🔒River City Guide: Festivals, celebrations and music on tap this weekend in Northeast Florida (Jan. 31-Feb. 2)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Hey, Insiders! 👋

I honestly don’t want to acknowledge that January is already coming to an end. This month has felt like a year and a week all at the same time. Like, how is that even possible?

If you’re as exhausted as I am and want to break away from all the stress, drama and just life—check out some of these weekend events!

Here’s a preview of the exciting events taking place from Jan. 31 to Feb. 2. 👇

(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... 📅

• Villain Arts’ 2nd Annual Jacksonville Tattoo Arts Festival 💰 “From January 31st to February 2nd, the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center will become a tattoo marketplace featuring some of the most talented tattoo artists from across the U.S. and around the globe. Whether you want to get a huge tattoo, get something small and inexpensive, or even just want to collect a lot of cool stickers, this must-attend event is the place to be!” More info

• TAB: Manga 101 (ages 12-17) 🆓 “Dive into the exciting world of shonen manga with My Hero Academia! Explore the captivating art style, thrilling action, and i nspiring stories that make this genre so popular.” Attendance is limited and is first-come first-served at the Regency Square Branch Library. More info

• Adventures in Marriage - FREE Marriage Workshop 🆓 “For couples at any age or stage, from newly married to highly stressed. Most couples don’t know “how” to be married. Adventures in Marriage (AIM) is a fun, encouraging, and interactive program that provides specific, practical, attainable skills for a successful marriage." More info

• Paranormal Cirque in Orange Park 💰🎶 Welcome to the darkest corner of your mind as Paranormal Cirque III comes to town! This one-of-a-kind production features incredibly talented artists with the sole purpose of taking you on a sensual journey of acrobatics, contortion, aerial acts and more. More info

• Fishing FUNdamentals 💰“Saturday, Feb 1, 2025, 9 AM to 10 AM - Crooked River State Park - St. Marys, GA - Learn how to tie a hook and catch a fish with a ranger! Space is limited. Please call or visit the main office to register before the above time.” Admission: $5 per person Parking fee: $5 More info

• MELANIN MARKET & R.A.M BLACK HISTORY COLLABORATION CELEBRATION 🆓 “It will be a day of celebration, learning, and empowerment. By collaborating, Melanin Market and R.A.M. aim to create an event that not only honors Black history but also strengthens the community by supporting Black businesses and promoting cultural education. This celebration will leave a lasting impact on all participants, helping to build a stronger, more connected community dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion.” More info

• Rock the Dock Music and Beer Festival 🆓 & 💰🎶 “Grace Note Brewing is thrilled to announce the Rock the Dock Music and Beer Festival, celebrating its first-year anniversary and taking place on Saturday, February 1, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM EST (doors open at 11:00 AM) on the waterfront in Ortega.” More info

• Life Lab: African-American Genealogy Research Overview 🆓 “Life Lab hosts free workshops offered by trained professionals and volunteers that focus on improving your day-to-day life. These programs cover a wide range of workshops from gardening to small business needs. No need to bring anything but yourself to participate!”

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

Series host Jennifer Waugh takes you behind the scenes of News4JAX’s new true crime documentary series ‘Florida Justice’

News4JAX Anchor Jennifer Waugh has covered most of the major crimes that have happened in our area for the last 27 years. She’s been digging deep into the News4JAX vault for the last year, piecing together our first series about police corruption in Jacksonville in the late 1990s.

You can watch the first episode during the newscast at 5:30 p.m. and then be sure to watch Episodes 2 and 3 streaming at 7 p.m. on News4JAX+ on Thursday night.

SnapJAX Stars 🌟📸