I was giving a surf lesson to somebody from Michigan this week who was in town on business, and she was asking me what there is to do this weekend. Folks, I will tell you that it was a lot of fun sharing with her the wide variety of activities that are on the menu here at the Beaches. I told her about the farmers markets, live music venues, dog park, museums, delicious food, and on and on and on. It made me quite proud to call this place home and very thankful that I have the opportunity to peruse the many offerings out there to enjoy and pluck a few of them to share here. Here's what is catching my eye for the upcoming week:
Atlantic Beach
Atlantic Beach Farmers Market: Sunday, Sept. 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Jack Russell Park (800 Seminole Rd, Atlantic Beach). Now fully managed by the Dig Local Network, this family-friendly market offers fresh microgreens, raw honey, local artisanal cheeses, flowers and ready-to-eat selections from mobile food trucks under the live oaks.
Dot Mandala Art Workshop: Sunday, Sept. 6, at 2 p.m. at the Atlantic Beach Arts Market (1805 Mayport Rd, Atlantic Beach). A focused painting class mapping out intricate, geometric dot patterns on canvas panels.
Sunrise Yoga at Hanna Park: Sunday, Sept. 6, at 7 a.m. at the oceanfront Loggerhead Pavilion at Hanna Park (500 Wonderwood Dr, Atlantic Beach area). Hosted by Hot Spot Power Yoga, this all-levels, outdoor flow lets you watch the sunrise right over the waves. The class is free (park admission is $5 per vehicle; park in Lot 4).
Neptune Run Crew Saturday Long Run: Saturday, Sept. 5, at 7 a.m., meeting outside Hotel Palms (109 7th Ave N, Atlantic Beach). A seasonal base-building distance run covering more than 8 miles. The crew features multiple pace groups to accommodate different training targets, with coffee and socializing immediately following the session.
Neptune Beach
The Band Be Easy: Thursday, Sept. 10, at 7 p.m. at The Local (301 Atlantic Blvd, Neptune Beach, right on the Atlantic Beach border). A high-energy, soulful performance featuring multi-genre cover hits spanning several decades.
Jacksonville Beach
Beaches Green Market: Saturday, Sept. 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Penman Park (321 Penman Rd, Jacksonville Beach). Operated by the Dig Local Network, this weekly event features local, organic produce, all-natural meats, free-range eggs, fresh pastries and cold-brew coffee. Arrive early for a free community yoga session from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. under the park trees.
Sunset Silent Disco on the Pier: Friday, Sept. 4, at 7 p.m. at Jacksonville Beach Pier (503 1st St N). Switch between three channels of synchronized pop hits and retro classics while dancing directly over the ocean ($10 for adults, $5 for kids).
River City Comedy Show: Saturday, Sept. 5, at 7:30 p.m. at Ink Factory Brewing (602 Shetter Ave, Jacksonville Beach). A weekly premier stand-up comedy showcase highlighting regional touring comics in a craft brewery setting.
Train Day Movie Night: Thursday, Sept. 10, at 6:30 p.m. at the Beaches Museum (381 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach). A dedicated youth-and-family screening of Walt Disney's "The Great Locomotive Chase." The evening serves as the community kickoff for the regional "Riding the Rails" historic train celebrations (free a
