HOMETOWN HAPPENINGS
AUGUST 2025
TASTE OF NACE 2025
August 6th
ART GALA – RESILIENCE IN COLOR
August 8th
SMOKEY BEAR’S 81ST BIRTHDAY PARTY
August 9th
CANDLELIGHT: COLDPLAY & IMAGINE DRAGONS
August 9th
SIT & SKETCH WITH MARTHA FERGUSON
August 21st
FLORIDA SKIMBOARDING PRO/AM TOURNAMENT
August 22nd-24th
HOMETOWN HAPPENINGS
TASTE OF NACE 2025
Join us for Taste of NACE 2025 on August 6th from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM, presented by the Northeast Florida NACE Chapter. The event will take place at 12760 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville. This year’s theme, “Taste of the Future,” offers an immersive evening that celebrates innovation in both the events industry and our vibrant community. Experience an unforgettable tasting journey featuring creative bites and sips from Jacksonville’s most forward-thinking caterers, restaurants, and beverage vendors. Guests will enjoy live entertainment from a dynamic DJ, eye-catching décor, and interactive elements that bring the future of events to life. With over a dozen local vendorsand unparalleled networking opportunities, this is a can’t-miss celebration of what’s next. Don’t wait, purchase your tickets today and be part of the future!
HOMETOWN HAPPENINGS
ART GALA – RESILIENCE IN COLOR
Join us for the inaugural Quigley House Art Gala: Resilience in Color on August 8th from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the beautiful Azaleana Manor, located at 12 Kingsley Avenue in Orange Park. This inspiring evening will celebrate the healing power of art and creativity, featuring artwork from talented local artists, a live art installation, and live music. Guests can also enjoy a unique mobile VW photo booth bus and indulge in a delicious spread of heavy hors d’oeuvres provided by Santioni’s Italian Restaurant, along with a variety of beverages. The event includes exciting opportunities to participate in a raffle and silent auction. All proceeds will support Quigley House and its mission to educate, equip, and empower survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Tickets are available for purchase now.
HOMETOWN HAPPENINGS
SMOKEY BEAR’S 81ST BIRTHDAY PARTY
Join us on August 9th from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park in Keystone Heights, FL, to celebrate Smokey Bear’s 81st birthday! This family-friendly, outdoor event will feature a variety of fun and educational activities focused on fire safety and prescribed fire. Highlights include a live prescribed burn demonstration at 11:00 AM (weatherpermitting), a touch-a-fire-truck exhibit, and a special Smokey Bear Storytime and meet-and-greet at 12:00 PM. The event takes place in the park’s Picnic Area and is free to attend—just pay the standard park entry fee of $5 per vehicle.
HOMETOWN HAPPENINGS
CANDLELIGHT: COLDPLAY & IMAGINE DRAGONS
Experience an unforgettable evening on August 9th, at the Jacksonville Public Library’s Ann & David Hicks Auditorium with Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons. Performed by the talented Listeso String Quartet, this unique concert blends the iconic music of both bands with the enchanting ambiance of flickering candlelight, offering a live, multi-sensory performance in one of Jacksonville’s most captivating venues. The event lasts 60 minutes, with doors opening 45 minutes prior—note that late entry is not permitted. Open to guests aged 8 and up, the venue is fully ADA compliant and located at 303 N Main St, Jacksonville. Tickets are available now, with date and time selection made during purchase.
HOMETOWN HAPPENINGS
SIT & SKETCH WITH MARTHA FERGUSON
Join artist Martha Ferguson for Sit & Sketch at the Lightner Museum on August 21st, from 6:00–9:00 p.m. Enjoy a demo and artist talk, then sketch freely in the Ballroom Gallery. Bring your own dry materials; seating is provided. $10 per person, free for members. Space is limited—pre-registration required. Light refreshments included; only closed water containers allowed in galleries. Whether you’re experienced or new to drawing, this event offers a chance to unwind and create in a beautiful setting. Let the museum’s architecture and exhibits spark your creativity.
lmoh.ticketapp.org
HOMETOWN HAPPENINGS
FLORIDA SKIMBOARDING PRO/AM TOURNAMENT
Join us August 22nd through August 24th for the 2025 Florida Skimboarding Pro/Am Tournament at Vilano Beach Ramp, 2725 Anahma Dr., St. Augustine. Athletes from over 75 beaches across Florida, the U.S., and the world will compete in this one-ofa-kind event. Start times are posted on the website and subject to change, check back regularly. All athletes must check in after setup is complete on Saturday and before their heat begins. Setup and teardown are done daily in compliance with county sea turtle preservation rules, so please don’t interrupt staff that morning—help if you can!
rundropslide.com
