Jacksonville is serving up a full plate this weekend, with something for just about every taste. Friday and Saturday bring Fin Fest back to the Seawalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach — a free, family-friendly ocean conservation and music festival featuring touch tanks from Jacksonville University, an underwater virtual reality experience, speakers, and live music. Also running both days, the Asian Night Market at RD International Market (7534 Beach Blvd.) offers free admission and food from the Philippines, Thailand, Korea, Cambodia, and Vietnam, from 4 to 10 p.m.
Friday evening, comedian Ron White takes the stage at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts. Saturday is especially packed: the Ritz Theatre & Museum celebrates 27 years since its reopening with a free Community Appreciation Day featuring live entertainment, food, vendors, and face painting, highlighted by the DeDe Duval Day Party hosted by DeDe in the Morning. Morning Oil Coffee also opens its Jacksonville location at 700 E. Union St., Unit 151, a brand built around skilled-trades culture and community mentorship.
Saturday night, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens hosts Brew at the Zoo from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., pouring from more than 50 breweries alongside food vendors and games. Music fans can catch Greensky Bluegrass at the Florida Theatre (doors at 7 p.m., show at 8) or head to Decca Live for Walker & Royce. Sporting JAX also plays a home match in its inaugural USL Championship season, with single-match tickets available.
Other Saturday highlights include the Jacksonville Record & CD Festival at the Ramada Inn in Mandarin, the Sisters of the Sea Surf Classic at Jacksonville Beach, a Peg Leg Pete Pirate Pub Crawl in Fernandina Beach, and Fall Fest at Southern Swells Brewing on Beach Blvd., benefiting Jax Beam with pop-up shops, live music, and pumpkin decorating.
Sunday closes out the weekend with the Jacksonville Jaguars' home opener — fans should check the team's official site for kickoff and parking details. Gospel Skate runs 1–7 p.m. at Mandarin Skate Station ($20 at the door), and Ann Wilson performs at the Thrasher-Horne Center in Orange Park. As always, confirm times and availability with organizers before heading out. This weekend's event roundup was reported by News4JAX.
