Fall & Thanksgiving Events in Jacksonville and St. Augustine: November 2026

November brings plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy Northeast Florida. From fair rides and neighborhood music festivals to Thanksgiving morning runs and sparkling waterfront celebrations, there’s something for just about every kind of weekend.

Whether you’re making plans with friends or entertaining family over Thanksgiving, here are eight events around Jacksonville and St. Augustine to add to your calendar.

1. Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair

Fair food, midway rides, agricultural exhibits, and live entertainment make this a classic fall outing. Take note of the new location: this year’s fair takes place on Normandy Boulevard on Jacksonville’s Westside.

• Dates: November 5–15, 2026

• Location: Jacksonville Festival & Fairgrounds, 13601 Normandy Boulevard, Jacksonville

• Gate opening times:

  • 5 p.m.: November 5, 9, 10, and 12

  • 3 p.m.: November 6 and 13

  • Noon: November 7, 8, 11, 14, and 15

• Admission: Ticketed; ride packages and special promotions vary.

These are gate opening times; check the daily schedule for individual attractions and entertainment. Fair details and tickets.

2. Holiday Craft & Garden Market — St. Augustine

Get an early start on seasonal decorating and gift shopping at the Garden Club of St. Augustine’s first Holiday Craft & Garden Market. Browse handmade crafts, seasonal plants, floral arrangements, baked goods, and gifts for the gardeners on your list.

• Dates: Friday and Saturday, November 6–7, 2026

• Time: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. each day

• Location: Garden Club of St. Augustine, 3440 Old Moultrie Road, St. Augustine

• Admission: Free

This is an easy daytime outing for anyone who enjoys finding something handmade for their home or holiday table. Market details.

3. Jacksonville PorchFest — Historic Springfield

Historic Springfield’s porches become performance spaces during this free neighborhood music festival. Enjoy more than 20 live bands, food trucks, craft beer, and an arts market while exploring one of Jacksonville’s historic communities.

• Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026

• Time: Noon–8 p.m.

• Location: Participating porches and parks throughout Historic Springfield, just north of Downtown Jacksonville

• Admission: Free

The festival is family friendly, and well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome. Check the event map before arriving to plan your walk between performances. PorchFest details and map.

4. Friendsgiving Fountain — Jacksonville

Celebrate the season with Thanksgiving-inspired food and an evening along the river. Friendsgiving Fountain brings together food trucks serving holiday favorites and seasonal treats, plus live music beside Friendship Fountain.

• Date: Saturday, November 21, 2026

• Time: 4–9 p.m.

• Location: Friendship Fountain, 1015 Museum Circle, Jacksonville

Invite a few friends, sample something festive, and enjoy the downtown skyline before the busy Thanksgiving week begins. Food and beverage purchases are separate. Friendsgiving event details.

5. Light-Up! Night & Nights of Lights — St. Augustine

Thanksgiving week also marks the beginning of one of St. Augustine’s signature seasonal traditions. Light-Up! Night kicks off Nights of Lights with entertainment and the ceremonial illumination of the historic district.

• Opening date: Saturday, November 21, 2026

• Opening-night festivities: 4–7:30 p.m.

• Lighting ceremony: Approximately 6:30 p.m.

• Location: Plaza de la Constitución and surrounding historic downtown St. Augustine

• Admission: Free to view the lights; tours and other experiences are separately priced.

Can’t make opening night? The display continues nightly through January 18, 2027, giving you more opportunities to plan an evening stroll with Thanksgiving guests. Nights of Lights details.

6. UF Health Jacksonville’s Turkey Trot — Atlantic Beach

Start Thanksgiving morning with a coastal run supporting brain injury awareness and care. The event offers several 5K starting waves, a sensory-friendly start, and a one-mile option.

• Date: Thursday, November 26, 2026 — Thanksgiving Day

• Location: Dune House Hotel & Spa, 1 Ocean Boulevard, Atlantic Beach

• Start times:

  • 7:30 a.m.: Competitive 5K

  • 7:45 a.m.: 8–12-minute pace wave

  • 8 a.m.: 13-minute pace and slower wave

  • 8:10 a.m.: Sensory-friendly 5K

  • 9 a.m.: One-mile event

• Admission: Paid race registration required.

It’s a chance to create a Thanksgiving tradition while supporting a local cause. Race details and registration.

7. Shut Up and Run 5K — St. Augustine

Prefer to spend Thanksgiving morning closer to St. Augustine? This annual race at Treaty Park combines a morning workout with support for local charities, including St. Francis House, Ancient City Roadrunners, and Don’s Friends.

• Date: Thursday, November 26, 2026 — Thanksgiving Day

• Time: Race starts at 8 a.m.; event listing runs through 10:30 a.m.

• Location: Treaty Park, 1595 Wildwood Drive, St. Augustine

• Admission: Paid race registration required.

Get your morning moving before heading home for Thanksgiving dinner. Race details and registration.

8. Jacksonville Holiday River Fest & Light Boat Parade

Keep the celebration going through Thanksgiving weekend with a festive evening on the St. Johns River. Holiday River Fest brings together the city’s Christmas tree lighting, decorated boats, and a fireworks finale.

• Date: Saturday, November 28, 2026

• Location: Riverfront Plaza, 2 West Independent Drive, Jacksonville; boat viewing also available along the downtown Northbank and Southbank Riverwalks

• Schedule:

  • 5 p.m.: Festivities begin

  • 6:25 p.m.: Christmas tree lighting

  • 6:30 p.m.: Light Boat Parade begins

  • Approximately 8:30 p.m.: Fireworks finale

Make an evening of it with visiting family and enjoy Jacksonville from the waterfront. River Fest details.

Make a Little Room for Local Fun

Between planning the menu and getting ready for guests, leave a little space on your November calendar to enjoy the community. A neighborhood concert, a Thanksgiving morning run, or an evening along the waterfront might become your next favorite tradition.

Event information was checked November 1, 2026. All times are Eastern. Schedules, admission prices, and weather plans may change; check the linked event pages before heading out.