Welcome to September, folks, the funny Florida month when it still feels like summer even though our brains insist it's fall. I feel compelled to share the cautionary tale of fake fall: our first cold front rolls in, temperatures dip for a couple of days, the sweaters come out, and then, alas, second summer returns before actual fall arrives. That's still a month away, so enjoy the warm temperatures and the fact that we can still have beach days, boat days, night swims and summer barbecues while much of the rest of the country is already cold. And let's face it, if you wanted to be cold, you wouldn't live in Florida.
Atlantic Beach
Atlantic Beach Farmers Market: Sunday, Sept. 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Jack Russell Park (800 Seminole Road, 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.
Adele Grage Monthly Artist Reception: Thursday, Sept. 17, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Adele Grage Cultural Center at Bull Memorial Park (716 Ocean Blvd., Atlantic Beach). Held concurrently with the Art Walk, this monthly indoor reception lets visitors mingle with the featured artist while viewing displayed photography or mixed-media paintings. Photographer Mat Courtney will be featured this month. His collection focusing on Dutton Island is particularly striking.
North Beaches Art Walk: Thursday, Sept. 17, from 5 to 9 p.m., in the Beaches Town Center, where Atlantic Boulevard meets the ocean. This monthly third-Thursday tradition showcases more than 50 local visual artists, craftsmen and live performers filling the outdoor plazas. It's free to attend, highly walkable and pairs well with local shopping or dining.
Neptune Beach
Plant Bingo at BrewHound: Tuesday, Sept. 15, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at BrewHound Dog Park + Bar (1848 Kings Circle South, Neptune Beach). Bring your pup or just your green thumb for three rounds of evening bingo, where standard prizes are replaced with live potted plants, plus a consolation plant table for a fun twist.
Jacksonville Beach
The 2026 Florida Fin Fest takes over the Seawalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach this weekend, Friday, Sept. 11, and Saturday, Sept. 12. This free two-day ocean conservation, education and music festival combines beachside live entertainment with a focus on sustainability and marine life awareness.
Blue Jay Listening Room in South Jax Beach is hosting the Fin Fest after party at 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and they know how to do it right.
Sisters of the Sea Surf Classic: Grom Edition: Saturday, Sept. 12, from 8 a.m. to noon on the beach just south of the Jacksonville Beach Pier, this event is designed to empower young female surfers ages 6 to 13. Families can cheer on the participants and enjoy the morning beach atmosphere.
America 250! Constitution Celebration: Thursday, Sept. 17, from 3 to 4:15 p.m. at the oceanfront Seawalk Pavilion. This free, patriotic community event will feature live music from the Fletcher High School Band and Paxon High School singers.
