2025 Fin Fest: Jacksonville Beach’s Free Ocean Conservation + Music Festival (Sept 12–13)

2025 Fin Fest: Jacksonville Beach’s Free Ocean Conservation + Music Festival (Sept 12–13)

Fin Fest returns to Jacksonville Beach on September 12–13, 2025 at Seawalk Pavilion. It’s free to attend, with optional VIP upgrades, an Education Village packed with hands-on ocean science, live music, food trucks, and family-friendly vibes; all with a sustainability focus.

Quick Facts

  • Dates & Times: Fri, Sept 12 (5:00–10:00 pm) and Sat, Sept 13 (12:00–10:00 pm). Rain or shine.

  • Where: Seawalk Pavilion & Latham Plaza, Jacksonville Beach; single main entrance on 1st Ave N (across from Surfer the Bar). Re-entry allowed.

  • Cost: Free general admission; VIP and Premium VIP upgrades available.

  • Theme: Ocean conservation, education, and live music; zero single-use plastics and recyclable aluminum for drinks.

  • App: Download the FL Fin Fest Mobile App for real-time schedule updates (iOS & Android).

Why Fin Fest Is Different (and why locals love it)

Fin Fest isn’t just another beachfront concert. It’s a free, two-day celebration of ocean conservation that blends education, hands-on science, and live music to inspire real-world change; all right on Jax Beach. Expect an immersive Education Village (think: touch tanks, underwater VR, demo booths, and talks from conservation pros) alongside food, drinks, and evening performances. 

The Experience: What to See & Do

Education Village, Talks & Panels

  • Hands-on learning: touch tanks (Jacksonville University), immersive underwater VR, and interactive exhibits from conservation orgs.

  • Speaker sessions: science experts and advocates lead panels throughout both days.

  • Who it’s for: families, students, and anyone curious about protecting our waterways.

Live Music (Evenings)

Fin Fest has hosted Grammy-nominated acts in years past and returns with an eclectic, high-energy 2025 slate. Check the app and lineup page for the most current set times as the weekend approaches. 

Tickets & VIP Upgrades (What You Get)

General Admission: Free, just walk in.
VIP: Main-Stage VIP area, complimentary food & beverages (beer, seltzers, and bites from The Local Neptune Beach), pit access, shaded lounge with soft seating, A/C bathrooms, private bars, artist encounters, and more.
Premium VIP: Everything in VIP plus side-stage viewing, backstage lounge access, official pre- & after-parties, and spirits lounge perks (e.g., Four Roses/Deep Eddy). 

*Tip: VIP sells out, book via the official ticket link on the Fin Fest site. (The festival lists VIP upgrades on its Tickets page and references VIP options in FAQs.) 

 

Food & Drinks (Sustainably Served)

Fin Fest menus are curated by The Local, covering Asian, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Seafood, Smash Burgers, Wonderbird fried chicken, and more. Expect options like dumplings, fish tacos, Mayport shrimp, gyros, and churros; with prices posted on-site. All water, seltzer, and beer are served in 100% recyclable aluminum (no single-use plastics).

Schedule & Mobile App

  • Friday (5:00–10:00 pm): evening kickoff with panels and live music.

  • Saturday (12:00–10:00 pm): full-day programming: Education Village, speakers, and the main-stage show at night.

 For real-time changes, alerts, and set times, download the Fin Fest app on iOS or Android.

Getting There, Parking & Hotels

  • Parking: Free street parking exists, plus paid municipal lots around the venue, but it’s limited. Carpool, bike, or walk if you can. Rideshare pickup is straightforward around Seawalk Pavilion.

  • Hotel Partners: SpringHill Suites and Four Points offer convenient stays with special group rates for attendees; rooms go fast.

  • Entrance: Single main entry on 1st Ave N; exits at the north/south ends of 1st St N and east side of Seawalk.

What to Bring (and what to leave home)

Do bring:

  • Light blanket or towel (no chairs allowed), sun protection, hat, portable phone charger, ID for 21+, and a small bag (will be checked)

Don’t bring:

  • No tents/umbrellas/temporary structures, no chairs, no outside food or beverages, no weapons or illegal substances. All bags subject to search.

Family-Friendly, All-Ages

There’s no age restriction; bring the kids for science demos by day and music at night. The festival runs rain or shine; if weather disrupts operations, organizers work to reschedule. 

Get Involved (Vendors, Volunteers, Partners, Speakers)

  • Vendors: With 25,000+ attendees across two days, Fin Fest offers strong foot traffic for local, regional, and national brands. Apply online.

  • Volunteers: Help with education partners, music ops, and more; perks included.

  • Partners/Sponsors & Speakers: Custom packages and stage opportunities available.

Sustainability at Fin Fest

From eliminating single-use plastics to serving drinks in recyclable aluminum, the festival is built to reduce waste while educating the community on conservation. 

Plan Like a Local (Pro Tips)

  • Arrive early on Saturday for Education Village experiences (VR and touch tanks can draw lines).

  • Shade & hydration: Plan breaks at the Blue Jay Listening Room side stage and take advantage of recyclable canned water/seltzer.

  • Beach rules: Blankets/towels are fine; chairs and umbrellas are not.

 

Quick Answers to Questions

Q: Is Fin Fest really free?
A: Yes. General admission is free, with VIP and Premium VIP upgrades available

Q: Where is it?
A: Seawalk Pavilion & Latham Plaza, Jacksonville Beach. Main entrance on 1st Ave N.

Q: What are the hours?
A: Fri 5–10 pm; Sat 12–10 pm. Rain or shine.

Q: Can I re-enter?
A: Yes, re-entry is allowed.

Q: What about food & drinks?
A: Multiple cuisines curated by The Local; beverages served in recyclable aluminum (no single-use plastics).

Q: Where should I stay?
A: Check SpringHill Suites and Four Points partner hotels for group rates. 

 

 

 

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