Looking for events in Jacksonville this May? There are plenty of great family friendly things to do this month in Jacksonville, get out an enjoy this fabulous city!

Events in Jacksonville this May
Orange Bowl Show Circuit
When: May 14, 2021
Where: Jacksonville Equestrian Center
13611 Normandy Boulevard
Jacksonville, FL

Open horse show from noon to 8pm.

Jacksonville Icemen VS South Carolina Stingrays
When: May 14th, 2021
Where: VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena
300 A Philip Randolph Blvd
Jacksonville, FL

The Jacksonville Icemen are a minor league ice hockey team in the ECHL in Jacksonville, Florida, that began play in the 2017–18 season.

Great American Tiny House Show
When: May 15th, 2021
Where: Prime Osborn Convention Center
1000 Water Street
Jacksonville, FL

Coming to the Great American Tiny House Show is an educational experience. The builders we provide are on your doorstep for questions, inquiries, conjectures and probabilities– until at length you feel prepared in your own Tiny Movement. That is where we aim to please. We want people to feel prepared and supported in their Tiny Dream or if they’ve already begun to live the tiny lifestyle, find a support network.

Attendees will be able to see the latest trends in tiny living. Learning from builders, project experts and lifestyle authors at the educational conferences or panel discussions. Explore options on real estate developments for alternative housing locations around the United States and enjoy great exhibits with accessories to compliment the “going small” experience.

Riverside Arts Market
When: May 15th, 2021
Where: Riverside Arts Market
715 Riverside Avenue
Jacksonville, FL

Produced by Riverside Avondale Preservation, Inc., the Riverside Arts Market is a weekly market hosted on Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., rain or shine. RAM features a variety of small businesses from farmers to artists to makers and bakers. Under the Fuller Warren Bridge, you’ll find a family-friendly event that attracts 4,000+ visitors every Saturday. The riverfront amphitheater seats 350 people and features hours of live music.

Play World Mini Comic Con
When: May 15th, 2021
Where: 1025 Museum Circle
Jacksonville, FL

Experience a history of toys through time with the traveling exhibit, Toytopia! Join Hall of Heroes and MOSH and step into a playful world of imagination for toy fanatics of all ages.
Festivities Include:
Collectibles
Vendors & Artists
Cosplayers
Panel Discussions
Costume Contest
And more!!

Emancipation Celebration Day
When: May 20th, 2021
Where: James Weldon Johnson Park
135 West Monroe Street
Jacksonville, FL

Councilwoman Ju’Coby Pittman, James Weldon Johnson Park and the City of Jacksonville are excited to announce the first annual Jacksonville Emancipation Celebration. The festival will take place on Thursday, May 20, 2021 in an effort to educate the community about the historical significance of Florida’s observed Emancipation Day.

“Emancipation was proclaimed in Florida on May 20, 1865 and the City of Jacksonville recognizes the significance that has made for our community,” said Mayor Lenny Curry. “We’re excited and humbled to support James Weldon Johnson Park as we celebrate this day together with a fun festival for the community.”

Jacksonville’s Emancipation Celebration will feature local African American food trucks and vendors, live performances from Jacksonville’s best musicians, dancers and poets, fun activities for the kids, a Community Art Project and a historical display. Local historical organizations will also lend their expertise to weave educational stories throughout the performances and activities. The festival will begin at 11 a.m. and close out at 8 p.m. at James Weldon Johnson Park.

“As a community, we are recognizing the past wrongs and injustices with a celebration of unity with a profound purpose. As we continue to celebrate as a community, we still have work to do together,” said Councilwoman Ju’Coby Pittman.
Emancipation was proclaimed in Tallahassee, Fla. on May 20, 1865, 11 days after the end of the Civil War, and two years after the Proclamation was first issued by President Abraham Lincoln to free those enslaved in Southern states. On May 10, Union General Edward M. McCook arrived in Tallahassee to receive the surrender of Florida’s Confederate troops. On May 20, McCook formally announced President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, effectively ending slavery in the state. While many people celebrate Juneteenth, Florida celebrates May 20 as its Emancipation Day.

North Beaches Art Walk
When: May 20th, 2021
Where: Atlantic Beach & Neptune Beach Town Centers
200 First Street
Neptune Beach, FL

North Beaches Art Walk is a free event held the third Thursday of each month from 5pm-9pm. Featuring many local visual artists and live performers, NBAW is held in Beaches Town Center-where Atlantic Blvd meets the Ocean. Adele Grage Cultural Center also participates with a different featured artist every month.

The overall mission of Art Walk is to expose the community to the vast number of local Artists right here at the Beaches. Talent from all over Jacksonville shows at the North Beaches Art Walk. With over 55 participating artists, NBAW is a diverse art destination and shopping experience for the entire family. Local venues in Beaches Town Center set the backdrop for this great monthly destination and community gathering.

The North Beaches Art Walk is a monthly event orchestrated by the North Beaches Art Walk Association, a non profit organization 501 (c)(3) based in Atlantic Beach, FL. Since its beginning in October of 2007, the North Beaches Art Walk has continued to receive positive support from the community, and has an ever-growing list of participating merchants and artists.

Art in the Garden Festival
Jacksonville Zoo
When: May 22nd, 2021
Where: 370 Zoo Parkway
Jacksonville, FL

Celebrate creativity in all its forms during the Art in the Garden Festival at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. This vibrant, 2-day event is your chance to experience intriguing art, curated music, demonstration classes, and extraordinary living pictures all within our lush gardens.
Stroll through the park enjoying and appreciating interactive art from live sketches and painting, to muralists and chalk drawings. Demonstrations with a focus on sustainability and conservation will be led by our horticulture team and other art and garden experts.
Listen to live music in the open air and shop over 30 vendors. Support local businesses and vendors by bringing home your own art and goods.  A unique selection of tasty food and refreshing drinks will also be available for purchase.
Admission is included with daily Zoo tickets. Tickets are limited and must be purchased online, in advance.