Good Morning Jacksonville! ☀️
Brrr… it’s a chilly one out there! 🥶 I hope y’all have had a great start to the holiday season. I’m officially back to writing the newsletter!
This one’s going to be short and sweet. Today I’m sharing everything you need to know about New Year’s fireworks and a bunch of other fun NYE events around town. And wow… New Year’s got here fast. 🎆✨
— Austin Baker
Jacksonville Fireworks
New Year’s Eve Fireworks (Downtown Jax) 🎆🌉
If you want that classic “cheers at midnight” moment, this is the Jacksonville show. It pops off right at midnight over the St. Johns River — so it’s quick, exciting, and very “start the new year with a bang.” ✨
Here’s what I’d know before you go 👇
📅 When: New Year’s Eve night (fireworks hit at 12:00 a.m. on Jan 1)
⏰ Time: Starts exactly at midnight and lasts about 12 minutes
📍 Where: Over the St. Johns River Downtown (launches near the Main Street Bridge + the Shipyards/Lot S)
👀 Best places to watch:
Northbank (Downtown riverfront / Riverwalk vibes)
Southbank (great view looking back at the skyline)
Brooklyn (still a solid view without being right in the middle of it all)
Parts of Riverside (good option if you’re coming from that side of town)
🚧 Heads-up: Some riverfront areas can be limited because of construction, so it’s smart to have a backup spot in mind
🕰️ Timing tip: Don’t try to roll up at 11:55 — I’d aim to be parked and walking to your spot by 11:15–11:30 so you’re not sprinting through crowds
My favorite part… that skyline view when the fireworks light up the buildings (it makes the photos look way better). 📸✨
If you go, bundle up just enough to be comfy, grab a spot early, and enjoy that midnight moment. 🎉
Other options (if you’d rather skip Downtown Jax)
St. Augustine Beach
📅 When: Dec. 31
⏰ Time: 8:30 p.m.
📍 Where: Near the St. Johns County Ocean Pier
Vilano Beach
📅 When: Dec. 31
⏰ Time: 9:30 p.m.
📍 Where: At the Vilano Pier
Fernandina Beach
📅 When: Dec. 31
⏰ Time: Early evening
📍 Where: Downtown near the marina (Shrimp Drop + fireworks)
🎆 New Year’s Eve 5K (Downtown Jax) 🏃♀️✨
If you want to start New Year’s Eve doing something that actually feels good (and still be home with plenty of time to get ready), this is a really fun one. 🙌
The Bank of America New Year’s Eve 5K Run/Walk kicks off at 2:00 p.m. near VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena — and yes, walkers are totally welcome 👟💛
Here’s what I’d know before you go 👇
📅 When: Wednesday, Dec. 31
⏰ Time: 2:00 p.m. (race-day packet pickup starts 12:30 p.m.)
📍 Where: VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena (300 A. Philip Randolph Blvd.)
👕 What you get: An official race shirt + a finisher medal 🏅
🍴🥤 After-race vibes: Food and drinks at the finish area
🏆 Awards: 3:15 p.m.
🎟️ Packet pickup (if you like being prepared): Tuesday, Dec. 30 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at 1st Place Sports Baymeadows or San Marco
💵 Cost: $35–$50 depending on when you sign up (discounts for 17 & under and 65+)
My favorite part…FREE BEER! 🍺 Take your bib to Intuition Ale Works after the race for a free 5 oz beet (2:30-4:00pm)
If you’ve been wanting a little “fresh start” moment before midnight… this is a pretty perfect way to do it. ✨🎉
EVENTS
Family-friendly + earlier stuff
🥳 10:00 AM–1:00 PM — “NOON” Year’s Eve (Friendship Fountain, Southbank)
🏃♀️ 2:00 PM — Bank of America New Year’s Eve 5K (Downtown)
🎡 2:00–10:00 PM — First Night Centennial (Atlantic Beach – multiple spots)
🍻 3:00–6:00 PM — Early Bird NYE (Legacy Ale Works)
🎮 4:00 PM–11:59 PM — NYE at Dave & Buster’s (Southside)
⛸️ 7:30 PM–1:00 AM — New Year’s Skate (Skate Station Funworks – Mandarin)
Dancing + parties
💃 7:00–10:00 PM — San Marco Swing Dance (NYE Social) (San Marco Community Center — alcohol-free)
🍕🥂 7:00 PM–11:59 PM — V Pizza & Sidecar NYE Party (San Marco) (also happening at Sidecar Gate Parkway + Flask & Cannon Jax Beach)
🌆 7:00 PM — River & Post Rooftop NYE Party (Riverside)
🐟🍽️ 5:00–7:30 PM seatings — New Year’s Eve Dinner at SHOR Seafood Grill (Downtown riverfront)
⚓️ 8:00 PM–12:30 AM — USS Orleck “Ship Bash” (Downtown)
🚢 9:00 PM–1:00 AM — New Year’s Eve Cruise (Royal Princess) (Southbank / Riverplace)
🎶 9:00 PM–2:00 AM — NYE 26 at Decca Live (Downtown)
📼 9:00 PM–1:00 AM — Rewind: The Ultimate 2000s NYE Rave (FIVE – Riverside)
🥂 9:00 PM–1:00 AM — JAX NYE GALA (Refinery Jax Beach)
🎩✨ 9:00 PM–2:00 AM — Great Gatsby Ball (Culhane’s – Atlantic Beach)
🍻 7:00 PM–1:00 AM — Mayport Brewing Co. NYE Bash (Mayport)
Comedy / shows
😂 7:30 PM — New Year’s Eve comedy show (Julie Scoggins) (Comedy Zone – Mandarin)
🎭 7:30 PM (NYE Special) + 🥂 10:00 PM (Blue Year’s Eve) — First Coast Comedy (Atlantic Beach)
🎤 9:00 PM — Brad Williams (Florida Theatre – Downtown)
Fireworks moment
🎆 12:00 AM (midnight) — Downtown Jacksonville Fireworks (over the St. Johns River)
Thank you so much for reading 904 & More! This one was short and sweet and I look forward to chatting again soon!
Cheers! - Austin