Jacksonville's arts and entertainment scene combines the best of world-class events with the local cultural community. This vibrancy can be found throughout the city. Boasting an eclectic array of nightlife and dining, Jacksonville's unique entertainment and cultural options create a real sense of character.

World-renowned actors take the stage regularly at the area's many theatre venues and often team up with the philharmonic orchestra for masterful performanecs. Opera, ballet and Broadway musicals complete an impressive lineup of performing arts happenings in Jacksonville.

Jacksonville offers an exciting mix of fine restaurants, cafes and eateries combined with the latest exhibit at a museum or corner gallery in one of the city's monthly art crawls.

Have fun and enjoy Jacksonville's unique entertainment scene!

MUSIC

Jacksonville has its own professional symphony, a variety of museums, ballet and opera companies, dozens of theatres prepared to amaze with old favorites or ground-breaking new drama, dance companies, vocal ensembles and orchestras producing events year-round.

Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra: Founded in 1949, this is one of Florida's most longstanding orchestras and one of the few with a dedicated rehearsal and concert hall. For more information and a calendar of events, visit their website by clicking here.

There are many music organizations in Jacksonville. To view the complete list, please click here for Downtown Vision, Inc.

DINING

The local scene sizzles with a variety of culinary options, including innovative contemporary seafood, classic southern favorites, global cuisine and many multi-cultural restaurants that can take your taste buds on a whirlwind tour.

With a great taste for food, Jacksonville is home to wineries, breweries and numerous great places to unwind and have a relaxing drink, whether it be with a view of the St. Johns River at the Jacksonville Landing or at many of the local restaurants unique to the city.

To access the list of downtown restaurants, please click here for Downtown Vision, Inc.

PERFORMING CENTERS

Theater in the area ranges from Broadway shows to thriving community ensembles. Performing since 1978, the Florida Ballet is one of Jacksonville's senior dance companies that stages several major productions each year, from classical to contemporary.

Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts: With its beautiful location along the St. Johns River, the Times-Union Center is a wonderful site to watch performances. Under the leadership of Fabio Mechetti, the symphony performs everything from classical masterpieces to pop music to bluegrass. More information can be found by clicking here to access their website.

The Ritz Theater & LaVilla Museum: Featuring an eye-catching mix of African and African-American cultural exhibits, the museum offers historical exhibits of LaVilla and the northeast while the Ritz Theatre provides a unique setting for many entertainment peformances. More information can be found by clicking here.

 

 

 

Florida Theatre: From ballet and opera to contemporary pop, rock, jazz, country and blues, the Florida Theatre offers over 200 cultural and entertainment events annually for every taste and age. More information can be found by clicking here.

 

Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena: This is a great addition to Jacksonville's entertainment industry and is one of the top arenas of its kind. Opened in 2004, the arena has a seating capacity of 15,000 and is designed to have top-of-the-line acoustics for concerts as well as serving as a multi-functional entertainment venue. More information can be found by clicking here.

Metropolitan Park: Just minutes from Interstate 95 and easily accessible from any part of Jacksonville, Metropolitan Park is home of the Jacksonville Jazz Festival and the Starry Night Series, as well as many other concert events. It is the downtown venue of choice for an evening outdoors. Guests enjoy the public docking space, playground, picnic areas, landscaped gardens and riverfront walk that this park offers. More information can be found by clicking here.

MUSEUMS, GALLERIES AND GARDENS

Art museums, galleries galore and beautiful gardens replete with sculputures are abundant throughout Jacksonville.

Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens: The largest in Northeast Florida, the Cummer Museum has a permanent collection of more than 4,000 objects and is noted for its Old Master and American paintings, as well as Meissen porcelain. More information on the Cummer Museum can be found by clicking here.

 

The Jacksonville Museum of Modern Art: Opened in May 2003 with a new building of 14,000 square feet of gallery space, the JMOMA is one of Jacksonville's most important cultural institutions and provides unique and wonderful exhibits throughout the year. More information on JMOMA can be found by clicking here.

 

The Museum of Science & History: This museum strives to increase the knowledge and understanding of the natural environment and history of Jacksonville as well as Northeast Florida. Focusing on awareness and appreciation of science and history through quality programs, MOSH offers exhibits and events that stimulate and inspire learning in all visitors. More information on MOSH can be found by clicking here.

Jacksonville Historical Center: This center hosts a permanent exhibit that features documents, pictures and artifacts from Jacksonville's history. Located at the base of the Main Street Bridge, the Historical Center also provides an unbeatable view of the St. John's River. More information on the Historical Center can be found by clicking here.

To access more information on art galleries, museums, and performing centers, click here to visit Downtown Vision, Inc.