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City of Jacksonville’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department invites the community to participate in programming in and around Downtown – and beyond

August 21, 2024

The City of Jacksonville’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department is excited to share that there is no shortage of FREE happenings in and around downtown Jacksonville. There are fitness programs, live jazz and DJ nights, silent discos, photo walks, art in the park, Latin dance classes, movie nights, and more. There is literally something for everyone!

While the classes are free to attend, those interested in attending should visit the registration portal to check availability at jaxparks.coj.net.

Friendship Fountain Programs – 1015 Museum Circle Dr., 32207
  • 1st Thursday Yoga, 7-8pm: get fit with our partner Hot Spot Power Yoga. BYO Mat/Towel, water & good vibes.
  • 1st Friday, 6-9:30pm: enjoy the sights of the Fountain and Downtown Jax, while appreciating music from a DJ, cash bar, food trucks, vendors, and lawn games!
  • 2nd Saturday Jazz, 7-9:30pm: don’t miss special performances featuring live music, lights and a stunning water spectacle. Bring a chair, enjoy a drink from the fountain bar and don’t miss this special, free event.
  • 3rd Thursday Silent Disco 7-10pm: this event was in place of Sip N Stroll for a few months, with the last one scheduled in August. Once Sip N Stroll returns, the silent disco will move back to the DoubleTree Pool Deck. Stay tuned for updates on this program.
FREE Fitness Programs along the Downtown Riverwalk +
We've partnered up with Yoga 4 Change Jacksonville and First Coast YMCA to run Yoga, Zumba, Total Body Conditioning, Body Combat, and Run/Walk Club classes each week! These classes require no pre-registration, so just show up, sign in, and let’s break a sweat together!
  • YOGA - Tuesdays, 6-7pm at the Artist Walk Amphitheater – 715 Riverside Ave., 32204
  • ZUMBA - Tuesdays, 6-7pm at Sidney J. Gefen Park – 505 Alfred Dupont Pl., 32202
  • TOTAL BODY CONDITIONING - Thursdays, 6-7pm at the Artist Walk Amphitheater – 715 Riverside Ave., 32204
  • BODYCOMBAT - Starting September 7th: Saturdays, 9-10am at Sidney J. Gefen Park – 505 Alfred Dupont Pl., 32202
  • RUN CLUB (Intermediate and Advanced Runners) – Multiple days, multiple times at the Northbank Riverwalk – 201 East Coastline Drive., 32202 for a run by Winston YMCA
  • RUN CLUB (Beginners and Walkers) – Multiple days, multiple times at the Northbank Riverwalk – 201 East Coastline Drive., 32202 for a run/walk by Winston YMCA
  • + FREE Yoga, at Tillie K. Fowler Regional Park 7000 Roosevelt Blvd, Thursday events at 6pm – 7pm. Military and veterans are encouraged to attend, but everyone is welcome.
Latin Dance Class at Northbank Riverwalk Artist Square – 729 Riverside Ave., 32204
Wednesdays 6-7pm starting September 18th: dive into the wonderful world of social Latin dancing with an amazing group class. Whether you’ve never done a dance move in your life, or if you already dance the night away, come join us for a fun and energetic journey through the different Latin dance styles.
 
Registration is required to secure your spot at jaxparks.coj.net.
 
Other Downtown Programming:
 
Photo Walk – Location Varies
Last Saturday of each month 10-12pm: we've partnered with Jacksonville Photographers Hub to provide a monthly Photo Walk in DT Jax! Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting out, this is a fantastic opportunity to explore the scenic spots of Downtown Jacksonville, capture stunning photos, learn new photography tips & tricks, and connect with fellow local photographers.

These walks will start at and feature various locations in Downtown Jax. The first Photo Walk in July was at Friendship Fountain and the next one, in August, will be offered at Jessie Ball Dupont Park (Treaty Oak).

Bring your camera, your creativity, and a smile. Let’s capture the beauty of Jacksonville together!
 
Space is limited, so be sure to secure your spot by signing up through our reservation website. Registration is required to secure your spot at jaxparks.coj.net.
 
Art in the Park – Location Varies
Join us for a FREE art class along the beautiful Riverwalk in Downtown JAX! We've partnered with Jacksonville Artists Guild to help run and lead four art classes per month, designed to teach and expose people of all ages to various types and techniques of art. Each month, we offer 4 individual sessions of art classes for 4 different age groups, Youth, Teens, Adults, and Seniors! Classes will run on Saturdays from 10-11am. This program will be offered in various locations in a downtown riverfront park, and feature a different style/medium of art. All art materials will be provided. More details and registration info below;

The art style for August is: Watercolor
The location for August is: Gefen Park

The art style for September is: Watercolor
The location for September is: Friendship Fountain


1st Saturdays - 6-12 year olds (10 slots available, parents/guardians are required to be present during the class, and are encouraged to participate with their child)

2nd Saturdays - 13-17 year olds (15 slots available, parents/guardians are required to be present or in the area during the class if participant is under 16)

3rd Saturdays - 18+ (20 slots available)

4th Saturdays - 55+ (20 slots available)

Registration is required to secure your spot at jaxparks.coj.net.
 
Movie Nights at the Artist Walk Amphitheater - 715 Riverside Ave., 32204
All movie nights will be free, including the movie and popcorn. A food truck may be on-site for purchase. The movie will start at sunset. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and invite family and friends to join you.
  • DreamsWorks’ Kung Fu Panda was rescheduled for Friday, September 20th. An egg roll truck will be on site.
  • Disney Pixar’s Inside Out 2 will be featured on October 18th. An ice cream truck will be on site.
  • Universal Pictures’ Despicable Me 4 will be featured on November 15th. An ice cream truck will be on site.
  • New Line Cinema’s Elf will be featured on December 20th. An ice cream truck will be on site.
Also, follow JaxParks on our social media platforms: Facebook and Instagram @jaxparkscoj or X @jaxparks; or on our website at jaxparks.com. We are always sharing!


 
About City of Jacksonville Parks, Recreation and Community Services: The Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS) serves diverse populations of all ages and abilities through recreation activities and programs, conservation and marine resources, sports and entertainment, senior services, social services, disabled services, and extension services serving close to one million residents in Duval County. PRCS offers over 400 parks and recreational spaces. For more information about The Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services, visit https://www.jacksonville.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation.