What’s up, Jacksonville!
The new year is officially here! Now that the holiday rush is behind us, it’s time to exhale and settle back into the rhythm. Whether you’re unwinding at a new coffee shop (scroll to see our top picks!) or checking out local events around Jax and the surrounding areas, you won’t want to miss this.
We’re so excited to head into 2026 with you and keep sharing our hand-picked favorite spots and must-do experiences across Jacksonville. Here’s to another year of exploring together!
Now, in today’s edition:
First Wednesday Art Walk
Must see: Manatees
Night of Lights (no holiday crowds!)
4 Brand-New Jax Coffee Shops with Raving Reviews
Dream Zillow Fnd of the Week
20+ Events to Check Out!
First Wednesday Art Walk
Wednesday, 1/7 | 5–9 PM
📍 James Weldon Johnson Park (across the street from MOCA)
Looking to embrace your creative side in the new year? You won’t want to miss this monthly art walk in the heart of the Northbank! From talented street performers and unique pop-up vendors to food trucks, drinks, and live music, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Bring your friends, soak in the vibes, and make it a tradition—it happens every first Wednesday of the month!
Manatees: Winter Magic in Florida!
Okay, if your’re a Floridian and have yet to see the manatees, this is your sign to GO! Right now in January, it's peak season for spotting these gentle sea cows. When rivers get chilly (below 68°F), hundreds flock to cozy 72°F springs to stay warm. Just days ago on New Year's, a record 697 manatees packed Blue Spring State Park!
Fun Manatee Facts: 🐳
These veggie-loving giants grow to 10 ft & 1,000 lbs, munching plants all day!
Molar Machine: Their molars wear down from eating sandy seagrass, so they continuously grow new teeth from the back of the jaw, pushing older ones forward.
Air Breathing: They are mammals that breathe air, often holding their breath for up to 20 minutes!
They can live 60+ years and adore clear, warm waters.
Day Trip: Blue Spring State Park
Only about 1.5–2 hours south (Orange City) – easiest wild viewing with hundreds gathering! Crystal-clear views from the boardwalk.
Pro Tips:
Mornings = best light & action (fewer crowds too), so hit the road early!
Stay on paths – no touching or feeding (they're protected)!
Colder days = more manatees. Bundle up!
Don't miss this bucket-list experience!
Nights of Lights in St. Augustine - NOW until Sunday, January 11th
📍 Downtown St. Augustine
Here’s a little life hack (and our family’s favorite secret) - the Nights of Lights are still sparkling across historic downtown St. Augustine all the way through January 11th. Going after the holidays means fewer crowds, more magic, and plenty of room to just soak it all in.
If you haven’t been yet, now really is the perfect time. We went and did a drive-through in the evening…and honestly, it was just as magical as walking the streets. Grab a hot coffee or cocoa to go, take your time wandering, and enjoy the quieter, post-holiday glow.
New Year, New Sips: Jax Coffee Shops to Have on Your Radar
1. One of Each
📍Atlantic Beach -link
This brand-new coffee shop already has raving 5-star reviews. The interior is super cozy with tons of natural light, and it’s just steps from the beach. Plus, they offer a tempting lineup of fresh pastries — the Dubai chocolate cheesecake is calling our name.
2. It’s in the DNA Coffee
📍Five Points - link
This vibey café offers a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere and serves up incredible coffee and treats. Reviews rave about the friendly staff, standout breakfast crepes (sweet or savory with tons of options), and their creative, unique coffee and drink creations.
1. One of Each
2. It’s in the DNA Coffee
3. Makenu Coffee Shop
📍Atlantic Beach -link
Makenu is more than just a coffee shop — it’s a bean-to-bar chocolate and coffee experience. Their chocolate is made completely from scratch, and their coffee is sourced directly from friends across the globe. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to linger, sip slowly, and maybe leave with chocolate in hand. 🍫☕
4. Coconut Key Coffee
📍Mayport - link
Located right off Mayport, this hidden gem feels like Anthropologie and a coffee shop had a coastal-chic baby. This boutique-style café doubles as a curated retail space, featuring small-business goods alongside great coffee. Warm, beachy vibes make it perfect for unwinding.
3. Makenu Coffee Shop
4. Coconut Key Coffee
🏡 Zillow Daydream of the Week (Just for Fun)
This Ortega Forest riverfront spot is basically a private resort: pool + spa, dock/boat lift, and killer sunset views over the Ortega River.
Stats: 7 bed / 7 bath • ~6,400 sq ft • ~1 acre • listed at $4M
My favorite part: the “pool day → boat day” lifestyle without leaving home.
CHECK IT OUT HERE!
🧺 Markets + Pop-Ups (This Weekend)
Riverside Arts Market — Sat, Jan 10 (10 AM–3 PM) — 715 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville
Beaches Green Market — Sat, Jan 10 (10 AM–2 PM) — Penman Park, 321 Penman Rd, Jacksonville Beach
Jax Beach Arts Market — Sat, Jan 10 (10 AM–4 PM) — Seawalk Pavilion, 75 1st St N, Jacksonville Beach
Jacksonville Farmers Market (Westside) — Sat, Jan 10 (7 AM–5 PM) — 1810 W Beaver St, Jacksonville
Jacksonville Farmers Market (Westside) — Sun, Jan 11 (9 AM–4 PM) — 1810 W Beaver St, Jacksonville
Atlantic Beach Farmers Market — Sun, Jan 11 (10 AM–2 PM) — Jack Russell Park, Atlantic Beach
St. Augustine Amphitheatre Farmers Market (easy day trip) — Sat, Jan 10 (8:30 AM–12 PM) — 1340C A1A S, St. Augustine
🏃 Outdoors + Fitness
10th Annual Be Bold 5K — Sat, Jan 10 (7 AM) — Bold City Health (Blanding Blvd area)
IQ Fiber Winter Beach Run (10 Mile + 5K) — Sat, Jan 10 (9 AM) — Seawalk Pavilion, Jacksonville Beach
🎶 Live Music + Big Shows
Chuck Ragan at The Albatross — Sat, Jan 10 (7–9:30 PM) — 113 E Bay St, Jacksonville
Orchestra Noir: The Culture 2000 Tour — Sat, Jan 10 (8 PM) — Florida Theatre, Downtown Jacksonville
Los Lobos — Sat, Jan 10 (8 PM) — Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, Ponte Vedra Beach
JAX Symphony: John Williams’ America — Sat, Jan 10 (7:30 PM) — Jacoby Hall (Jax Center for the Performing Arts)
Winter Jam 2026 — Sun, Jan 11 (starts 5 PM) — VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena
😂 Comedy (21+)
Mike Epps (Comedy Zone Jacksonville) — Fri–Sun, Jan 9–11 — 3130 Hartley Rd, Jacksonville (21+)
Fri: 7:15 PM + 9:45 PM
Sat: 7:00 PM + 9:30 PM
Sun: 7:00 PM
Don’t Tell Comedy (Secret Show) — Sat, Jan 10 (8 PM) — San Marco (21+)
🍻 Brewery + Activities
Yoga Tour de Jax Fundraiser — Sat, Jan 10 (4–5 PM) — Bold City Brewery, Jacksonville (hang after for happy hour vibes)
🍳 Brunch + Game Day
Sunday Brunch + NFL + Live Music (Kyle Manning) — Sun, Jan 11 (10 AM–4 PM) — Top Dawg Tavern (Bartram Park), 13820 Old St Augustine Rd Ste 417, Jacksonville
Live music: 10 AM–1 PM
🍖 Food + Beer Vibes (Worth the Drive)
10th Annual Jimmy Jam BBQ Slam (easy day trip) — Sat, Jan 10 (gates 10 AM) — St. Johns County Fairgrounds, 5840 FL-207 E, Elkton
👨👩👧 Family-Friendly
Happy Little Melodies (Saturday Mornings) — Sat, Jan 10 (10–10:30 AM) — Happy Medium Books Café, 2724 Park St, Jacksonville
Jacksonville Zoo: Colors of the Wild — Thu–Sun, Jan 8–11 (3–9:30 PM) — Jacksonville Zoo
Zoo: Stroller Safari (Colors of the Wild edition) — Sat, Jan 10 (5:30 PM) — Jacksonville Zoo
🎨 Arts + Community
Cummer Museum: Drop-in Tour (Highlights) — Sat, Jan 10 (1:15–2:15 PM) — Cummer Museum
Cummer Museum: Self-Care Sundays (Tai Chi + Sound Bath) — Sun, Jan 11 (11 AM–12 PM) — Cummer Museum
Beaches Fine Arts Series: Colin MacKnight — Sun, Jan 11 (4 PM) — St. John’s Cathedral, Downtown Jacksonville
St. Augustine Film Festival (easy day trip) — Jan 5–11 — venues around historic St. Augustine
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Talk soon,
— Austin