So, it’s Wednesday, April 6. It may seem like any other Wednesday in #DTJax, but this Wednesday is different. It’s the First Wednesday Spark Walk. There has been some confusion over what One Spark is this year but during this transition year, the model has been scaled down to a day event. The first day will be First Wednesday Spark Walk with more of a street festival and artistic feel, while the second day, April 7, will be Creator Innovation Day at The Hyatt which is a all day conference for innovators and entrepreneurs.
We’ve put together what the day of Spark Walk will look like, what to do and where to go on Wednesday.
MORNING
Grab your coffee and breakfast at The Brick or Urban Grind, it’s going to be a long, eventful day! Due to the large number of creators, Laura Street will be closed from Duval Street to Independent Drive from 5 a.m. – midnight. Intersections will still be open, but plan accordingly if you are commuting into Downtown.
If you’re coming in early, you can park at the Prime Osborn Convention Center parking lot and ride the Skyway, which will be running from 6 a.m. till 2 a.m. Spark Walk night, courtesy of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority.
While you’re at work, fill in your coworkers and get the office to take the afternoon off to join in the festivities!
AFTERNOON
It’s showtime! Spark Walk officially opens at noon. Take this time to grab some lunch at any of the restaurants Downtown or at the Regions Bank food truck village which is open from 11am – 2pm for lunch and 5 – 10 p.m. for dinner. The food trucks available for lunch include: Mother Truckin Pizza, Say Cheese, Delish Kabobs and 1st Coast Snowie. Dinner food trucks include: Fusion Food Truck, Pita Boss, Rocco’s Pizzeria, Funkadelic Food Truck and more. Plus, enjoy all of your favorite Hyppo popsicles all day long.
Lines too long? Take advantage of the 25+ delicious restaurants Downtown! Check out our online directory for a full list of dining options.
Look for one of the friendly volunteers wearing a One Spark shirt and grab yourself a guide – you’ll be glad you have a map.
The Creator showcase will be set up on Laura Street between Adams Street and the Front Porch at The Landing. The showcase will include more than 60 Creators with innovative ideas and inventions like Beauty for Freedom and Double Doggie. Walk around, ask questions and donate to these entrepreneurs who will set up until 10 p.m.! There is no app to download this year but many of the Creators will have their own crowdfunding.
Since you’re already in the Creator mindset, head to the Front Porch next. Outside you will find a beer garden, oversized games and local artisans and vendors. Step inside The Landing for the Idea Market with more innovators and even a robot showcase by Renaissance Jax!
The Front Porch jam session schedule is as follows:
Noon – 3 p.m. DJ Kevin Tos
3 – 4 p.m. Ryan Crary
4 – 5 p.m. DiCarlo
5 – 6 p.m. Ryan Crary
6 – 7 p.m. DiCarlo
7 – 10 p.m. In Season Tro
Don’t forget to check out the 57 participating venues around #DTJax. Stop into The W Studio 121 on Bay Street for empowerment workshops till 4 p.m. or check out Monroe Galleries Parisian Market on Monroe St.
By this point in the day, you’ve heard and seen a lot of creative inventions and ideas. How about some live music and art in the park? Head on up to Hemming Park where there will be live music from 3 till 10 p.m., along with our artists and vendors.
Enjoy sounds from many of our local favorites with this line up on the Hemming Park main stage:
3 – 5:45 p.m. RadioLove
6 – 6:30 p.m. Pine Forest Dance Ensemble
6:45 – 8:10 p.m.: Gov Club
8:30 – 10 p.m.: The Chris Thomas Band
NIGHT
The fun doesn’t just end at 10 p.m.! Head over to Downtown’s Entertainment District, The Elbow, for late night leisure. Here you will find live mural painting, live music on the streets, drink specials and after dark fare at Spark Walk After Dark. From Arcade Night at Mark’s Downtown to the InstaRamp in the Burrito Gallery parking lot, there is something for everyone!
ONE SPARK DAY 2
If you can’t get enough on April 6, the following day is Creator Innovation Day at the Hyatt Regency. The conference will showcase a full slate of programming focused on providing creators, entrepreneurs and business professionals with information, tools and local resources to move ideas from concept to company. If you’re interested, register here for the $20 early bird special ticket price! Following the conference, the Jacksonville Suns have their opening home game which is a great way to wrap up celebrating Downtown.
For full information on Spark Walk, visit iloveartwalk.com. To learn more about Creator Innovation Day, visit creatorinnovationday.com We hope to see everyone in #DTJax all day and all night on April 6 & 7!