By Savanne Giroire, Marketing and Events Assistant
The Autumn equinox has come and Downtown Jacksonville has received the memo. For all the family-friendly fall favorites, read on for the full spoop!
Jack O’ Landing Movie Night
October 21st is the third annual Jack O’ Landing Movie Night Ā Presented by Live Oak Contracting! There will be two showings of spooky film favorites: Casper (rated PG) at 6 p.m., and Beetlejuice (rated PG) at 8 p.m. on the big screen at Riverfront Plaza! Enjoy dinner in the city or from on-site food trucks and bars. For the kiddos, there will be a free petting zoo, pony rides and free face painter on site! Movie-goers are encouraged to wear their spookiest costumes and well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome to attend! š»
Halloweek
During the week of October 21-31, join us in Downtown for the third annual Halloweek QR Code Scavenger Hunt! Scan QR Codes, shop local and snap photos for a chance to win fun prizes. The first 100 players to complete 10 QR Code challenges will receive a $20 DTJax e- Gift Card during the week of November 1, 2022 to 30+ of Downtown’s favorite local businesses.
How to Play:
- Download the app Eventzee to your smartphone, available in Apple and Google Play stores for free
- Create a profile.
- Enter the join code, live on our website the week of the event.
River City Haunts Tour with Gary Sass
The River City Haunts Tour by Gary Sass exposes the spooky side of Jacksonville, telling the history of epidemics, horrors, and injustices that have taken place within our city. Led by the ghost of Ossian Hart, you will be led by lantern through the dark streets and alleyways of Downtown! Post-tour, join your guide for a stroll through the Old City Cemetery, the first public burial ground of the city!
Pumpkins and Pints Presented by The Bread & Board
On October 28th from 5-8 p.m., head over to the Vystar Breezeway by The Bread and Board and kick off the Halloween weekend with their 6th Annual Pumpkins & Pints family event! There’ll be beer specials, pumpkin carving, costume contest, games, live music and more! No tickets needed, just bring your own pumpkin to carve or paint and have a good time.
Sweet Pete’s Spooky DecorĀ
Sweet Pete’s is the ultimate destination for the whole family to explore a candy wonderland. It’s where deliciousness collides with creativity, and they just put up their spookiest decor yet! This is a great first stop to jump right into the fall spirit. Pop into Fizzies & Fare on the first floor for drinks, food and crazy milkshakes!
Sweet Pete’s Smashing Pumpkins Kids Workshop and Adults’ Candy & Cocktails
For a sweet and fun holiday workshop for the kiddos, consider signing up for Sweet Pete’s Smashing Pumpkins class! Your lil boo will learn to temper and mold a chocolate pumpkin and get to fill it with their favorite treats. For adults, there are a bunch of fall events planned, like the Sugar Skulls & Tequila class!
DIY Fall Centerpiece Workshop at Ruby Beach
Sign up for the DIY Centerpiece Workshop at Ruby Beach on November 20th from 5-7 p.m. for the perfect Friendsgiving activity and for your Thanksgiving table! Tickets are sure to sell out so secure your spot soon. Ticket comes with all the supplies you’ll need plus a beverage from Ruby Beach Brewing!
Beyond Van Gogh JacksonvilleĀ
Though Van Gogh didn’t specialize in spooky season, his favorite season was Autumn!
You will be transported to another world at Beyond Van Gogh. This immersive exhibition will be in Downtown Jacksonville until November 27th, with child discounts available! Get ready for a beautiful experience with the whole family at this pop up exhibit.
The Ghoulish Gala at The MOSH
The MOSH Jacksonville invites you to The Ghoulish Gala on October 28th. MOSH After Dark presents a night filled with fun and fright. Come show off your costume, be scary, and explore the Museum after dark if you dare!
October’s MOCA Kids Art Lab: Amazing Arachnids
For October’s Kid Art Lab at the Museum of Contemporary Art, kids ages 6-10 are able to join MOCA Educators for engaging art activities, with this month’s inspired by creepy crawlers- the Amazing Arachnids! Each session includes a tour of the galleries and an interactive project that attendees can bring home! This event takes place the second Saturday of each month at noon.
Arf Barket: Monster Mash at RAM
October 29: Arf Barket is back! This Riverside Arts Market event focuses on our furry friends and will have lots of activities for everyone to enjoy. Dress up in costume, enjoy trick or treating amongst vendors, and so much more. Stay tuned for more details!
Cirque de la Symphonie: Spooktacular!
Cirque de la SymphonieĀ returns to Jacoby Symphony Hall with a spooky twist: rope aerialists, acrobats, and jugglers transform into goblins on stage for this performance. Watch as witches and skeletons soar through the air, while the orchestra performs some of Halloween’s most haunted classics, like Phantom of the Opera, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Jaws, BeetlejuiceĀ and more. Get your tickets now!
Maggie Rose with guests Annie Dukes and Kam Nix
On October 20th at Intuition Ale Works, in partnership with Flying Saucer Presents, multi-genre powerhouse Maggie Rose is coming to the Bier Hall! Local favorite band Annie Dukes and Kam Nix will be starting the show- get your tickets now!
We wish you a happy start to Fall, and all the spooktastic times! Don’t forget to tag us at #DTJax for a chance to be featured on our social media.