Jacksonville-area weekend events to check out Oct. 16-18, 2026

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – From the NAS Jax Air Show and Oktoberfest celebrations to live music, hockey and Halloween events, there are plenty of ways to spend the weekend around Jacksonville.

Friday, Oct. 16Beaches Oktoberfest — 5-10 p.m. at Seawalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach. The 11th annual event features live music, German food and beer. Tickets and details.Jacksonville Icemen Opening Night — 7 p.m. at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. The Icemen open their season against the South Carolina Stingrays. Tickets and details.Jumbo Shrimp Fall Festival — 6-9 p.m. at VyStar Ballpark. The festival includes trick-or-treating, a haunted clubhouse and Halloween movies on the videoboard. Admission is $1, with free parking in Lot P. Details.River City Smoke Fest — The festival runs all weekend at various Jacksonville locations. Details.

Spooktacular — At the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. Check with the zoo for event details.

Saturday, Oct. 17NAS Jax Air Show — Gates open at 9 a.m.; the show begins at 11 a.m. at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. The Blue Angels are scheduled to perform at 3 p.m. Admission and parking are free. The show continues Sunday. Details.Beaches Oktoberfest — Continues at Seawalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach. Tickets and details.The Smashing Pumpkins: The Rats in a Cage Tour — 8 p.m. at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. Tickets and details.Outlander in Concert — At the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets and details.Sunday, Oct. 18NAS Jax Air Show — Gates open at 9 a.m.; the show starts at 11 a.m., with the Blue Angels scheduled for 3 p.m. Admission and parking are free. Details.Florida Native Plant Day — 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. The event highlights native plants and their role in supporting local wildlife. Details.Jaguars watch party — A watch party for the Texans-Jaguars game is listed at The Block at 9:30 a.m. The game is scheduled to be played in London. Watch-party details.Skyline Jaguars watch party — 748 A Philip Randolph Blvd | Game day food and drink specials. Watch-party details. Hispanic Celebration — At the Ritz Theatre and Museum. Details.Florida Gators vs. Baylor men’s basketball — At VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. Tickets and details.

Event times, ticket prices and admission policies can change. Check with organizers or venues before heading out.

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