Spring is in the air, which means that Jacksonville is getting very hot, very quickly. It is the perfect time to charge full speed ahead to the beach, outdoor activities, and social events with your friends. Whether you want to attend a local movie night under a starry sky in the park or hang in a large outdoor arena for a monster truck show, the options are plentiful.

3.3

VIP Players Party
If you are willing to spend a pretty penny and want to celebrate in style, then you may want to purchase tickets to the VIP Players Party at 3 Palms Grille. It kicks off with the KATE KUP Triples Tennis Tournament weekend and proceeds benefit Kate Amato Foundation and pediatric cancer research. With a raffle, food and beverages, live music, a golf challenge, and more, go have a good time while supporting a good cause. 6-10 p.m. $100+. 3 Palms Grille: 254 Alta Mar Dr., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL; kateamatofoundation.org/kate-kup // @tpcsawgrass

3.4

Movie Night at Ed Austin Regional Park
If you have already seen the movie, Encanto, you may still be interested in seeing it once more during dusk hours at the Ed Austin Regional Park. Bring your blanket and snuggle up with a loved one or friend, as you emerge into the story of the Madrigal family, who live hidden in the mountains of Colombia. The magic of their homebase blesses each child with a gift, except Mirabel, who soon becomes the family’s last hope. This will surely be a charming and fun way to spend your Friday night. 7 p.m. Free. Ed Austin Regional Park: 11751 McCormick Rd., Jacksonville, FL; facebook.com/events/471937444401347 // @edaustinskatepark

3.4-3.6

“Monster Truckz Extreme Tour”
This “Monster Truckz” Show will feature the biggest and baddest monster trucks out there, smashing smaller cars and pushing their trucks to the brink of destruction. According to their website, “The Nitro Motocross Team will amaze and astonish as they soar 80 feet above your head, doing things that shouldn’t be possible.” Whether you are an adrenaline junky or not, the show definitely sounds entertaining and unique. Certain tickets also get you access to a meet and greet with the drivers, before the show. 2 and 7 pm on various days. $35. Northeast Florida Fairgrounds: 543378 US Highway 1, Callahan, FL; tickets.monstertruckz.com // @monstertruckzshow

3.5

Barbie Truck Malibou Tour
Barbie™ is touring, and their team will be making a pitstop in Jacksonville. They will have limited edition 70’s-inspired Barbie™ merchandise, only available at the truck. If you happen to be at the St. Johns Town Center or are just a big Barbie™ fan, stop on by. 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Merchandise costs. St. Johns Town Center: 4663 River City Dr., Jacksonville, FL; barbietrucktour.square.site // @barbietrucktour

3.5-3.6

Strawberry Fest
Are you a strawberry lover? Or maybe just a fan of fairs? This weekend, the Strawberry Fest is a perfect opportunity to dive into strawberry planting, strawberry shortcake, a pie eating contest, train rides, pony rides, and more, all at the Clay County Fairgrounds. The weather should be warm and sunny, and admission is only $6. Grab the family and make your way over to the 6th Annual Strawberry Fest. 10 am – 5 p.m. $6. Clay County Fairgrounds: 2497 FL-16, Green Cove Springs, FL; claycountyfest.com // @clayfair

3.6

Celtic Woman: “Postcards from Ireland”
Grammy nominated global music sensation Celtic Woman will be performing at the Times Union Center this Sunday. With a brand new show, “Postcards from Ireland”, celebrate the rich musical and cultural heritage of Ireland through the group’s angelic voices, beautiful harmony, and musical passion. There will also be Irish dancers, bagpipers, and an array of traditional Irish instruments, including the bodhran, tin whistle, and uilleann pipes. 3 p.m. $55-$150. Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts: 300 Water St., Jacksonville, FL; celticwoman.com // @celticwomanofficial

3.8

Phad Thai Tuesday
For all the thai food lovers out there (myself included), Blue Orchid offers a delightful deal on Tuesdays, where you can purchase a phad thai entreé for only $9. Open for lunch and dinner, Blue Orchid also has a full bar and offers catering. New to the area, I would recommend checking this restaurant out to please your cravings. 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. $9. Blue Orchid: 13475 Atlantic Blvd. Ste #32, Jacksonville, FL; blueorchid.menu // @blueorchidjax