Springfield Preservation and Revitalization (SPAR) recently announced a Speaker Series for 2020. Topics include streetcars, Ottis Toole, resiliency in historic neighborhoods, and growing your own food. 

On February 20, Robert W. Mann will take attendees "back to a time when Jacksonville once had the largest streetcar system in Florida and [will chronicle] the story behind Florida's bygone streetcar epoch and the dramatic history of city builders, financiers, organized labor, civil rights, fire, fever, nabobs, and railway men". The free event will be held at the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum. Doors will open at 5:30pm, and the program will be from 6-7pm. Learn more and check for event updates here.

On April 16, Tim Gilmore will present on

There are two upcoming workshops that are focusing on tree care. While they are being hosted in Riverside Avondale, the information shared will be beneficial for all Jacksonville residents. 

The first workshop is occurring on Saturday, January 11th and is focused on pruning young trees. The event will run from 9:30-10:30am, and is hosted by Friends of Boone Park South and Riverside Avondale Preservation (RAP). According to the event description, "the best way to prevent structural failure of trees during storms is to maintain them properly. This workshop will offer hands on demonstrations of pruning techniques for homeowners with young trees. Participants will be able to use the information presented to prune their own trees, or be informed so they

December is here and there are plenty of holiday themed events happening in Jacksonville's historic urban core neighborhoods! We've rounded up a list of our picks for the best ways to celebrate the season. Let us know what you're planning to attend!

December 4 - December 28 - Gingerbread Extravaganza
Jacksonville Historical Society is hosting the 17th Annual Gingerbread Extravaganza this year! Attendees can view the creations of over 50 builders this year, and vote on their favorite. This annual fundraiser for the Jacksonville Historical Society is a beloved tradition in the urban core. Learn more about this event. 

December 4 - First Wednesday Art Walk | Spirit of Giving
Downtown Jacksonville Art Walk is back tomorrow, from 5-9pm, in Downtown

The annual Riverside WineFest, hosted by Riverside Liquors, will take place on November 23rd from 6-9pm.

This Riverside neighborhood tradition closes a portion of King Street so hundreds of people can enjoy more than 250 wines! The street festival is free and open to the public, with food trucks and live entertainment. If you're interested in participating in the WineFest, tickets are $35 plus tax, which includes an official WineFest cup, a tasting of 250+ wines and a $5 coupon that you can redeem with participating vendors. 

This event benefits Riverside Avondale Preservation and the Memorial Park Association. Tickets are available for purchase here. You can also volunteer at this event by signing up here. 

Looking for activities to do with your kids this month? Visit Jacksonville and participating local attractions have teamed up to host Kids Free November. Throughout this month, you can enjoy family fun at Jacksonville's top attractions; and the best part is kids under 12 will get in free for the entire month of November (up to 5 children ages 12 and under will receive free admission with a paying adult ticket. See official website for more details)!

16 top Jacksonville attractions are offering special deals for this month; giving you plenty of opportunities to spend quality time with the entire family! 

Participating Attractions

(Click on each attraction for more details)

Adventure Kayak Florida
Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary
Cummer

Save the date for one of Riverside Avondale's beloved celebrations, Luminaria. The annual tradition of commemorating the holiday season with luminaries will take place on December 15th this year. Residents place the sidewalk candles in front of their homes, businesses, and local parks starting at dusk. The 2019 Luminaria marks the 35th year that the event has taken place in this historic Jacksonville neighborhood. 

Luminaria was started by the late Jerry Spinks as a way to raise money for Riverside Avondale Preservation (RAP).The neighborhood non-profit sells luminaria kits with the bags, candles, and sand included. These kit sales benefit RAP's work to preserve the historic fabric and unique character of the neighborhoods. 

Many area

(Image courtesy of Springfield Preservation and Revitalization)

Trying to decide what to do for Fourth of July 2019 in Jacksonville? We've rounded up some of our favorite events in the historic areas of Jacksonville for the whole family to enjoy!

- July 4th Throwback Baseball Game & Celebration - Springfield - Nothing says Americana like a baseball game! Join the Springfield Preservation and Revitalization (SPAR) for the annual throwback baseball game. The unique Springfield tradition carries on into 2019, as the Westside and Eastside (of the Springfield Historic District) battle it out on the baseball field for bragging rights, complete with turn-of-the-century old school uniforms, equipment, umpires, announcer, food trucks and fanfare. The

We're rounding up some of our favorite events for the end of Summer and the start of the Fall season in the historic areas of Jacksonville. Take a look and leave a comment with your favorite upcoming Jacksonville event. 

September 6th - Intuition Ale Works Bay Street Opening - Join Intuition Ale Works for the opening of their highly anticipated Bay Street Taproom location. This celebration will happen from 1 p.m. - 10 p.m., and will also be particularly exciting as the US Men's National Team will be playing Trinidad & Tabago in the World Cup Qualifying Soccer Match. More information is available here.

September 16th - PARK(ing) Day 2016 - Downtown Vision and other downtown businesses and advocacy groups are participating in PARK(ing) Day

(Photo: Geek Chic Photo)

Are you planning a picnic? Support local businesses and visit what we like to call "Picnic Row" in Murray Hill for all of your provisions. 

Your first stop is Community Loaves (1120 Edgewood Ave. S). This neighborhood favorite for locally made sourdough bread has been in business since 2012. Pick out a few loaves for your picnic foundation; personal favorites include the country white, rosemary garlic, and olive and thyme (this one is only available on Fridays). In addition to the scrumptious bread, you can also find an array of pastries to tempt you!

Next, walk over to Grater Goods (1080 Edgewood Ave. S, #9). This newly opened cheese and charcuterie shop is a picnic lovers dream! Owner Jennifer Harvey is a

Don't miss the Halloween celebrations going on this month at the Jacksonville Zoo. October 20-23 and 27-31 from 6:30 to 9:00pm.

There will be candy stations throughout the zoo to satisfy everyones sweet tooth. The zoo just bought 675,000 pieces of candy for this event so there should be plenty to go around.

There will be plenty of family fun including a pumpkin patch, bouncy houses, DJ spinning family friendly halloween music and animal exhibits, plus much more.

We are fortunate to have a top notch zoo right here in North Jacksonville. Please come out and show you support for this great family fun event.

Tickets are $10 or $8 for zoo members. Kids under 3 are free. Purchase your tickets in advance online and save $1.