MAP OF EVENTS
Before we start this blog full of activities to do with friends and family this Memorial Day weekend, lets remember. Memorial Day stands as a significant occasion on our calendars. It’s a day that carries a profound meaning, reminding us of the brave men and women who have given their lives in service of our country. Amidst the barbecues, parades, and gatherings, it’s important that we take time to honor these heroes and the ultimate sacrifice they made for our freedoms. Memorial Day also provides a unique opportunity to spend quality time with our loved ones, strengthening bonds and creating cherished memories. As we enjoy this day off, let’s cherish the freedom it symbolizes, remember the price paid for it, and celebrate in the spirit of unity, love, and gratitude.
Sincerely with utmost respect,
O.N.E. FLORIDA GROUP
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, get ready to mark your calendars because Northeast Florida is about to get FESTIVE! Memorial Day weekend 2023 is stuffed to the gills with family-friendly events that will have you dancing, exploring, and feasting on all kinds of treats! So, buckle up, grab your sunnies, and let’s dive in!
Palatka Blue Crab Festival  
First up, we’re making a beeline to the Palatka Riverwalk for the Palatka Blue Crab Festival happening on May 26, 27, and 28. Imagine a picturesque waterfront filled with the melody of national headliners and regional musicians, the mouthwatering aroma of food trucks, and an array of vendors showcasing their arts and crafts. And did we mention there’s a kid’s zone? Yep, activities for all ages! And the best part? It’s FREE! So come pinch a little fun out of life at this traditional, crab-tastic event​.
Event: Palatka Blue Crab Festival
Dates: Friday to Sunday, May 26 – 28, 2023
Hours: Below
Friday, May 26: 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 27: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 28: 12:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Location: Palatka Riverwalk, Palatka, FL
Price: Free
Urban Youth Park Nocatee: Ninja Warrior Night
image from https://www.urbanyouthpark.com/
Next, brace yourselves for a night of action-packed fun at the Urban Youth Park Nocatee’s Ninja Warrior Night on May 27. Ever dreamed of being a ninja? Here’s your chance! Unleash your inner warrior on the Ninja Warrior Course, indulge in some pizza, and enjoy the company of certified parkour coaches. Just remember to bring $30 per child for this exciting adventure​​.
Event: Urban Youth Park Nocatee: Ninja Warrior Night
Date: May 27, 2023
Location: Urban Youth Park Nocatee, Nocatee, FL
Price: $30 per child
City of Palm Coast: Touch a Truck
Get ready to ‘truck’ on over to the City of Palm Coast’s Touch-a-Truck event on May 27. Kids (and let’s be honest, adults too!) will love getting an up-close look at over 75 of their favorite trucks, all lined up and ready for exploration. There’s even a “horn free” hour from 10-11 a.m. for those who prefer a quieter experience. And guess what? This truck-filled extravaganza is absolutely FREE!​.
Event: City of Palm Coast: Touch a Truck
Date: May 27, 2023
Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: City of Palm Coast Community Center, Palm Coast, FL
Price: Free
Green Cove Springs River Fest
Come Memorial Day, we’re heading over to the Green Cove Springs Riverfest. This fun-packed fiesta will feature a whopping 100 food and craft vendors, a kid’s zone with pony rides, bounce slides, face painting, and of course, live entertainment throughout the day. As the sun sets, look up and prepare to be dazzled by the fireworks show! It’s a FREE event, and the perfect way to celebrate Memorial Day​​.
Event: Green Cove Springs River Fest
Date: May 29, 2023
Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Veterans Memorial Park, Green Cove Springs, FL
Price: Free
The Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Wall
In Jacksonville, pay your respects at the Veterans Memorial Wall on May 29. This solemn event is a time to remember and honor Jacksonville’s fallen heroes. This is a FREE event, located between TIAA Bank Field and the Baseball grounds. The Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Wall is a beautiful tribute to the men and women who have served in the United States military. The wall features the names of over 10,000 veterans who have died in service to their country.
Event: Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Wall
Date: May 29, 2023
Hours: Starts at 8:00 a.m.
Location: Veterans Memorial Park, Jacksonville, FL
Price: Free
The Jacksonville Jazz Festival
And speaking of Jacksonville, make some noise for the Jacksonville Jazz Festival taking place from May 26 to May 28. This FREE, four-day festival is one of the city’s biggest annual entertainment events, with as many as 131,000 attendees. So, get ready to groove with jazz legends like Wynton Marsalis, Chaka Khan, David Sanborn, and more at the Swingin’ Stage at Riverfront Plaza or the Groovin’ Stage at Ford on Bay​ (where the old Duval County Courthouse) used to be located.
Event: Jacksonville Jazz Festival
Dates: Friday to Sunday, May 26 – 28, 2023
Hours: Below
Friday, May 26: 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 27: 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 28: 4:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Location: Riverfront Plaza, Downtown Jacksonville, FL
Price: Free (all VIP tickets sold out)
City of Palm Coast: Memorial Day Remembering Americas Heroes
Heros Memorial Park in Palm Coast, Florida
On Monday, May 29, 2023, the City of Palm Coast will host a Memorial Day Ceremony to remember the men and women who gave their lives in service to the U.S. military. The ceremony will begin at 8 a.m. at Heroes Memorial Park, 2860 Palm Coast Pkwy. NW, Palm Coast, which is about half a mile west of the Flagler County Library. Parking is available along Corporate Drive and at the Library.
The ceremony will include a moment of silence, a wreath-laying, and the raising of the U.S. flag. The flag will be raised to full staff and then slowly lowered to half-staff, where it will remain until noon. This is a tradition that honors those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. After noon, the flag will be raised back to full staff for the remainder of the day. This part of the tradition represents the nation’s resolve to not let the sacrifices of its fallen heroes be in vain and to continue the fight for liberty and justice for all. The ceremony is open to the community and the public
Event: City of Palm Coast: Memorial Day Remembering America’s Heroes
Date: May 29, 2023
Hours: Starts at 8:00 a.m.
Location: City of Palm Coast Veterans Memorial, Palm Coast, FL
Price: Free
Daytona Beach Bandshell Summer Concerts & Fireworks
Fireworks at the Daytona Beach Bandshell
In 2023, the Daytona Beach Bandshell will once again be hosting its much-anticipated summer concerts. From May 27 to September 1, every Friday and Saturday night will be marked by the electrifying performances of various artists, with shows kicking off at 7:15 p.m. These concerts offer an excellent way to spend your summer evenings, surrounded by good vibes and great music.
Entry to these concerts is free, making it an accessible event for everyone in the community. However, for those seeking a more exclusive experience, reserved VIP tickets can be secured for $15. These tickets can be conveniently purchased online via the event’s official website or Ticketmaster. Alternatively, you can buy them in person at the Peabody Box Office located at 600 Auditorium Blvd, or directly at the Daytona Bandshell Box Office on the day of the event, subject to availability.
As an exciting addition to the summer concert series, Saturday nights will be illuminated by spectacular fireworks displays commencing at 9:45 p.m. These pyrotechnic shows are the perfect conclusion to a night of superb musical performances, lighting up the sky above the beach and reflecting in the ocean waves.
The summer concert series takes place at the historic Daytona Beach Bandshell, a unique coquina amphitheater located in Oceanfront Park. To get there, simply park in the Ocean Center garage, cross over to the Ocean Walk Shoppes via the crosswalk, and continue to the Bandshell – you’ll be enjoying the show in no time!
Kicking off the concert series on this Memorial Day Weekend on Saturday, May 27, will be Turnstiles, a tribute band celebrated for capturing the energy and spirit of Billy Joel’s music. Their performance is sure to be a hit with fans of the “Piano Man” and newcomers alike.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of these summer concerts at Daytona Beach Bandshell and create lasting summer memories!
Event: Daytona Beach Bandshell Summer Concerts & Fireworks
Date: Starts on May 27, 2023
Hours: Concerts start at 7:15 p.m., fireworks at 9:45 p.m.
Location: Daytona Beach Bandshell, Daytona Beach, FL
Price: Free, VIP tickets available for $15
So there you have it!
A Memorial Day weekend filled with adventure, fun, food, and music that the whole family can enjoy. Don’t miss out on these amazing events in Northeast Florida. With so much to do and see, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a jazz enthusiast, a foodie, or an adventurer at heart, this Memorial Day weekend is bound to be unforgettable.