Epic Event Ideas

Looking for an out of the ballroom experience?

Whether you want to throw a kick*ss kickoff or close out your conference with a swanky celebration, Jacksonville’s one-of-a-kind spaces will leave attendees buzzing.

We’ve dreamed up some epic event ideas that are next level. Let’s get immersive.

Splish Splash

EverBank Stadium

One of the most unique fan experiences in all of the NFL is the swimming pools at EverBank Stadium, home of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Throw your group a summer pool party at the stadium’s two-level party deck that includes 16 cabanas and two swimming pools overlooking the field. Turn up the wow and broadcast messaging and announcements on the video boards, which are among the largest in the world. Think asking your attendees to sport a swimsuit is a bit too racy? Keep guests dry and bring in synchronized swimmers, mermaid performers, or lifeguard eye-candy for pool entertainment.

Cocktails & Canvases

Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens

The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens is the largest fine arts museum in Northeast Florida, established in 1958, when art collector Ninah M. H. Cummer gifted the art collection and riverfront home to create the museum. Today, the core collection of 60 pieces from the estate has grown to include nearly 5,000 works of art. Arguably the site’s jewel is the 2.5 acres of historic English and Italian gardens dating back to 1903, set against the backdrop of the St. Johns River. The space is ideal for a sophisticated soiree pairing stunning fine art, breathtaking scenery, and creative culinary. Looking to be a little extra? Go all in on a Bridgerton theme, complete with whimsical costume accessories and dramatic floral accents draped from the majestic live oak branches. Entertain guests with a string quartet playing modern hits, dance tutorials of period dancing and “oil portrait” digital photos.

Sweet Home Jacksonville

Riverfront Plaza

Energize your attendees with your group’s own personal music festival. Jacksonville is the birthplace of many famous musicians and bands, however, it might best be known as the "Birthplace of Southern Rock”. Today, many local bands pay tribute to the storied songs of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Allman Brothers, .38 Special and others. Bring together a rockin’ line-up at Riverfront Plaza, an open green space on the banks of the St. Johns River in the heart of Downtown. For the full festival experience add in food trucks, craft vendors, and interactive elements like a bourbon mixology station, axe throwing trailer, and sangria bartenders staged in a vintage camper.

Glow Getters

Friendship Fountain

Set downtown Jacksonville aglow with a glow theme at Friendship Fountain, an iconic site along the banks of the St. Johns River. The flashy fountain might remind you of the Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas with its size, vibrant colors, and dancing water streams synchronized with lights and music. Scatter the surrounding Riverwalk with light up bars, LED furniture, glow games and other illuminated décor. Extend the shimmer across the river where both adjacent bridges are newly equipped with an LED lighting system that can be color coordinated to the event.

Getting' Down on the Farm

Congaree & Penn

This destination site is a stunning boutique farm, perfect for events, weddings, field to fork dinners, tours and workshops. Guests can casually roam the quaint farm from vineyards to creek to animal paddock. On the open-air patio, complete the scene with jumbo games, beer pong, s’mores bar, and campfires while wandering guitarists and astronomers entertain. Step up the luxury with modern canvas tipi tents, creating cozy lounge spaces.

Ready to make a vision come to life for your event? We’d love to help connect you with the venues and vendors that can make it all happen.

Kelly

Author

Kelly

Local Expert