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MAC Jacksonville - Art & Entertainment
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The heart and soul of this Southern metropolis is the north-flowing St. Johns River, twisting and turning through the city and finally emptying into the Atlantic Ocean on the city's eastern border. All that water seeps into every aspect of Jacksonville's entertainment scene, from the fast-paced Downtown grid that straddles the river to miles of sandy beaches where the parties last well into the night. If you're looking for something to do in this young urban city, you won't have to look far from the water to find it. Sometimes funky, sometimes elegant, sometimes down-home, this up-and-coming city shines as music, dancing, arts, and history unite here in harmony. Jacksonville is a place with no pre-defined "scenes"; you choose your own kind of fun from the hippest nightclub to the coolest pub, from classical music to rock n' roll, from trendy cuisine to old-fashioned Southern cooking, from upscale malls to footballs.

Bright Lights, Big City

Your first stop on the First Coast should be at the city's center on the north bank of the river, where you'll find the lively festival marketplace called Jacksonville Landing, packed with shops, restaurants, kiosks and an arcade for children and adults. Throughout the year it also plays host to many outdoor concerts, parties and festivals.

Just a mile away is the impressive ALLTEL Stadium, home of the National Football League Jacksonville Jaguars, beloved hometown heroes. The stadium is also a venue for major rock concerts, college football games, and monster-truck shows.

Metropolitan Park, directly on the river in front of the stadium, is easy to recognize with its permanent, multi-peaked tent that's home to the annual Jacksonville Jazz Festival, fireworks shows, and music festivals where picnicking along the riverfront adds to the fun.

If you don't have your own boat or a rental craft, you can hail a water taxi for a ride across the river to the south bank of the St. Johns where you can stroll along the quaint 1.2-mile Riverwalk boardwalk, lined with shops, museums, and restaurants, lounges and dance spots..

At one end of the Riverwalk is Friendship Fountain, billed as one of the world's highest-spraying fountains. At night, the colorful lights create a dazzling display. The Museum of Science and History offers a learning experience with interactive exhibits on deep-sea adventures, native wildlife, and a look at the stars above in the Alexander Brest Planetarium.

Surf and Turf

Jacksonville's nightlife centers from Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach to Jacksonville Beach and exclusive Ponte Vedra Beach further south where you'll find an amazing variety of entertainment, from dueling pianos to live bands, nightclubs, and casual beachside bars where the crowd and the atmosphere are sandal-casual.

Jacksonville's nothing if not eclectic in its musical options, with clubs and pubs playing reggae, jazz, blues, country, rock, pop, techno, and alternative sounds. Fans of the classic rock group Lynyrd Skynyrd are likely to revel in the atmosphere of the Freebird Café, which is owned by members of the Van Zant family, and there's also a 100% chance of a good time at Hurricane Hattie's, the beach area's most popular gathering spot and seafood restaurant.

For outdoor fun, try miniature golf, go-karts, or waterpark slides at Adventure Landing.

Southern Culture

Jacksonville is a thriving center of performing and visual arts. Facing the sparkling St. Johns River is the Times Union Performing Arts Center, newly rebuilt and proudly featuring top performances by the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, the Broadway in Jacksonville, and a wide range of other musical concerts and art exhibitions.

Up the street is the historic Florida Theatre, hosting concerts, dance, theatre, and film festivals. For more theater and performance art: Theatre Jacksonville, home of the longest continuously running community theater in the United States.

Another revitalized piece of Jacksonville's past is the Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Museum, home to the area's hottest jazz concerts and an African-American cultural center.

Fine arts fans can immerse themselves in Jacksonville's up-and-coming art scene at the renowned Cummer Art Museum and Gardens and soon can explore the world of contemporary art at the Jacksonville Museum of Modern Art, slated to open in 2001.







Copyright 1999-2005 Wcities, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Contact Wcities

ALLTEL Stadium


Home of the Jags
1 Stadium Place
Jacksonville, FL 32202
United States
+1 904 633 6100
http://www.jaxevents.com/allte...
ALLTEL Stadium is a state-of-the-art sports complex located on the banks of St. Johns River in downtown Jacksonville. This mega-complex seats 82,000 fans and is the home field of the National Football League's Jacksonville Jaguars franchise, the annual Gator Bowl football game each New Year's Day and the Florida/Georgia college football game every fall. Past performances also include U2, Garth Brooks, and the Rolling Stones. Concession stands are available, and indoor dining and skyboxes offer luxury seating. Special features include the largest Sony Jumbotron scoreboards in the country.

Review © 2007, Wcities
ALLTEL Stadium photo by Christopher Holder
Photo: Christopher Holder
ALLTEL Stadium photo by Craig Eddy
Photo: Craig Eddy
ALLTEL Stadium photo by Peter Dutton
Photo: Peter Dutton
ALLTEL Stadium photo by Josh Crockett
Photo: Josh Crockett
ALLTEL Stadium photo by xtremeleafan
Photo: xtremeleafan
ALLTEL Stadium photo by Emily J. Wilsoncroft
Photo: Emily J. Wilsoncroft
ALLTEL Stadium photo by Kenneth Edwards
Photo: Kenneth Edwards
ALLTEL Stadium photo by Lois Bridenback
Photo: Lois Bridenback
ALLTEL Stadium photo by jbjitter
Photo: jbjitter
ALLTEL Stadium photo by Frank D. Bryant III
Photo: Frank D. Bryant III
ALLTEL Stadium photo by Scott G. Miller
Photo: Scott G. Miller
ALLTEL Stadium photo by Adam Szarmack
Photo: Adam Szarmack
 

 
Adventure Landing


Waterpark and more
1944 Beach Boulevard
Jacksonville, FL 32250
United States
+1 904 246 4386
http://www.adventurelanding.com
This all-in-one family fun center is located between Jacksonville Beach and the Intercoastal Waterway. You can play miniature golf, ride go-carts, play laser tag and try your luck at the batting cages. There is also a waterpark, complete with slides, wavepool and pirate-themed play village. It's the perfect place to cool off and have a great time on a hot Florida day. Attractions are pay-as-you-play. Most 'dry' attractions run about $5/play. Admission to the waterpark is $19.99-$23.99, and children under the age of three are free.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Adventure Landing photo by Vanessa Vargas
Photo: Vanessa Vargas
 

 
Alexander Brest Museum


Decorative arts and collectibles
2800 University Boulevard North
Jacksonville University
Jacksonville, FL 32211
United States
+1 904 745 7375 / +1 904 744 3950
Located in the Phillips Fine Art Building on the campus of Jacksonville University, this is a fabulous collection of decorative art and artifacts. Lovely Steuben Glass is featured with the Tiffany Collection of glassware, and Chinese porcelain and cloisonné from the 18th century. Works by students, faculty and other artists are displayed in the Premier Gallery. Give the museum a call for more information on special events and traveling exhibits.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens


History of art collection
829 Riverside Ave
Jacksonville, FL 32204
United States
+1 904 356 6857
http://cummer.org/
Opened in 1961, this museum and art education center has handsome gardens with fragrant blooms, and peaceful, winding walkways. The permanent collection focuses on the history of art with exhibits spanning the eras from ancient times to the 20th century. Temporary exhibits are also presented throughout the year. It is located off I-95, approximately five minutes from downtown. There is free admission Tuesday nights from 4pm-9pm.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens photo by candisfl30
Photo: candisfl30
Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens photo by Cyndi Blache'
Photo: Cyndi Blache'
Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens photo by Jesse Copeland
Photo: Jesse Copeland
Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens photo by Kristen Morgan
Photo: Kristen Morgan
Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens photo by Jerry Ray
Photo: Jerry Ray
Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens photo by Hugh Williamson
Photo: Hugh Williamson
Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens photo by Ana Maria, aka Renmeleon
Photo: Ana Maria, aka Renmeleon
Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens photo by Robin Ballard
Photo: Robin Ballard
Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens photo by Hilary Verheggen
Photo: Hilary Verheggen
Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens photo by Karen Gladys Henry
Photo: Karen Gladys Henry
Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens photo by vwfziwl
Photo: vwfziwl
 

 
Downtown


Jacksonville
United States
Jacksonville prides itself on being the largest metropolitan area in the nation, covering over 840 square miles. Its downtown is extremely picturesque, as it is situated right upon the St. Johns River. Aside from being visually stimulating, downtown Jacksonville is also a bustling metropolitan area, home to numerous businesses, shops, and cultural events.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Downtown photo by Evilasio Tenorio
Photo: Evilasio Tenorio
Downtown photo by Mary Fouraker
Photo: Mary Fouraker
Downtown photo by James Hawley
Photo: James Hawley
Downtown photo by Maria E. Smith
Photo: Maria E. Smith
Downtown photo by Judy Baxter
Photo: Judy Baxter
Downtown photo by jay j wilkie
Photo: jay j wilkie
Downtown photo by Michelle Perkins
Photo: Michelle Perkins
 

 
Florida Theatre


The place to be seen
128 E Forsyth St
Jacksonville, FL 32202
United States
+1 904 355 2787
http://www.floridatheatre.com/
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Theatre was originally designed for both stage shows and motion pictures, and is now home to concerts, dance, theatre, opera, and film, as well as community-sponsored events such as lectures, private parties, conferences and corporate meetings. The Theatre reflects the theme of a Moorish courtyard at night, with stars overhead, balconies, and trickling fountains. The building was restored in 1983 with state of the art technical equipment and seats approximately 2,000 people. Visit their web site or call for information on upcoming events.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Florida Theatre photo by Matthew Herndon
Photo: Matthew Herndon
 

 
Freebird Cafe


Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute
200 North 1st St
Jacksonville, FL 32250
United States
+1 904 246 2473
http://www.freebirdcafe.com/
This café honors Lynyrd Skynyrd, America's favorite southern rock band with good old Southern cooking and live entertainment. Great musicians from all over the world stop by to play and satisfy their appetites at the same time. Seafood, steaks and Southern fare are the house specialties. fried green tomatoes and cornmeal-encrusted trout, snow crab, and peel-and-eat shrimp straight from the Atlantic. Sweet potatoes are served every which way, as a sweet potato pie! Happy Hour with good drink deals is 4pm-7pm Mon-Fri.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Freebird Cafe photo by Joshua Kritzer
Photo: Joshua Kritzer
Freebird Cafe photo by Erika Wolson
Photo: Erika Wolson
Freebird Cafe photo by Jeremiah
Photo: Jeremiah
 

 
Friendship Park and Fountain


City's pride and joy
1025 Gulf Life Drive
Southbank Riverwalk
Jacksonville, FL 32204
United States
+1 904 630 3570
http://www.jaxfountain.com/
One of the world's tallest fountains, this spectacular piece of architecture is an impressive 200 feet in diameter and shoots water more than 120 feet into the air. At night, the colorful lighting turns the splashing waters into an animated, playful work of art. A lovely greenspace surrounds the fountain and comes complete with picnic tables and seating for relaxing and admiring the views of the St Johns River and city skyline. You will find the fountain next to the Museum of Science and History, on Museum Circle.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Friendship Park and Fountain photo by Erion C
Photo: Erion C
Friendship Park and Fountain photo by Michelle C. Lyles
Photo: Michelle C. Lyles
Friendship Park and Fountain photo by Tara Camilli
Photo: Tara Camilli
Friendship Park and Fountain photo by FavorMade
Photo: FavorMade
Friendship Park and Fountain photo by PhoJOGraphy
Photo: PhoJOGraphy
Friendship Park and Fountain photo by Matthew Potochick
Photo: Matthew Potochick
Friendship Park and Fountain photo by gregorymana1234
Photo: gregorymana1234
Friendship Park and Fountain photo by thatautguy
Photo: thatautguy
Friendship Park and Fountain photo by Cathy Hall (Georgia)
Photo: Cathy Hall (Georgia)
Friendship Park and Fountain photo by Matt
Photo: Matt
Friendship Park and Fountain photo by degas1900
Photo: degas1900
Friendship Park and Fountain photo by heyashley
Photo: heyashley
Friendship Park and Fountain photo by Rick Proctor
Photo: Rick Proctor
Friendship Park and Fountain photo by Jerry Thomas
Photo: Jerry Thomas
Friendship Park and Fountain photo by Juan R Escar
Photo: Juan R Escar
 

 
Jacksonville Jazz Festival


Weeklong jazz event
1410 Gator Bowl Boulevard
Metropolitan Park
Jacksonville, FL 32202
United States
+1 904 630 3690
http://www.jaxjazzfest.com
Sponsored by the City of Jacksonville, the popular Jacksonville Jazz Festival takes place at the Metropolitan Park and Jacksonville Landing. The festival encompasses four days of events, including a piano competition, 5 km run, and of course, concerts. Music lovers can purchase tickets to individual events or multi-day passes. Boaters can dock at Metropolitan Park on a first-come, first-serve basis during the weekend of the festival. Admission is $10 per day.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Jacksonville Jazz Festival photo by urban jacksonville
Photo: urban jacksonville
 

 
Jacksonville Landing


Shopping & food
2 Independent Dr
Jacksonville, FL 32202
United States
+1 904 353 1188
http://www.jacksonvillelanding...
Situated on the St. Johns River, this riverside playground features great restaurants and shopping opportunities. Its facade is a famed part of the Jacksonville skyline. Clothing, gifts, music and more fill the shops and a food court and wide variety of restaurants stave off starvation. Outdoor concerts and special events take place regularly at the Landing, making it a favorite gathering spot in the city for visitors and locals out to eat, drink and dance the night away.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Jacksonville Landing photo by A. Watts
Photo: A. Watts
Jacksonville Landing photo by Michael Lewyn
Photo: Michael Lewyn
Jacksonville Landing photo by Shawn Graves
Photo: Shawn Graves
Jacksonville Landing photo by Jeremy Ogden
Photo: Jeremy Ogden
Jacksonville Landing photo by Michael Cole
Photo: Michael Cole
Jacksonville Landing photo by Philip Shad
Photo: Philip Shad
Jacksonville Landing photo by ronan.odonohoe
Photo: ronan.odonohoe
Jacksonville Landing photo by alex griffin
Photo: alex griffin
Jacksonville Landing photo by Chris M. Gent
Photo: Chris M. Gent
Jacksonville Landing photo by ksteele2
Photo: ksteele2
Jacksonville Landing photo by Jordana Monnerat
Photo: Jordana Monnerat
Jacksonville Landing photo by Norman
Photo: Norman
Jacksonville Landing photo by wesley m. hanchar
Photo: wesley m. hanchar
Jacksonville Landing photo by wastedvampire
Photo: wastedvampire
Jacksonville Landing photo by Sean Conover
Photo: Sean Conover
Jacksonville Landing photo by Jeff Wright
Photo: Jeff Wright
Jacksonville Landing photo by ©Karen Stephenson 08
Photo: ©Karen Stephenson 08
Jacksonville Landing photo by austinANOMIC
Photo: austinANOMIC
Jacksonville Landing photo by Matthew Schmehl
Photo: Matthew Schmehl
Jacksonville Landing photo by Joseph Reaves
Photo: Joseph Reaves
Jacksonville Landing photo by Terry Lynch
Photo: Terry Lynch
 

 
Jacksonville Museum of Science and History


Fun for all ages
1025 Museum Circle
Jacksonville, FL 32207
United States
+1 904 396 6674
http://www.themosh.org/
Nicknamed MOSH, this museum overlooks the St. Johns River and is near the downtown area. Great fun and an educational experience for the whole family, it comes with its own planetarium. Exhibits include marine life, native Florida wildlife, local history, and the Holozone, full of interactive games and simulator rides. In addition, classroom activities and planetarium programs allow for hands-on, interactive fun. Don't miss The Living Room, MOSH's animal exhibit. Admission: Adults: USD9, children USD7, seniors USD7.50.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Jacksonville Museum of Science and History photo by Dean Thornton
Photo: Dean Thornton
 

 
Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra


Symphonic Entertainment
300 W Water St
Ste 200
Jacksonville, FL 32202
United States
+1 904 354 5547 / +1 877 662 6731 (Toll Free)
http://www.jaxsymphony.org/
Jacksonville is proud of the great talent in its symphony orchestra which has been gracing the community with its musical sounds since 1949. JSO, as its known locally, performs a number of concert series throughout the season ranging from Mahler and Bach to blues and Broadway. Led by musical director Fabio Mechetti, the symphony enjoys international acclaim. Most of its shows are performed at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra photo by charles chen
Photo: charles chen
Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra photo by Joe McInnes
Photo: Joe McInnes
 

 
Metropolitan Park


Concerts on the river
1410 Gator Bowl Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32202
United States
+1 904 630 0837
http://www.coj.net/Departments...
It is difficult to imagine the skyline of Jacksonville without the much-loved Metropolitan Park, the riverfront park that has it all. It is home to the Jacksonville Jazz Festival each Fall, Independence Day fireworks every summer and a number of other musical events throughout the year. There is a playground for the kids, numerous picnic areas, manicured gardens and a sidewalk along the river for a scenic walk. Water taxis ferry folks from the opposite side of the river and private-boaters can pull right up to the dock.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Metropolitan Park photo by Christina Maldonado
Photo: Christina Maldonado
Metropolitan Park photo by Christina Maldonado
Photo: Christina Maldonado
 

 
Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Museum


Jazz with a facelift
829 N Davis St
Jacksonville, FL 32202
United States
+1 904 632 5555
http://www.coj.net/Departments...
The Ritz Theatre is home to gospel and jazz, other entertainment and nightlife. Community theater and film are also featured. The neighboring LaVilla Museum has more than 11,000 square feet of exhibit space and is home to art and artifacts from several African countries, as well as photographs by Aaron Mervin, paintings, ceramics and other visual arts. Local African-American artists' works are featured each year during Black History Month in February at this cultural arts center.

Admission: USD6 adults USD3 children & seniors

Review © 2007, Wcities
Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Museum photo by ryan griffis
Photo: ryan griffis
 

 
Riverwalk


Boardwalk on the river
1000 Musuem Drive
South bank of the St. Johns River
Jacksonville, FL 32207
United States
+1 904 632 5578
http://www.goriverwalk.com/
This charming riverside dining and entertainment boardwalk is a popular riverfront meeting place for locals and visitors alike. You will find 1.2 miles of restaurants, bars, shops, museums, and a marina. Riverwalk is linked to area hotels, including the Radisson Riverwalk and the Hampton Inn Jacksonville Central, making it easy for visitors to take a relaxing stroll while enjoying scenic views of the downtown skyline. Convenient water taxis shuttle people to the opposite and Jacksonville Landing's additional dining and shopping.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Theatre Jacksonville


National Historic Site theater
2032 San Marco Boulevard
Jacksonville, FL 32207
United States
+1 904 396 4425
http://www.theatrejax.com/
Touted as the longest continuously running community theater in the United States, its funky, art-deco facade of cool purples and neon lights brightens the historic San Marco district. Since 1919 this theater has been engaging audiences with live plays and musicals. Today's current troupe, consisting primarily of volunteer talent, has recently performed such plays as "Once Upon a Mattress" and "Spinning into Butter".

Review © 2007, Wcities
Theatre Jacksonville photo by exithacan
Photo: exithacan
 

 
Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts


Newly renovated
300 W Water St
Jacksonville, FL 32202
United States
+1 904 633 6110
http://www.jacksonville.com/co...
Overlooking the St. Johns River in downtown Jacksonville, the Performing Arts Center reopened in 1997 following a major facelift. A beautiful structure, it is divided into a symphony hall and two theaters, surrounded by the natural beauty of the river, which can be seen through the sweeping glass walls of the main hall. The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra performs here, as well as other top musicians and performers. Call for details on upcoming events and shows.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Other Schmapplets in this city related to "Jacksonville - Art & Entertainment"
Jacksonville
Jacksonville - Historical Background
Jacksonville - Neighborhood Guide
Jacksonville - Where to Stay
Jacksonville - Dining & Drinking

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Chattanooga (631 miles)
Nashville (806 miles)
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