Happy Friday, Jacksonville! 🍂

I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling all the fall vibes right now — cooler mornings, packed weekends, and so many great local events to choose from.

This weekend’s shaping up to be a fun one: we’ve got pups and purrs at the big Pet Adoption Festival, jets flying high over the beach, and even a flower farm pouring drinks out in Elkton. Whether you’re planning a beach day, a little road trip, or just want something new to check out around town, there’s a ton happening across the 904.

Here’s what’s on my radar — maybe I’ll see you out there 👇

I can already hear the happy barks and purrs! The Jacksonville Pet Adoption Festival is back, bringing together eight local shelters and rescues under one roof — and the best part? Adoption fees are waived all weekend!

If you’ve been thinking about adding a furry friend to your family, this is your sign. Whether you want a playful pup, a snuggly kitten, or a loyal companion to keep you company, your new best friend could be waiting at the Prime Osborn. ❤️

✨ Event Highlights:
🐶🐱 Hundreds of pets — dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens looking for loving homes
💰 Adoption fees waived all weekend
🏡 Eight local shelters & rescues teaming up for one big event
🛍️ Vendors & giveaways to explore while you browse
🚗 Free parking and lots of space downtown
📍 Prime Osborn Convention Center, Jacksonville | Oct. 25–26, 10 AM–6 PM

Don’t miss this pawsome weekend — you just might meet your new best friend! 🐾
🔗 Event details →

Sad news for beer lovers — Amelia Island Brewing Company is closing both of its locations on November 5. The reason hasn’t been shared, but after nearly a decade (opening back in 2016), it’s tough to see a local favorite call it quits.

If you’re a fan, stop by and show them some love while you still can — grab a pint, enjoy the vibe, and give this hometown spot a proper send-off. 🍻

🔗 Visit their website →

I stumbled across Makenu Chocolate over in the Beaches, and wow — what a find! This cozy craft chocolate and coffee spot makes every treat in small batches from fire-roasted, stone-ground cacao. Even better, they source directly from Latin American farmers they actually know by name (how cool is that?).

Pronounced “Muh-Ken-ew” (Māori for trail), this Atlantic Beach gem serves soulful coffee, house-made syrups, and seasonal sweets — all made with love, purpose, and good vibes. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to slow down, sip something warm, and just enjoy life for a minute.

✨ Neat Stuff:
🌎 Farmer Friends: Handcrafted bean-to-bar chocolate made from cacao grown by farmers they personally know and trust.
☕ Cozy Café: Sip soulful coffee and enjoy house-made bites — from salted chocolate chip cookies to fun, seasonal pop-tarts.
🤝 Ethical & Family-Run: A heart-filled small business crafting every treat with care and connection.
🛒 Shop Easy: Open Tuesday–Sunday, 8 AM–3 PM at 30 Seminole Rd, Atlantic Beach — or shop online anytime.
📲 Stay Connected: Visit their website →

🎉 Weekend Events: October 25–26
There’s a lot happening around Jax this weekend — from jets flying high over the beach to pumpkins, ponies, and Halloween beats downtown. Here’s what’s on my radar 👇

✈️ Jacksonville Sea & Sky Air Show
Even if the Blue Angels might not make it this year, the Sea & Sky Air Show is still one of Jacksonville’s biggest and best beach weekends. You’ll see thrilling aerial acts performing right over the ocean — and the best part? It’s completely free to watch!

📅 When: Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 25–26, starting at 11:00 AM
📍 Where: Jacksonville Beach
💸 Cost: Free beachfront viewing
🍹 Bonus: If you want the best seat in the house, Mango’s Bar & Grille is offering a VIP area with food and drinks just steps from the sand.
☀️ Tip: Bring sunscreen, a beach chair, and get there early — parking fills up fast!
🔗 Event details →

🎃 BOOOval Trunk or Treat
Bring the whole family out for a spooky-good evening in Downtown Jax! The annual BOOOval Trunk or Treat — hosted by JaxEvents and CHS Florida — turns VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena’s Lot Z into a Halloween wonderland filled with decorated cars, costumes, candy, and fun for all ages.

📅 When: Friday, Oct. 24 | 5 – 8:30 PM
📍 Where: Lot Z @ VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, 300 A. Philip Randolph Blvd
💸 Cost: Free admission
🍭 Bonus: Prizes for the best decorated, most creative, and funniest cars — plus games, food trucks, and plenty of treats!
👻 Tip: Come dressed up and ready to snap some photos — this event always brings out Jacksonville’s most creative costumes.
🔗 Event details →

If you’ve never been out to Diamond D Ranch, you’re missing one of Jacksonville’s coolest family traditions. This is a real working horse and cattle ranch that opens its gates for a day full of fall fun — from wagon rides and pony rides to pumpkin patches and bounce houses.

📅 When: Saturday, Oct. 25 | Gates open 9:30 AM | Activities 10 AM–2 PM
📍 Where: Diamond D Ranch, Jacksonville
🎟️ Tickets: $25 per person (kids under 2 are free) — space is limited, and you have to buy tickets in advance.
🎃 What’s Included:

If spooky season and live music are your thing, this one’s a must. The Halloween Invasion Music & Art Festival takes over The Glass Factory and Myrtle Ave Brewing for a full day of DJs, local artists, glassblowing, food, and (of course) great beer.

📅 When: Saturday, Oct. 25
📍 Where: The Glass Factory & Myrtle Ave Brewing, 601 Myrtle Ave N, Jacksonville, FL 32204
🎟️ Tickets: Available online through Eventbrite
🎨 What to Expect:

Get ready for a night of laugh-out-loud storytelling — Bert Kreischer is bringing his Permission to Party tour to Jacksonville, and it’s going to be wild. Expect big energy, hilarious stories, and nonstop fun from “The Machine” himself.

📅 When: Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025 | 7:00 PM
📍 Where: VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, 300 A. Philip Randolph Blvd., Jacksonville, FL
💸 Cost: Tickets on sale now
🎉 Why go: Kreischer’s stand-up shows are part comedy, part chaos — and 100% unforgettable.
📝 Tip: Get there early to grab a drink downtown before the show — and pick seats with a good view, you won’t want to miss a single laugh.
🔗 Get tickets →

🌸 Petals & Pours Weekend at Parker Flower Farms
Celebrate fall among the flowers with a weekend full of drinks, live music, yoga, and family fun!

🍷 Friday, Oct. 24 — Petals & Pours
Sip & stroll through the blooms with 3 complimentary drinks from Dragonfly Spirits, live music by Amy Hendrickson, and BBQ from Salt Run BBQ.
🎟️ $55 | Tickets required — 4PM — 7PM

🌞 Saturday, Oct. 25
🧘‍♀️ Petals & Poses Yoga – 9 AM
🌸 General Admission – 10 AM–Sunset
👧 Little Sprouts Pumpkin Hunt – $5 add-on for kids
☕ A Cup of Joy Coffee (10–1) • Wingin’ It 904 (1–Sunset)

🍁 Sunday, Oct. 26
🌿 Fall Terrarium Workshop – 9 AM (tickets available!)
🌻 General Admission – 11 AM–Sunset
☕ Deja Brew Coffee (9–1) • Pura Vida Foods (11–3)
🥘 Olive Land Farms Paella Dinner – 5 PM–Sunset (pre-order or buy onsite)

📍 Parker Flower Farms, 3800 County Road 305, Elkton, FL
🔗 Tickets & details →

Thanks for reading this week’s 904 & More! We’re just getting started — and each week, we’ll keep making this newsletter better, easier to read, and packed with even more local gems.

Your feedback means a lot, so hit reply and tell me what you’d love to see next time. Until then, have an awesome weekend, Jacksonville! 💙