I was on the beach last Friday afternoon after a long week, just enjoying a walk with my feet in the water and the sea breeze pushing clouds toward the west. Then I remembered why the shoreline looked so different: Duval County was chasing a world record for the biggest beach bike ride. The next evening, I ran with hundreds of neighbors in the 61st annual Summer Beach Run.
Both nights reminded me how lucky we are to live in this corner of northeast Florida. Every farmers market, art show, festival and Blue Jay show adds another layer to a cultural legacy that makes this such a special place to call home. Fall is coming, and with it: Fin Fest, art walks, holiday markets, pumpkin patches, festivals up at the Suwannee, running races, surf contests and more.
Join in, my friends. And remember: when I misbehaved as a kid, my dad would threaten to move us to Nebraska. It's probably a lovely place, but it likely doesn't have half of what we take for granted here on the beaches of Duval County.
Atlantic Beach
Patsy's Daydream Studio Show: 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, at The Back Bar at Be-In (20 Seminole Road, Atlantic Beach). The Jacksonville band's Patsy Cline tribute mixes '50s and '60s dream pop with classic country.
Mommy & Me: A Fascinator Workshop: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, at the Atlantic Beach Arts Market (1805 Mayport Road). Kids ages 6 and up craft custom floral hair fascinators alongside a parent; $50 covers two projects.
Smooch Your Pooch: Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, at Hearth & Soul (363 Atlantic Blvd., Suite 6). Bring the family dog for a photo op and a shot at the Instagram contest.
Acoustic Night: 6-8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, at Bull Memorial Park and Adele Grage Cultural Center (716 Ocean Blvd., Atlantic Beach).
Neptune Beach
Here Tomorrow's 2nd Annual ECHO Fair: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, at Jarboe Park (510 Florida Blvd., Neptune Beach).
● Resource fair with more than 30 local organizations and wellness programs
● Market with local vendor booths
● Yoga in the park at 11 a.m., plus wellness activities throughout the day
● Face painting, food trucks and playground games
● Spin the prize wheel after talking with 10 resources for a shot at locally donated gift cards
Come out and support Here Tomorrow. Showing up sends the message that no one is alone.
Flamingo Book Club: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, at Beaches Branch Library (600 3rd St., Neptune Beach). This month's pick is “The Names” by Florence Knapp.
Jacksonville Beach
Open Mic Night at Ink Factory: 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27 (sign-ups at 6:30 p.m.), 602 Shetter Ave. Singers, musicians, comedians and poets welcome; all ages.
Sunset Silent Disco: 7-10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21, on the Jacksonville Beach Pier ($10 adult rental).
Veteran Legacy will host the Inaugural Veteran Legacy Community Festival Saturday, Aug. 22, at the Jacksonville Beach Seawalk Pavilion, a full-day event bringing together veterans, active-duty military families, first responders, nonprofits, local businesses and the community.
Sunrise Yoga & Sound Bath: 7 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 22 (doors 6:45 a.m.), at the Jacksonville Beach Pier parking lot, 4th Avenue North entrance. $10.
Watch or race in the Hammerhead Ocean Marathon: 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, on the beach near the main lifeguard station.
Stop Light Observations plays Blue Jay Listening Room's ninth-anniversary show: 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22.
Plant Bingo: 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, at Kava & Company, Jacksonville Beach. Winners take home houseplants; everyone else still gets a consolation green buddy.
