Things to Do in Greater Jacksonville: June 25 – July 5, 2026
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Pack the sunscreen and charge the phone, friends — this is a big stretch on the First Coast. Our coverage window runs Thursday, June 25 through Sunday, July 5, 2026, and it's stacked with two full weekends, minor-league baseball, Banana Ball shenanigans, and the granddaddy of them all: America's 250th birthday, celebrated up and down the river with the largest fireworks shows Jacksonville has ever put up. Here's everything worth leaving the couch for, in order.
Thursday, June 25
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp vs. Memphis Redbirds
Triple-A baseball under the lights downtown — cheap seats, cold drinks, and a riverfront breeze. This is the front end of the homestand, so you've got the whole weekend to catch a game.
7:05 p.m. · VyStar Ballpark, 301 A. Philip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville · Tickets from ~$10
Get tickets
Friday, June 26 – Sunday, June 28
Jumbo Shrimp Homestand Continues
The Shrimp stick around all weekend for more games at the ballpark — expect the usual promos, fireworks nights, and family fun. Check the schedule for exact first-pitch times.
VyStar Ballpark, 301 A. Philip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville · Tickets from ~$10
See schedule & tickets
Riverside Arts Market — Saturday, June 27
Nearly 150 makers, farmers, bakers, and food trucks set up under the Fuller Warren Bridge every Saturday, rain or shine, with live music on the riverfront stage. The perfect lazy Saturday morning.
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. · 715 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville · Free admission
Learn more
Thursday, July 2
Banana Ball World Tour: Indianapolis Clowns vs. Loco Beach Coconuts
The viral, rule-breaking, dance-everywhere baseball circus rolls into town for a three-day stand. Think trick plays, choreography, and zero dull moments — tickets vanish fast, so pounce.
VyStar Ballpark, 301 A. Philip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville · Ticketed · Runs July 2–4
Learn more
Friday, July 3
Freedom Fest at Friendship Fountain
Kick off the 250th weekend on the Southbank with live music from Bold City Brass, Navy Pride, Sal Gonzalez, Emily Mikus, and Big Engine, plus a patriotic light-and-music show at the fountain. First 1,000 folks score a free apple pie — you've been warned.
5:30 – 10 p.m. · Friendship Fountain, 1015 Museum Circle, Jacksonville · Free
Learn more
Banana Ball, Night 2
The Clowns and Coconuts are back at it for game two of the three-game stand.
VyStar Ballpark, 301 A. Philip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville · Ticketed
Learn more
Saturday, July 4 — America's 250th Birthday
It's the Fourth of July and the nation's semiquincentennial, so the whole region is going all-out. Pick your vantage point — here's the rundown.
Downtown Jacksonville: Northbank at Riverfront Plaza
The main event. Performances by Sal Gonzalez, Tobacco Road, Bold City Classics, and Lane Pittman, face painting, balloon animals, the River City Readers Bookmobile, and the largest Fourth of July fireworks show in Jacksonville history.
4 – 9:30 p.m. (fireworks ~9 p.m.) · Riverfront Plaza, 2 W. Independent Dr, Jacksonville · Free
Learn more
Downtown Jacksonville: Southbank at Friendship Fountain & the Riverwalk
Same fireworks, different view — plus live music from Scott Halls and Caribe Groove, a hot dog eating contest, and a cornhole tournament. Bring your A-game.
3 – 9:30 p.m. (fireworks ~9 p.m.) · Friendship Fountain & Riverwalk, 1015 Museum Circle, Jacksonville · Free
Learn more
RiversEdge Park Celebration
A more laid-back spot to catch the downtown fireworks, with music, entertainment, and food for sale.
6 – 9 p.m. · RiversEdge Park, 1915 RiversEdge Blvd, Jacksonville · Free
Learn more
Jacksonville Beach Fireworks Off the Pier
Toes in the sand, eyes on the sky. Thousands gather along the shoreline as the city launches fireworks from the Jax Beach Pier at 9 p.m. (with a "test" shot around 8:45). Get there early — beach parking fills up fast.
Fireworks 9 p.m. · Jacksonville Beach Pier, 503 1st St N, Jacksonville Beach · Free
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Fireworks Over the Matanzas — St. Augustine
The nation's oldest city throws one of the best shows on the East Coast: 5,000 shells bursting over the bayfront and the Castillo de San Marcos. Arrive early for a free All-Star Orchestra concert of big-band and patriotic favorites in the Plaza.
Concert 6 p.m., fireworks 9 p.m. · Plaza de la Constitución, St. Augustine · Free
Learn more
Hometown 4th of July — Fernandina Beach
Amelia Island's charming downtown does it right: music, food trucks, and vendors lining Centre Street, capped by fireworks over the Amelia River harbor. Best views are down by the Visitor Center at the foot of Centre Street.
6 – 9:15 p.m. (fireworks ~9 p.m.) · Downtown Fernandina Beach, Centre St, Fernandina Beach · Free
Learn more
American Pride 4th of July — Moosehaven, Orange Park
Clay County's go-to celebration on the banks of the St. Johns River: live music, dozens of food trucks, and one of the area's biggest fireworks displays. Lawn chairs and coolers welcome; leave the pets at home.
5 p.m. (fireworks ~9:15 p.m.) · Moosehaven, 1701 Park Ave, Orange Park · Free (free parking)
Learn more
Riverside Arts Market
Yes, the market still runs on the Fourth — grab breakfast and some local goods before the evening fireworks marathon.
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. · 715 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville · Free
Learn more
Banana Ball, Final Game
The circus wraps its Jacksonville run on the Fourth.
VyStar Ballpark, 301 A. Philip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville · Ticketed
Learn more
Sunday, July 5
Recover & Reset on Amelia Island
Holiday-weekend resort celebrations continue out on Amelia Island, including a Firecracker 5K — a great excuse to sweat off the cookout. Confirm event details and registration before you go.
Amelia Island / Fernandina Beach · Times vary
Learn more
However you spend the long weekend, get out there and soak up the 904. Happy 250th, Jacksonville!
Events change — please confirm dates, times, and prices via the links above before heading out.