Jacksonville’s Oct. 2-4 weekend calendar includes the Jax River City Pride Parade and Festival, seasonal markets, concerts, Oktoberfest gatherings and family-oriented activities across the city.
On Friday, the Jacksonville Home + Patio Show opens at the Prime Osborn Convention Center, 1000 Water St., from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Adult admission is $12 at the box office or $10 online; seniors and children ages 6-12 are $5, while children 5 and younger enter free. Also Friday, First Friday at Friendship Fountain runs from 6 to 9 p.m. with free admission, food trucks, craft vendors, music, drinks and a fountain show.
Friday night options include the Jacksonville Symphony’s Stevie Wonder & More: The 70s & Beyond at Jacoby Symphony Hall, Zach Top with Jake Worthington at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, and the Jacksonville Bourbon Whiskey Fest at 1515 Prudential Drive. The whiskey festival includes tastings, food, cigars and a raffle benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida.
Saturday’s Jax River City Pride Parade begins at 2 p.m. near Historic Willowbranch Park. Its route goes through Riverside, Avondale and Five Points before ending at Riverside Park, and it is free to watch. The following day, the Jax River City Pride Festival is scheduled at Riverside Park, with live entertainment, a Family Fun Zone, vendors and food vendors.
Free Saturday events include the Golden Harvest Market and Plant Sale at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; museum admission is also free during Free First Saturday. The Beaches Green Market runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 321 Penman Road in Jacksonville Beach, while Saturday Sounds at the Fountain brings live music, food trucks and a fountain bar to Friendship Fountain from 6 to 9 p.m.
For fall festivities, Wicked Barley Brewing Co. hosts its Pumpkin Festival and Fall Market from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday at 4100 Baymeadows Road. Legacy Ale Works plans its eighth annual Oktoberfest from 3 to 10 p.m. Saturday, with free admission, beer games, music, a DJ and special releases. The Jacksonville Home + Patio Show continues Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
News4JAX also listed Sensory Sunday at Surge Adventure Park, 9292 Arlington Expressway, from 10 a.m. to noon Sunday. The sensory-friendly session is designed for children with special needs.