Happy New Year! 2021 has got to be better than the last one, right? There\u2019s plenty going on this month in Jacksonville. January is traditionally the month of home building expos, wedding expos and boat shows. Those events are taking place, of course with social distancing practices in place. Check out the list of events in Jacksonville for this January below.<\/p>\n
The American Dream<\/a> In response to a series of thought-provoking questions from artist Carl Joe Williams, senior year students from the Cinematic Arts department at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in Jacksonville recorded fellow students talking about their family stories, the American Dream, and their vision of the future. The diversity of answers reflects the many versions of the American experience that together form our common identity.<\/p>\n Downtown Dolphin & History Tour<\/a> Enjoy an educational and informative cruise on the St. Johns! This narrated tour will includes a brief history about Jacksonville, information about the St. Johns River and a close up look at DOLPHINS that abound in the downtown area.<\/p>\n Toytopia<\/a> Toytopia satisfies the curiosity of toy lovers with beautiful, compelling, fun, and informative displays, and offers an immersive experience in which to explore the history of toy making. This family-oriented exhibition invites children of all ages to engage in play with some of the world\u2019s most iconic toys.<\/p>\n Guests will learn about the evolution of toys throughout the 20th century, witness a giant K-NEX FERRIS WHEEL, and discover a variety of unique interactives, from working ARCADE GAMES from the 1970s and 80s to a life-size DOLLHOUSE. Photo opportunities abound with both the world\u2019s largest ETCH A SKETCH and a life-size MONOPOLY CAR token to snap a selfie in. Participatory experiences include a GIANT PIANO KEYBOARD you can play with your feet and oversized versions of CONNECT 4 and BATTLESHIP.<\/p>\n Guests will also discover why some toys succeeded and some failed, and which toys have become collector\u2019s items and why. They will learn about the origins of toys, who made them, and why they are so fun and so dear to us.<\/p>\n All of this and much more will be on display to delight guests both young and old!<\/p>\n Toytopia\u00ae was created by Stage Nine Design and is distributed by Exhibits Development Group.<\/em><\/p>\n Riverside Arts Market<\/a> At the Riverside Arts Market, enjoy the harvest of the agricultural arts by supporting Florida farmers. Pick up the freshest local produce of the week, with some of it coming from Jacksonville! To remain sustainable, farmer\u2019s depend on your weekly purchases, so come for the freshest and stay for the fun. Our community benefits from all of us staying \u201cloyal to local.\u201d<\/p>\n Breaking Ground: Beyond Bathing Beauties<\/a> In a continued celebration of the 100th<\/sup>\u00a0anniversary of the passage of the 19th<\/sup>\u00a0amendment, Beaches Museum is proud to present our new history exhibit:\u00a0Breaking Ground: Beyond Bathing Beauties.<\/em><\/p>\n The popular image of beach women as bathing beauties only hints at the diverse lives of women at the beaches. From the first settlers to women of today, this exhibit provides the opportunity to explore the many dynamic roles of women as proprietors, laundresses, civic leaders and more.<\/p>\n The beaches were a rare opportunity for women to have careers, shape society and break boundaries. Join us in celebrating the women that shaped our community.<\/p>\n Two companion events are planned with this exhibit. The first, on November 15, is a Cemetery Tour exploring the H. Warren Smith Cemetery with history detective Johnny Woodhouse as he discusses the well-known women interred in the cemetery. The second, which will take place on January 30, will be a Story Tellers event with the groundbreaking female mayors of the Beaches, past and present. The Mayors will discuss their service to the community and the stories behind their motivation to run for office. Learn what it takes to not only survive, but thrive as a female leader at the Beaches.<\/p>\n Chicken Dance<\/a> Get ready to bawk and roll!<\/p>\n Direct from the zany barnyard of chickens, ducks, pigs, goats, and cows,\u00a0Chicken Dance\u00a0tells the remarkable story of two plucky chickens, Marge and Lola, who desperately want to win the Barnyard Talent Contest. The first prize for winning the contest: two tickets to see singing sensation ELVIS POULTRY, LIVE IN CONCERT! There is only one problem: Marge and Lola are unable to figure out their act for the talent show.<\/p>\n Starring a wonderfully talented cast of professional actors, eye-catching sets, colorful costumes, and a rich musical score,\u00a0Chicken Dance\u00a0is a full-length, 53-minute video and bonus videos that are sure to delight viewers of all ages! Performed by ArtsPower. How to watch:\u00a0A viewing link will be emailed immediately following your purchase.\u00a0 The link can be shared within your group to view with ease in a classroom, home, or on a mobile device.<\/p>\n Living Legends & Lives of African Americans in Entertainment<\/a> Explore a curated collection of memorabilia, music, costumes, and photographs of the lives of African Americans in the entertainment industry from 1850-1970.<\/p>\n The Socially Distanced Food Truck Roundup<\/a> We’re bringing the best food trucks in town together in a safe, socially distanced way. Visit the mural lot on Saturdays between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to enjoy the amazing food trucks. We are capping the attendance of food trucks to allow for proper social distancing.<\/p>\n Premier Bride Expo<\/a> Researching local Jacksonville wedding vendors or seeking fun ideas and inspiration to bring your dream wedding to life? Well, look no further! At Premier Bride, we\u2019re dedicated to curating comprehensive lists and\u00a0exciting Jacksonville wedding expos<\/a>\u00a0to highlighting the very best local wedding vendors offering excellent services such as music, catering, venues, and decor. Here, or in-person at one of our fabulous expos, you\u2019ll find all the information, galleries, and tips needed to create the perfect St. Augustine or Jacksonville wedding.<\/p>\n We understand that sometimes, looking at wedding vendors online just isn\u2019t enough to truly get to know and establish trust with your potential wedding venues, which is why we host numerous events and\u00a0wedding expos<\/a>throughout the Jacksonville and St. Augustine areas. Our wedding expos are typically every January and June and the Jacksonville location is at the Prime Osborn Convention Center.<\/p>\n
\nWhen: January 14th<\/sup>, 2021
\nWhere: Museum of Contemporary Art
\n333 North Laura Street
\nJacksonville, FL<\/p>\n
\nWhen: January 15th<\/sup>, 2021
\nWhere: Friendship Fountain Park
\n1015 Museum Circle
\nJacksonville, FL<\/p>\n
\nWhen: Now through May 16th<\/sup>, 2021
\nWhere: Museum of Science & History
\n1025 Museum Circle
\nJacksonville, FL<\/p>\n
\nWhen: Now through December 25, 2021
\nWhere: 715 Riverside Avenue
\nJacksonville, FL<\/p>\n
\nWhen: Now through March 31st<\/sup>, 2021
\nWhere: Beaches Museum
\n381 Beach Boulevard
\nJacksonville, FL<\/p>\n
\nWhen: Now through May 28th<\/sup>, 2021
\nWhere: Virtual<\/p>\n
\nChicken Dance’s\u00a0virtual program includes:
\nA full-length performance of\u00a0Chicken Dance\u00a0on video and four short videos
\nGrade-specific Study Buddy educational guides that provide a full complement of literacy-building and visual arts activities for your students
\nFun song and dance instructional videos
\nInterviews with the author of the\u00a0Chicken Dance\u00a0book and the musical\u2019s set designer
\nA Student Gallery page where your students can post their artwork and videos<\/p>\n
\nWhen: January 14th<\/sup> and 15th<\/sup>, 2021
\nWhere: Ritz Theatre & Museum
\n829 North Davis Street
\nJacksonville, FL<\/p>\n
\nWhen: January 16th<\/sup> and 23rd<\/sup>, 2021
\nWhere: Mayport Food Park
\n1800 Mayport Road
\nAtlantic Beach, FL<\/p>\n
\nWhen: January 17th<\/sup>, 2021
\nWhere: Prime Osborn Convention Center
\n1000 Water Street
\nJacksonville, FL<\/p>\n