and under are free!” More info

• Oyster Fest in Riverview Park 🆓🦪 “Get ready to shuck and slurp your way through the best oysters at OYSTERFEST 2025!" More info

• Menopause, The Musical 2: Cruising Through the Change 💰🎶 Saturday, April 12 at 3 p.m. | “All aboard, sisters! The hysterical sequel to the smash-hit Menopause The Musical® is finally here! Five years after their chance encounter in a department store, we set sail with our beloved ladies for more highjinks on the high seas." More info

• Second Saturday Jazz at the Fountain 🆓🎶 Saturday, April 12 at 7 p.m. | “Second Saturday Jazz at the Fountain. Bring a chair and enjoy the music of the band!” More info

• DOH-Duval to Host Spring Health Fair 🆓 Friday, April 11 at 10 a.m. | The Florida Department of Health-Duval, along with local community partners, will provide health screenings, health resources, information, and more. There will be music, food trucks, and giveaways! Preregistration is not required. More info

• Easter Egg-Stravaganza! 🐰💰 “Hop on over to Marineland on Saturday, April 12, for a fun and festive day! Meet the Easter Bunny and enjoy our dolphin show with him between 10:45 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. Then join us at 12:30 p.m. in Ambassador Park to participate in our traditional Easter Egg Hunt. (We encourage you to bring your own basket for collecting your treats!) More info

For more ideas for fun weekend activities, take a look at our Events Calendar. 👇

Wine, Women & Shoes event returns to benefit Episcopal Children’s Services

Ladies, it’s time to kick up your heels for a great cause!

Wine, Women & Shoes is back, bringing fashion, fun, and philanthropy together for an unforgettable evening to benefit Episcopal Children’s Services. 💰

SnapJAX Stars 🌟📸