Guide to all things JAX Pride

From eclectic shopping to vibrant murals and prideful events, Jacksonville welcomes LGBTQ+ visitors.

Jacksonville welcomes LGBTQ+ visitors to discover the quaint neighborhoods and beautiful beaches that make our city a destination for all. In fact, we’re so prideful, we celebrate it twice – in June and October!

Photo by: Ken McCray

The bustling Five Points area, historic Riverside Avondale, Springfield, Murray Hill and San Marco are a few of the popular neighborhoods within the LGBTQ+ community. Explore art galleries, upscale and thrift shopping and plenty of great dining hot spots too. If you’re ready for the beach, visit the Beaches Town Center for casual dining, Sunday brunch options steps from the ocean and local shopping. Stop in at the Lemon Bar for a frozen concoction while you soak up the sunshine.

Have fun discovering a welcoming city ready to help you create memories and the perfect getaway.

Jacksonville’s LGBTQ+ community is a thriving community within the city and home to passionate residents ready to welcome all to Northeast Florida. Visitors can expect to find a city carving its own path in progressive ways. Take a look at some of the like-minded businesses, attractions and events you’ll find during your time in Jacksonville.

Pride Events

While Jacksonville does celebrate pride in June with special events and activities, it’s celebrated again each October. Pride parades and community events bring together local businesses, corporations and residents to celebrate. Many events are organized by Jax River City Pride, a nonprofit, all volunteer organization inspired to make a long-lasting impact in Jacksonville’s LGBTQ+ community.

River City Pride Pageant- August 25th at Friday Musicale
River City Pride Parade- September 29th in Riverside Avondale
River City Pride Festival- October 5th

An array of pride flags are hung near the concert stage during a River City Pride event.

Nightlife

A few notable LGBTQ+ owned businesses in Jacksonville include InCahoots, not far from the Five Points area. With four bars, karaoke nights, drag entertainment and plenty of dancing too, this LGBTQ+ safe place is one of the most popular nightlife spots. Relax with a drink and make new friends at the Park Place Lounge in Riverside or Hardwicks Bar in Downtown. In Murray Hill, relax on the patio at the Boot Rack Saloon, a cozy neighborhood gay bar welcoming all.

Bread & Board

Owners Jonathan Cobbs and Chef Dwayne Beliakoff offer a unique dining experience at the Bread and Board with two locations in Jacksonville allowing diners to choose from a variety of sandwiches and ‘boards’ perfect for grazing and pairing with beer and wine. Their Sunday Brunch is a popular hot spot for mimosas and catching up with friends. If you visit the Downtown location, be sure to wander through the adjacent Bread & Board Provisions shop and grab a drink at the rooftop bar at Estrella Cocina.

Shopping

Spend the afternoon shopping at fashion designer Bobby Kelley’s BobbyK Boutique just north of Downtown Jacksonville in the Springfield neighborhood. The shop is home to men and women’s apparel, custom artwork, graphics and home décor. You’ll find kitschy souvenirs, candles featuring pop culture figures, home accessories and more. This LGBTQ+ owned business is a ‘must visit’ for finding great gifts.

For more shopping, the vibrant Five Points community features vintage shops, antique stores and boutiques with creative apparel and home furnishings.

Riverside Arts Market

The weekly Riverside Arts Market welcomes all to shop local arts/crafts vendors, dine at one of the many food trucks parked along the St. Johns River and enjoy live music on the riverfront stage.

Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens

Also in Riverside, the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, home to the largest fine art museum in Northeast Florida, frequently hosts LGBTQ+ events and welcomes all to their programs including art classes and garden tours. The thought provoking Culture & Conversation series explores meaningful dialogue with diverse audiences and connecting community members to the arts.

Is there a business we missed? A great pride event we should calendar? To share any info feel free to drop us a line at marketing@visitjacksonville.com.

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