25 Top Things to Do in Jacksonville in November (Events, Festivals & Activities)

November is a lively time to explore Jacksonville, with comfortable days for outdoor activities, community festivals and the first holiday celebrations of the season. From the Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair and neighborhood music festivals to waterfront walks and seasonal light displays, there are plenty of ways to plan a memorable visit.

The month's calendar includes major events, local arts experiences and holiday celebrations that begin around Thanksgiving. Families can also find special offers at participating Jacksonville attractions through a local November promotion.

Whether you're planning a weekend getaway, looking for activities with children or building a fall itinerary, here are 25 things to do in Jacksonville in November 2026.

November Events in Jacksonville at a Glance

Use this roundup to find festivals, cultural events and seasonal celebrations scheduled throughout November. Event times, admission requirements and programming can change, so check the latest details before visiting.

1. Experience the Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair

November 5–15, 2026

The Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair is one of the month's major family events. In 2026, the fair moves to its new home at the Jacksonville Festival & Fairgrounds, located at 13601 Normandy Boulevard on Jacksonville's Westside.

Expect classic fair attractions alongside agricultural exhibits, livestock shows, arts and crafts, marketplace vendors, live entertainment and plenty of fair food. Families can spend time on the Midway, explore exhibits and check the entertainment schedule for concerts and special performances.

With multiple days of activities, the fair offers several opportunities to visit. Check the calendar and ticket options before choosing your date.

2. Explore Downtown Art Walk

November 4, 2026

Downtown Art Walk takes place on the first Wednesday of each month, bringing local art, vendors, food trucks and entertainment to the downtown area.

Start around James Weldon Johnson Park and explore the surrounding streets, where you can discover local artists, browse creative work and enjoy downtown Jacksonville's atmosphere. The event is a useful option for visitors who want to experience the city's arts scene without planning an entire day around a single attraction.

Art Walk is generally free to attend, although purchases from vendors and food businesses cost extra.

3. Listen to Live Music at Jacksonville PorchFest

November 7, 2026

Historic Springfield hosts Jacksonville PorchFest, a community music festival featuring musicians performing from front porches and other neighborhood spaces.

Visitors can walk between performance locations, discover local bands and enjoy food vendors, art and the character of Springfield's historic streets. The festival is also an opportunity to explore a neighborhood known for its historic architecture and community atmosphere.

Check the event information for confirmed performance times, parking details and any special programming.

4. Sample Treats at the Jacksonville Chocolate & Coffee Festival

November 21–22, 2026

Chocolate and coffee fans can spend a weekend sampling specialty treats at the Jacksonville Chocolate & Coffee Festival at the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center.

The event brings together vendors featuring chocolate, coffee, baked goods, gourmet treats and other specialty products. Visitors can shop, sample offerings and explore activities planned for the festival.

The festival is scheduled for Saturday, November 21, and Sunday, November 22. Check the event's current schedule for operating hours, ticket requirements and any special admission options.

5. Shop for Handmade Gifts at Christmas Made in the South

November 27–29, 2026

Start holiday shopping at Christmas Made in the South, an arts and crafts show at the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center.

Browse handmade gifts, decorative items, crafts and artwork from participating exhibitors. It's a useful stop for shoppers who want to find something different from mass-produced gifts or support independent makers.

The event runs over Thanksgiving weekend, making it an option for visitors looking for an indoor activity between holiday meals and other plans. Check event hours and admission information before visiting.

6. Celebrate the Holidays at Jacksonville Holiday River Fest

November 28, 2026

Jacksonville Holiday River Fest brings several seasonal traditions together along the St. Johns River in downtown Jacksonville.

The event includes holiday activities at Riverfront Plaza, the city's Christmas tree lighting, the Jacksonville Light Boat Parade and a fireworks display. Visitors can enjoy festive entertainment, food and views of decorated boats traveling along the river.

The Christmas tree lighting is scheduled for 6:25 p.m., with the Light Boat Parade beginning at 6:30 p.m. and fireworks planned for approximately 8:30 p.m. Check event updates before traveling, as schedules may change.

Arrive early if you want to find a viewing spot along the waterfront.

7. See the Holiday Lights at ZOOLights

Select dates beginning November 20, 2026

ZOOLights returns to the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens with seasonal light displays, interactive experiences, festive treats and opportunities for holiday photos.

The event is a different way to experience the zoo after a daytime visit, with illuminated displays providing a festive backdrop for an evening out.

ZOOLights takes place on select dates, so confirm the operating calendar and ticket requirements before planning your visit.

8. Visit Deck the Chairs at Jacksonville Beach

Beginning November 25, 2026

Deck the Chairs transforms the Seawalk Pavilion area in Jacksonville Beach with creatively decorated lifeguard chairs illuminated for the holiday season.

The community display combines coastal style with festive lights, offering a relaxed way to enjoy the beginning of the holidays. Visitors can stroll through the display, take photos and look for performances or other activities listed on the event schedule.

The display is free and open to the public. Check the current schedule for lighting hours and special programming.

9. Discover Glowing Gardens at the Jacksonville Arboretum

Beginning November 27, 2026

Glowing Gardens brings seasonal illumination to the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, offering a holiday-themed experience in a natural setting.

The display is a good option for visitors who want to combine outdoor scenery with an evening seasonal event. Check the current event details for operating dates, timed entry and admission information.

The Arboretum also has walking trails and natural areas to explore during regular daytime visits, making it worth considering outside the holiday event.

10. Browse the Riverside Arts Market

The Riverside Arts Market is a regular Saturday destination for local art, handmade goods, food and live music.

Located beneath the Fuller Warren Bridge near the St. Johns River, the market brings together artists, makers, food vendors and visitors looking to spend time outdoors. Browse the stalls, sample local food and discover items from Jacksonville-area businesses.

The market generally operates on Saturdays, but check its calendar before visiting on a holiday weekend.

11. Explore the North Beaches Art Walk

The North Beaches Art Walk takes place in Beaches Town Center, where Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach meet.

Browse local artists and vendors, visit nearby boutiques and stop at a restaurant or café. The event offers a different atmosphere from downtown Jacksonville's Art Walk, with a coastal neighborhood setting and opportunities to explore the surrounding beach communities.

Check the November event calendar for the confirmed date and hours.

12. Walk the Southbank Riverwalk

The Southbank Riverwalk offers views across the St. Johns River toward downtown Jacksonville.

Take a walk along the waterfront, enjoy the skyline and look for places to pause and take photos. The route also makes it easy to combine sightseeing with nearby restaurants, parks and attractions.

November's milder weather can make a riverside stroll a comfortable way to spend part of the day. If you're visiting during Holiday River Fest, the riverfront is also an important area for viewing the seasonal festivities.

13. See Friendship Fountain

Friendship Fountain is a well-known waterfront landmark on Jacksonville's Southbank.

Visit the surrounding park area for views of the river and downtown skyline. The fountain can be combined with a Southbank Riverwalk outing or other nearby stops.

Fountain operations and lighting schedules may vary, so check current information if the water and light display is a main reason for your visit.

14. Explore the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens

The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens combines art collections with landscaped gardens overlooking the St. Johns River.

Visitors can explore the museum's galleries, see works from different periods and spend time in the outdoor garden spaces when open. It offers a quieter alternative to festivals and large seasonal events.

Check current exhibits, admission details and opening hours before your visit. Families should also review the museum's schedule for any November workshops or special programming.

15. Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville

Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville, commonly known as MOCA Jacksonville, showcases modern and contemporary art in the heart of downtown.

Explore changing exhibitions and look for programs designed for families, students and adults. It can be paired with Downtown Art Walk or other nearby attractions for an arts-focused day in Jacksonville.

Check current exhibitions, admission policies and opening hours before visiting.

16. Spend a Day at Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a popular family attraction with animal habitats, botanical areas and opportunities to learn about wildlife.

Plan time to explore the grounds at your own pace, and check the schedule for any special exhibits or seasonal activities during your visit.

Families can also check whether the zoo participates in current Kids Free November offers. Promotion eligibility, age limits and ticket requirements should be confirmed before booking.

For an evening visit, check the ZOOLights calendar separately, as the seasonal event operates on select dates.

17. Visit Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary

Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary provides a chance to learn about rescued big cats and the sanctuary's animal care mission.

Visitors can learn about the animals and the sanctuary's work during scheduled tours. Follow all visitor instructions and observe animals from designated areas.

The sanctuary has previously participated in local family promotions. Check its current admission policies and any November offers directly before planning your visit.

18. Save on Select Family Activities During Kids Free November

November 1–30, 2026

Families visiting Jacksonville in November can look for special offers through Kids Free November, a local promotion featuring participating attractions and businesses throughout the Jacksonville area.

Depending on the participant, offers may include free admission for eligible children or other family discounts. Participating locations set their own eligibility rules, age limits and redemption requirements, so check the details before planning your visit.

Important: Kids Free November is a Jacksonville-area promotion. Offers apply only at participating locations and should not be assumed to apply to attractions outside the program.

If you're planning a family trip around several destinations in Florida, review each attraction's admission options separately.

19. Explore Historic Springfield

Historic Springfield is worth visiting even when PorchFest isn't taking place.

The neighborhood just north of downtown is known for its historic homes, tree-lined streets and local businesses. Spend time appreciating the architecture, exploring the area on foot and discovering cafés or restaurants nearby.

If you're visiting on the date of Jacksonville PorchFest, you can combine a neighborhood outing with the festival. At other times, Springfield offers a quieter way to explore a different side of the city.

20. Spend a Day at Jacksonville Beach

November can be a good time to enjoy Jacksonville's beaches without the peak summer heat.

Walk along the shoreline, watch the waves, take photos or enjoy a meal near the coast. While the water may be cooler than during summer, beach walks and outdoor sightseeing can still be enjoyable.

Check the weather and surf conditions before heading out, and follow local beach safety guidance. If you're visiting later in the month, add Deck the Chairs to your plans for a seasonal display near the beach.

21. Explore Little Talbot Island State Park

Little Talbot Island State Park offers coastal scenery, beach walks, trails and opportunities to experience Florida's natural environment.

It's an option for visitors who want a break from the city and enjoy walking, photography or birdwatching. Bring water, comfortable shoes and sun protection, and follow posted guidance about wildlife and beach conditions.

The park is a good addition to a Northeast Florida itinerary, especially for travelers who want to combine Jacksonville's urban attractions with time outdoors.

22. Go for a Nature Walk at the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

Outside of Glowing Gardens, the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens offers walking trails through woodland habitats and around a small lake.

Explore the trails at your own pace, look for native plants and enjoy a quieter outdoor setting. It's a useful activity for visitors who want to spend time in nature without committing to a long drive out of the city.

Check the Arboretum's hours, admission information and any special-event restrictions before visiting.

23. Explore the Jacksonville Riverfront and Downtown

Downtown Jacksonville offers a mix of waterfront views, public spaces, restaurants and cultural attractions.

Plan a walk around the riverfront, explore nearby parks and find a place to eat. If you're visiting toward the end of November, you can also check the schedule for holiday programming and seasonal events.

Downtown is a convenient starting point for combining several attractions, especially if you're attending Art Walk or Holiday River Fest.

24. Plan a Holiday-Themed Weekend in Jacksonville

If you're visiting in the second half of November, consider building an itinerary around the start of the holiday season.

You could browse the Jacksonville Chocolate & Coffee Festival on November 21–22, visit Deck the Chairs beginning November 25, or shop at Christmas Made in the South from November 27–29. On November 28, downtown's Holiday River Fest brings together the Christmas tree lighting, Light Boat Parade and fireworks.

These events take place at different locations, so allow time for travel and parking. Check each event's schedule before deciding how much to fit into a single day.

25. Plan a Family Getaway Beyond Jacksonville

If you're visiting Jacksonville for several days, you might consider extending your Florida trip with an overnight stay elsewhere in the state.

For families who enjoy theme parks and LEGO® experiences, LEGOLAND® Florida Resort in Winter Haven offers a different kind of outing, with LEGO®-themed rides, attractions, shows and hands-on activities. It's several hours by car from Jacksonville, depending on traffic, so it's best planned as part of a longer trip rather than a quick local stop.

The resort's seasonal Christmas Bricktacular begins on select dates November 21, 2026. The event features LEGO Santa, festive displays, character experiences and holiday entertainment, with admission included in regular Theme Park admission on event dates.

If you're planning to include the resort in a broader Florida itinerary, explore LEGOLAND® Florida Resort tickets and LEGOLAND® Florida Resort accommodations before choosing your travel dates.

Plan Your November Visit to Jacksonville

From neighborhood festivals and the Jacksonville Fair to outdoor adventures and the first holiday light displays, November offers plenty of ways to experience Jacksonville and Northeast Florida.

Check event calendars before you go, compare local family offers if you're traveling with children, and leave time to explore neighborhoods beyond downtown. If your Florida vacation includes other destinations, you can also plan a longer trip to LEGOLAND® Florida Resort in Winter Haven for LEGO® attractions and Christmas Bricktacular on select dates.

With a little planning, you can build a November itinerary around local culture, family activities, seasonal celebrations and the places that make Jacksonville distinctive.