Usually, people look forward to the Spring season to escape the cold winter blues; however, temperature changing doesn’t mean much to a Floridian, but flowers blossoming, the urgent necessity to stock up on sinus medicine, and the calming but also annoying rainy days are all signs that spring has sprung. If you weren’t already outside, the time is now to get back out there to feel the breeze and smell fresh air. Break away from your spring clean rituals and experience some of the exciting events blooming around town.

3.31

Arts & Crafts: A Folksy Dinner Party
The Cummer Museum is hosting a charming celebration of culinary crafts and folk art inspired by the “American Perspectives: Stories from the American Folk Art Museum Collection.” Come out and partake in an array of artful activities, sip locally crafted cocktails provided by Manifest Distillery, enjoy brews from local breweries like Reve Brewery, indulge in a wine tasting courtesy of Burlock & Barrel, and dance to tunes from the Mississippi Blues Band. $175+. 6-9 p.m. Cummer Museum of Arts & Gardens: 829 Riverside Avenue, Jacksonville, FL; cummermuseum.org // @cummermuseum

3.31 – 4.10

Clay County Agricultural Fair
The ultimate one-stop-fun-shop is the Clay County Fair. Come and enjoy a lively 40-acre atmosphere filled with the aroma of deep-fried sweet treats, colorful vivid neon lights bouncing around and the natural sound of squeals and laughter flowing through the air.  The fair offers fun for all ages with livestock shows featuring pigs, horses, rabbits, and goats, live concerts, of course, plenty of amusement rides and fair food to go around. Parking is free. $10+. Various hours. 2493 State Road 16 W, Green Cove Springs, FL; claycountyfair.org // @clayfair

4.7

River City Jams Concert Series
The scenic concert off the river returns this Spring. River City Jams is a four-week, FREE, concert series throughout April with a five-act line-up featuring national headliners such as Boys II Men and local artists. You are encouraged to bring your own chairs and blankets, but if you desire a more premium experience, you can purchase a preferred seating ticket for padding seating close to the stage, an exclusive bar, and private restrooms. Food trucks and local vendors will also be onsite. Free. Various dates. 5:30 p.m. Riverfront Plaza: 2 W. Independent Dr. Jacksonville, FL; downtownjacksonville.org // @dtjax

4.10

904 Pop Up
With over 200 local creatives, artists, small business owners, scenic beach views, and food truck village, all the 904 Pop-Up is missing is you. As Jacksonville’s largest curated pop-up event, 904 Pop-Up is “focused on creating synergy in our creative culture and putting shine on Duval County.” This is a community event that highlights comradery over competition. Come show your support for local vendors while soaking up the sunshine and good vibes to match. Free. 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Seawalk Pavilion: 75 1st St N. Jacksonville Beach, FL; @904popup

4.23

Woofstock Festival
Kaninie Social, Jacksonville’s only indoor dog park and bar, is hosting the inaugural Woofstock dog-friendly music festival. They will have 14 different artists performing such as The Nth Power and Outer Edge, popular food trucks and local vendors. The general admission for this “one day of peace, music, and dogs” event is free, but you can purchase a VIP ticket to elevate your experience with better views, private bathrooms, and endless food and beverage options. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Jacksonville Humane Society, so grab your cup and bring your pup. Free. 11 a.m. 580 College Street, Jacksonville, FL; kaninesocial.com/woofstock // @kaninesocial

4.22-24

Sandlot Jax Fitness Festival
Put your fitness abilities to the ultimate test at another inaugural event coming to the River City. The Sandlot Jax Fitness Festival is a three-day long fitness competition off the river that includes the SavageRace, a 17-obstacle course over ¼ mile course, races, workshops, speed courses, a kids’ course, and GoRuck events with scavenger hunts and training sessions. Each event is intended to test speed, strength, and agility through rigorous and challenging courses. The event extends over two football fields full of fitness and fun, and the festival kicks-off Thursday night with a concert party. If you’re fearful your muscles aren’t ready to participate in the festivities, you can spectate from the sidelines and cheer everyone on. $20+. 1-8 p.m. Metropolitan Park: 4110 Gator Bowl Drive, Jacksonville, FL; sandlotjax.com // @sandlotjax

Visit the Zoo
On top of the day-to-day activities visiting the zoo brings, this spring the Jacksonville Zoo introduced a new exploration adventure called the Nature Agent Adventure. Suitable for children four and up, this interactive exploration activity will take your family on a wildlife scavenger hunt through the combination of nature and technology. Using the TraKid Nature Agent Compass, you will explore the zoo by completing challenges and answering trivia. It’s a fun twist to the typical learning and discovery styles experienced at the zoo. Compass rentals are not included in the general admission price. $12. Various times. 370 Zoo Parkway, Jacksonville, FL; jacksonvillezoo.org // @jacksonvillezoo