Jacksonville’s Extraordinary Event Locations

Jacksonville, Florida is home to a variety of world-class venues, from the historic conference center and world-class hotels to beautiful museums. Opportunities to find the perfect meeting or event venue goes beyond those choices with options in some of the city’s top attractions, perfect for private events or large-scale meetings. Discover where planners are preparing their next event in the Flip Side of Florida.

121 Financial Ballpark
One of the premier minor league ballparks in North America, 121 Financial Ballpark (soon to be renamed as VyStar Ballpark) is where fans can enjoy the ultimate game day experience. This ballpark sits on over 9 acres and features a 112,000 square foot field. Project Next, the $31.8 million renovation plan that initiated construction early this year, is expected to be completed in early 2025.

Once complete, the new facilities will include a new video board, enhanced club space, a front board, a centerfield plaza and multilevel building in right field which will offer new banquet and meeting space. Current areas available in the park for events include the turf, the batting cages, the wheelhouse lounge or one of the suites overlooking the playing field. Catering is available from 121 Financial’s in-house chef.

Jacksonville Public Library
Located in Downtown Jacksonville, the Conference Center at the Main Library is one of the city’s most unlikely, but accommodating, meeting venues. Located in the heart of the city, the space offers 20,000 square feet including the Hicks Auditorium, a multipurpose room, a pre-function gallery and cocktail area, the Grand Staircase and Betsey Lovett Courtyard, to name a few. A full service kitchen, audiovisual and furniture are available with any space rented.

Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens
Events come to life at the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens. This award-winning zoo features the only walking safari in Northeast Florida and is a popular attraction for the city’s visitors throughout the year. Opportunities for unique meetings include dinner overlooking the giraffe space or dancing the night away at the Tuscan Riverside Garden. Culinary service is available for venue rentals, with menus curated as needed.

Sweet Pete's
The iconic candy shop and restaurant, Sweet Pete’s, offers private space perfect for meetings and special events. Located in a historic, whimsically decorated building, the entire 3rd floor and rooftop patio space are available for use. Event planners can also choose a more private space with the Fizzies After Hours rental option that features the restaurant’s bubbly back room. Both rental options feature fun, interactive add-on options to sweeten any event.

Jax Ale Trail
Over 25 craft breweries are featured on the Jax Ale Trail, celebrating its 10th anniversary this December, a few of which are top-notch event venues. While touring each stop along the trail, visitors can plan a gathering at these hoppin’ breweries:

• Intuition Ale Works — Private taproom space and rooftop rentals are available for either for a semi-private function or full buyout. The Bier Hall is also available for larger groups and features 5,000 square feet of climate-controlled space with a private bar, restrooms and stage.
• Ruby Beach Brewing Company — Another amazing brewery to grab a drink or hold a happening, Ruby Beach offers several options for rentals. Planners can rent the second floor, lawn, lounge or full venue in 4 hour blocks with extended hours available.
• Aardwolf Taproom & Brewery — Located in a 1920s renovated ice house in the heart of the San Marco neighborhood, Aardwolf offers rental options to enjoy an event in their rustic and historic setting with indoor and outdoor space

Beyond the Venues
Jacksonville is home to industry leaders and innovators who are available to share their expertise with visiting groups. Meeting planners can find cutting edge organizations in aviation & aerospace, finance, technology, logistics and more in Jax who can offer supplemental speakers for meetings and conventions. Strategic collaboration between a visiting conference and local organizations can yield new potentials to professional relationships and create a lasting legacy for meetings opportunities. Learn more about how to connect with Jacksonville’s knowledge network on Visit Jacksonville’s website.