Art Walk happens 12 times a year – well, 11 in 2014 because of New Year’s Day but, regardless, you should never miss one. Especially this one. Really. It’s summertime and Downtown is ready to give you a taste of it in the urban core. There’s more than 50 venues on average that participate in the monthly event, which makes it tough to see everything in four hours. If you need some guidance on what to do this month while you’re walkin’ the walk, here are a few places to start:
1. Ever wonder who Big John is? Here’s your chance to meet him – well, his best brew, at least.
via jaxbrewbitch.com
Bold City Brewery releases its summer seasonal beer at Art Walk. Don’t miss the party.
2. Who doesn’t love an eight-piece band with pretty men?
via feminspire.com
Don’t miss The Band Be Easy rockin’ Hemming Plaza.
3. Tattoos may not be everyone’s thing, but they look real good on some folks.
via mirror.co.uk
Some of Jacksonville’s finest body art will be showcased during the BodyArt Walk tattoo show at 7 p.m. at Chamblin’s Uptown Café.
4. Jacksonville’s most interesting man is hosting BodyArt Walk, too.
via Jennifer O’Donnell
For the past two years, Dr. Wayne Wood has sported a sleeve.
5. It’s two days before America’s birthday!
via wikipedia.org
Birthdays really should be birth-weeks!
6. You can’t have a beach party with out skateboards.
via instagram.com/dtjax
Westside Story-like gangs between surfers and skaters didn’t exist where I grew up. Kona School is bringing out some ramps, so bring your board Downtown.
7. I don’t know about you, but I’ve always wanted to befriend a killer whale and re-enact this scene.
via allfunnystuff.com
Note: No real orca whales will be harmed in the production of Art Walk. Only drinking Bold City Brewery’s Killer Whale will take place.
Note 2: I hate the catch-phrase YOLO, but for the sake of the blog post….
8. There’s a lot of talk about beer, but remember, Art Walk is Kid President approved.
Well, not officially, but he wants us to make the world a better place, and we’re starting with Art Walk.
9. The truth is, there’s a lot for kids this month.
via facebook.com/rouxarts
Spark Grant recipient and One Spark Creator Roux Arts is bringing a mobile community mosaic piece for everyone to help create!
10. And a sand pit.
Via royalweek.com
Let’s see how many kids we can fit in the pit. Sandcastle contest, anyone?
11. MOCA’s Project Atrium makes a great background for pictures.
via me
What a good-looking crowd. This is the last Art Walk to catch Project Atrium: Shaun Thurston.
12. One Spark is back!
Via @theurbancore
Well, on a big screen. Watch the premiere of the short film about the 2014 festival in MOCA’s theater at 8 and 8:30 p.m.
13. Did I already mention there’s really awesome band playing in Hemming Plaza?
via chelsea-girl.com
Might I add, they are eight talented guys who normally play beach-side.
14. And the Bold City Brewery crew will be here.
Via Bold City
Aren’t they a great looking family?
15. But honestly, do you really need another reason to be Downtown?
via Rob Futrell Photography
Grab your friends – especially the ones who think Downtown is scary (because we know those guys exist) – and show them what Downtown is really like.
And guys, whatever you do this Art Walk, don’t drink and drive. First-time Uber users, use promo code “ArtWalkJuly” to receive up to $20 off your first ride.