Looking for things to do in Jacksonville in September 2026? There’s plenty happening around Northeast Florida this month, from fall festivals and local markets to live music, community events and family-friendly fun.
I’ve rounded up some of my favorite September events happening around Jacksonville, along with a few worth-the-drive picks in Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island and St. Augustine. Whether you’re new to Northeast Florida or you’ve lived here for years, there’s always something new to discover.
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Things to Do in Jacksonville September 2026
Jacksonville
🏮 Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration
September 11–12 | RD International Market & Food Court | Free
Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with an Asian night market, lion dances, cultural performances, live music, mooncake tastings and lanterns for kids.
📚 Jax Book Fest 2026
September 19 | Jacksonville Public Library, Main Library | Free
Book lovers of all ages can meet authors, attend talks and celebrate reading at this annual Downtown Jacksonville event. The Downtown Jacksonville calendar lists more than 90 local authors along with nationally bestselling authors for this year’s festival.
🌊 Mayport Village Waterfront Market
September 19 | Historic Mayport Village | 10 AM–2 PM | Free
Shop local farmers, artisans, makers, food vendors and small businesses along the waterfront while enjoying the character of historic Mayport Village. Visit Jacksonville confirms the September 19 date and free admission.
🍂 Fall Festival at Mandarin Markets
September 26 | Trinity Mandarin | 10 AM–4 PM | Free
Kick off fall with a large family-friendly vendor market featuring more than 160 local vendors, handmade goods and plenty to browse.
⭐ Florida Fin Fest
September 11–12 | Seawalk Pavilion, Jacksonville Beach | Free
Enjoy two days of live music, food, interactive activities and ocean conservation along Jacksonville Beach.
🏈 Jacksonville Jaguars Home Opener
September 13 | EverBank Stadium, Downtown Jacksonville | Ticketed
Football is back! Cheer on the Jaguars as they kick off their home season against the Cleveland Browns.
🍻 11th Annual Oktoberfest
September 18–20 | Wicked Barley Brewing Company | Free admission
Celebrate the start of fall with German-inspired food, Oktoberfest brews, live music and three days of waterfront fun.
More Jacksonville Favorites
Riverside Arts Market — Saturdays, 10 AM–3 PM
Browse local artists, fresh produce, food vendors and live entertainment along the St. Johns River.
Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens — Daily
Explore award-winning exhibits, splash areas and wildlife encounters for a fun family day.
Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens — Daily
Walk peaceful nature trails through forests, lakes and native Florida landscapes.
Jacksonville Beach Sunrise — Daily & free
Start the morning with a sunrise walk, shell hunting or breakfast by the ocean before the afternoon heat arrives.
MOCA Jacksonville — Tuesday–Sunday
Discover contemporary art exhibitions, family programs and rotating galleries in the heart of downtown.
Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary — Select evenings
See rescued big cats during one of Jacksonville’s more unusual wildlife experiences.
Fernandina Beach / Amelia Island
🍺 October Fest
September 26 | 2nd Street, Downtown Fernandina Beach | 11 AM–6 PM
Enjoy a fall day in historic downtown Fernandina Beach with Oktoberfest festivities and plenty of island-town atmosphere.
🎶 Sounds on Centre
September 4 | Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach | Free
Bring a chair and enjoy an evening of live music in the heart of downtown Fernandina Beach.
💃 Amelia Island Dance Festival
September 10–13 | Various Amelia Island venues | Ticketed
Enjoy several days of performances celebrating different dance styles, artists and creative expression throughout Amelia Island.
More Amelia Island Favorites
Fort Clinch State Park — Explore one of Florida’s best-preserved Civil War forts, hike scenic nature trails or relax on the uncrowded beach.
Historic Centre Street — Browse boutiques, art galleries, coffee shops and locally owned restaurants in historic downtown Fernandina Beach.
Amelia River Cruises — See Cumberland Island, wild horses, dolphins and local wildlife aboard a narrated sightseeing cruise.
Amelia River Kayak Tours — Paddle through salt marshes while watching for dolphins, birds and other Northeast Florida wildlife.
Cumberland Island Ferry — Head across the water to Cumberland Island National Seashore for wild horses, historic ruins and untouched beaches.
St. Augustine
🎵 Sing Out Loud Festival
September 4–27 | Various St. Augustine venues | Free & ticketed events
Celebrate live music throughout September with performances from local and national artists at venues across St. Augustine.
🏰 Aviles Street Celebration
September 5 | Historic St. Augustine | Free
Celebrate St. Augustine’s Spanish heritage with an afternoon of music, culture, food and festivities along historic Aviles Street.
September 24–27 | Historic St. Augustine | Free
Hear the stories behind the songs as Nashville songwriters perform throughout historic St. Augustine during this four-day music festival.
More St. Augustine Favorites
St. Augustine Amphitheatre Farmers Market — Every Saturday, 8:30 AM–12:30 PM. Shop local produce, baked goods, handmade crafts and plants while enjoying live music.
Wednesday Pier Farmers Market — Every Wednesday at the St. Johns County Ocean Pier. Browse local vendors and fresh produce just steps from the beach.
Explore Historic St. Augustine — Stroll St. George Street, tour historic landmarks, enjoy waterfront dining and explore America’s oldest city.
Historic District Ghost Tours — Discover the legends and history behind one of America’s most famously haunted cities.