Seen

The Show Goes on

“An Evening of Intrigue” was the theme to the Jacksonville Symphony’s annual Symphony Gala, held March 4 at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts. The evening began with cocktails and a silent auction, followed by a three-course dinner and a live auction on the Moran Theater stage. Next, guests were treated to a Pops-style concert of classic spy film favorites conducted by Kevin Fitzgerald and performed by the orchestra in Jacoby Symphony Hall. Those looking to continue the party retreated to the Performing Arts Center’s lobby for dancing to a live DJ. u

UPCOMING:

“Laissez les bon temps rouler!” is the theme to the Florida Theatre’s Big Easy fundraising ball taking place May 20, 6-11 PM, inside the historic concert venue. Guests will be treated to New Orleans eats, dancing to The Band Be Easy, casino games, street market and auction.

Junior Achievement of North Florida hosts its annual Hall of Fame Luncheon on May 25 at UNF’s Herbert University Center. This year’s Thompson S. Baker “Solid as a Rock” Award will be presented to Andy Kaufmann, owner and CEO of Zawyer Sports.

Palatka Blue Crab Festival

MAY 26-28

Downtown Palatka at the St. Johns River

For nearly 30 years, hungry festival goers have been flocking to the banks of the St. Johns for the annual Blue Crab Festival, a three-day event featuring crafts vendors, food trucks, games and activities and the Gatorland Waterski show. Music headliners include Southern rockers Molly Hatchet and hip-hop legends Sugarhill Gang. Oh, and there will lots and lots of crabs.

River City Wrestling Con 2023

JUNE 10 & 11

Jacksonville Fair Expo Center

Northeast Florida hosts its first-ever professional wrestling fan convention. Among the wrestling icons expected to attend are Kurt Angle, Bryan Danielson and Melina Perez. In addition to vendor booths, food and drinks there will be live wrestling matches. No need to tangle for admission. They’ll happily sell you a ticket, $40+

Havana Nights: Amelia Island Dance Series

JUNE 11, 4-6:30 PM

Sadler Ranch

Known for its Western theme and country setting, Sadler Ranch hosts Havana Nights, an evening of music ranging from the 1920s to the 2000s. There’s also a large wood dance floor, perfect for guests who wish to swing the night away. Dress to impress—the “best dressed” receives a Crescendo Amelia swag bag, $25+

Ryan Adams & The Cardinals

JUNE 12, 8 PM

Florida Theatre

Spin Magazine praised Ryan Adams as “one of rock’s most talented songwriters.” The seven-time Grammy-nominated artist has 22 studio albums, accumulating millions in sales. He’s perhaps best known for hits “Lucky Now,” “When the Stars Go Blue” and “To Be Without You,” $50-$100

Flipturn

JUNE 16 & 17, 7 PM

Intuition Ale Works

Flipturn, a Jax-based indie rock band, performs a pair of homecoming shows after roughly two years of touring. Featuring refined pop melodies, passionate lyrics targeting both the head and heart, and unrestrained energy, the band’s latest release, Shadowglow, showcases a variety of styles, $20+

Digital Art Fest 2023

JUNE 17, NOON

WJCT Soundstage

The Digital Art Fest returns to the same venue on the same day for the second year in a row. Those who purchase general admission are entitled to a web3 presentation, an augmented reality wall, a vendor hall, virtual reality guardian spaces, and a digital art gallery. Additionally, VIP Ultra features emerging artists’ live performances, an Afrofuturism fashion show, and a closing party, $15-$130

Bo Bartlett: Earthly Matters

JUNE 17, 3-5 PM

MOCA Jacksonville

Bo Bartlett is known for his vast portrayals of American culture and life. In Earthly Matters, the artist explores the connection between human activity and the natural world. A variety of factors, both internal and external, contribute to his subjects’ tenuous environmental conditions, $5-$8

Melanin Market

Juneteenth Celebration

JUNE 17, 4-10 PM

822 A Phillip Randolph Blvd.

The largest Juneteenth celebration in Florida brings together more than 200 Blackowned businesses on Jacksonville’s Historic Eastside. Plus, there will be live music from national recording artists, kids activities, and food trucks, free

Jacksonville Sharks vs Carolina Cobras

JUNE 26, 7 PM

VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena Star Wars lovers, score your tickets for a night filled with lightsabers, Jedis, and stormtroopers. Oh, and there’s an arena football game, too. Tackle the snacks and find your seat to watch our Sharks dominate the Cobras, $12-$147

Margaret Cho: Live & Livid Comedy Tour

JUNE 25, 7:30 PM

Florida Theatre Comedian. Performer. Singer-songwriter. Activist. Entrepreneur. A five-time nominee for a Grammy and an Emmy, Margaret Cho’s humor has been a beacon of hope for other women and underrepresented groups. Among her accolades are being named one of Rolling Stone’s 50 Best Stand-Up Comics of All Time, as well as one of Vogue’s Top 9 Female Comedians, $29-$60

Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp

JUNE 28, 7 PM

121 Financial Ballpark

Join the Shrimp as they take on the Bulls on Forever Vets Animal Hospital Canines and Crustaceans. It’s sure to be one dog day afternoon and fans can bring their pups to enjoy a night at the ballpark together, $10-$53

Southern Soul Summer Jam

JUNE 30, 8 PM

Jacksonville Center for Performing Arts

The evening promises to be full of soulful and sexy music with artists Tucka, T.K. Soul, Jeff Floyd, Ronnie Bell, King South, & Nellie Tiger Travis. Additionally, Jacksonville DJ Dr. Doom will spin, $59-$125

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast

JUNE 8 - JULY 23

Alhambra Theatre & Dining

The smash Disney musical tells the story of Belle, a small-town girl who finds inspiration in her beloved books. The story takes a turn when she saves her father from a horrifying beast in a castle, where he is held against his will. All is good in the end, with the help of much singing and dancing and a little magic, $55-$80

St. Augustine Country Festival

JULY 15. NOON-9 PM

25 W Castillo Dr.

Regional and local country music acts take the stages at the Summer Country Music Festival, a day-long gathering featuring more than 100 vendors hawking arts and crafts, western wear, and tasty eats. Plus, there’s a Kids Korner and Bo’s Dog & Pet Corner, $10-$80

Yellowcard

JULY 21 & 22, 7 PM

Daily’s Place

The band reunited last year after a five-year hiatus. Since their 2003 album Ocean Avenue, the Florida-based band has become an iconic pop-punk phenomenon playing tracks like “Way Away” and “Empty Apartment”—tunes featured on episodes of Smallville and One Tree Hill, respectively, $39-$500

Jackson Browne

JULY 28

Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts

Singer/songwriter Jackson Browne swings into the River City as part of his threemonth summer tour. If there is a soundtrack for the 1970s, Browne’s music will be a part of it. “Running on Empty,” “The Pretender” and “Doctor My Eyes” are just a few of his timeless tunes and radio staples for decades, $49-$281 u

Flamboyance! A Topiary Menagerie

THROUGH JUNE 25

Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens

The pink flamingo is an iconic garden motif that is unquestionably Floridian. In the Cummer’s first ever horticultural exhibition, 50 topiary flamingos planted with pink flowering begonias will take over the museum’s riverfront gardens, providing a fun, ironic, and whimsical riff on the classic garden ornament. Posed in groups throughout the grounds, the flamingos are a playful juxtaposition against the formality of the setting, inviting visitors to experience the landscape through a new lens of color and creativity.

Pitbull

MAY 14, 7:30 PM

St. Augustine Amphitheatre

Global music icon Pitbull wears many hats— education advocate, entrepreneur and motivational speaker, among them. And he also makes gold and platinum songs and music videos viewed more than 15 billion times. $78-$103

20 2 3

Showcasing the results of our annual readers’ poll in more than 150 categories ranging from tacos to salons, from pizza to statement jewelry.

We have to admit that the readers of Jacksonville Magazine are an opinionated bunch. Not that’s there’s anything wrong with that, especially in this day and age when opinions are so easy to share. Our readers have opinions on just about everything the River City has to offer, from their favorite museums and attractions to top-rated restaurants and watering holes. So, it’s come to that time of year when we share the results of our annual, unabashedly unscientific, popularity contest we call “Best in Jax.” More than 10,000 votes were cast this year in a variety of categories. All those votes resulted in some surprising results, as nearly one-third of all the winners are first-time honorees.

Donuts The Minibar Donuts

The Minibar is loved for its freshly made, hand crafted, donuts and kolaches. Their donuts are made, topped and drizzled to order, served hot in a wide variety of distinctive flavors including maple bacon, peanut butter cup, pop tart, lemon poppy and espresso buttercream. The kolaches, an increasingly popular Eastern European pastry, are available in three flavors - regular, jalapeno and veggie. Of course, nothing goes better with freshly baked pastries than a perfectly brewed espresso or drip coffee, as well as a selection of teas, craft beers, wines and a variety of soft drinks. There are two locations in Jacksonville, one in Jax Beach and the other in Deerwood near the Town Center.

And now, without further adieu, we present the very Best in Jacksonville for 2023.

Frozen Custard

Sweet Treats:

Bakery 1748 Bakehouse

The 1748 Bakehouse is situated inside a cozy shop in the Springfield historic district. The shop offers breakfast and lunch, as well as a variety of treats. Fan favorites include the sourdough breakfast sandwich, lemon chess pie, sweet lime pie, and chocolate truffle pie. Table markers are hand drawn by the owner’s daughter, which adds a special touch to the place. Owner Allison Vaughan has enjoyed testing and perfecting new recipes ever since her grandmother taught her to bake. Their Cuban coffee is a must-order and can be paired with a tasty galette.

Cakes

BISCOTTIS

CHOCOLATE

PETERBROOKE CHOCOLATIER

COOKIES

MADDY D’S

Cupcakes

ALLEYCAKES

Alleycakes Dessert Company is a Neptune Beach bakery renown for its cupcakes, cake pops, macarons, cheesecake pops, brownies, cookies, specialty bars and so much more. With traditional and fun flavors ranging from vanilla, champagne, chocolate and carrot to Nutella, Oreo, funfetti and red velvet, not to mention seasonal varieties that keep patrons coming back for more, there’s something truly decadent, delicious and undeniably enjoyable for of all ages. Everything is made using the highest quality and freshest ingredients including real butter and seasonal fruits. The bakery also caters to special events, producing custom designed, luxurious and alluring wedding cakes, event cakes and dessert buffets. Without a doubt, sweet dreams are made of these.

DESSERTS

BB’S

ICE CREAM

THE DREAMETTE

PIES

MIXED FILLINGS PIE SHOP

POPSICLES

HYPPO ICE POPS

SWEET TREATS/PASTRIES

LE PETIT PARIS

BBQ PULLED PORK & BBQ RIBS

MOJO BAR-B-QUE

If you’re looking for perfectly smoked, moist and tender Q accompanied by a healthy selection of whiskeys, craft cocktails, beers and wines, Mojo Bar-B-Que is the place. Whether you favor pulled pork, St. Louis spareribs, beef brisket or other varieties of barbequed meats, Mojo has you covered. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more Southern, try one of their platters featuring Delta catfish, shrimp & grits or buttermilk fried chicken. Without a doubt, these distinctly American products come together deliciously at Mojo in a casual, good-natured atmosphere. With eight locations to choose from in and around Jacksonville, there’s enough Q for everyone.

BBQ BRISKET

THE BEARDED PIG

BBQ CHICKEN

BONO’S PIT BAR-B-Q

BBQ: SmaLl Bites & Snacks:

FRENCH FRIES

CRUISERS GRILL

Cruisers Grill has been an iconic fixture at the beach for over 20 years. A casual, come-asyou-are, flip-flops and all destination with a well-earned reputation for consistently good food and service, this place continues to sat- isfy beachgoers, families and visitors from every walk of life. It can be said that their burgers, sandwiches and salads are its main attraction. It might also be their thick and satisfying shakes and highly enjoyable floats. For many, it's the Cruisers Fries, served hot and fresh. Better still, check out their Aged Cheddar Fries, transforming the humble French fry into something undeniably craveable. No matter what your preference, there's plenty for everyone at the table.

Bar Bites

RP’S FINE FOOD & DRINK

CHARCUTERIE BOARD

MIDTOWN TABLE

FOOD TRUCK

THE HAPPY GRILLED CHEESE

FRIED CHICKEN

SILKIE’S CHICKEN AND CHAMPAGNE BAR

CHICKEN WINGS

V PIZZA

SMALL PLATES & TAPAS

TAQUERIA CINCO

Sandwiches & Handhelds:

SANDWICHES

BLUE BOY SANDWICH SHOP

There aren't many restaurants that have endured the test of time, especially here in Jacksonville. That's why Blue Boy Sandwich

Pizza

AL’S PIZZA

Al’s Pizza is a longtime Jacksonville favorite. When you consider that Al Mansur, the restaurant’s founder, insists upon using the freshest ingredients possible, it’s no surprise that he has attracted a loyal following. Whether you’re in the mood for pizza featuring traditional toppings, or one of many gourmet favorites such as White Chicken Florentine, BLT or Buffalo Chicken, there’s plenty to consider. The menu also includes a wide selection of appetizers, salads, wraps, entrees and desserts, creating a delightful dining experience from start to finish. With five locations around town, Al’s Pizza is the perfect place to connect with friends and family for lunch, dinner or any time in-between.

Shop is so special, serving satisfying breakfasts and lunches to multiple generations along the First Coast since 1973. While disco and bell bottoms are no longer as fashionable as they were when Blue Boy opened its doors, its reputation for freshly baked bread, massive sandwiches and friendly service remains strong. For the uninitiated, a few sandwiches of note includes the Reuben, Super Club and Cuban as well as specials such as the Puerto Rican Tripleta and Chicken Bacon Ranch. If you're really hungry, there's always the Monster Burger, a 2-pound Angus beef burger with all the fixings and a side of fries.

CHEESESTEAK

PHILLY’S FINEST

DELI FAVORITES

SUN DELI

GOURMET BURGERS

POE’S TAVERN

GLUTEN-FREE PIZZa

CARMINE’S PIE HOUSE

NEOPOLITAN PIZZA

V PIZZA