JOIN US FOR
5 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Every First Wednesday of the Month
Bring your family, friends and coworkers for a self-guided tour of the galleries, businesses and restaurants of Downtown’s City-Center on the First Wednesday of every month, rain or shine! Browse works by local artists, enjoy live music from local bands, and grab a bite to eat or a drink in James Weldon Johnson Park.
11/5 november art walk: Día de los muertos celebration
About First Wednesday Art Walk
Downtown Vision has proudly hosted the First Wednesday Art Walk since 2003 to welcome people to DTJax and to celebrate Jacksonville’s creative talent.
Having recently celebrated 20 years, Art Walk has been a long-standing monthly event that has attracted over half a million visitors to Downtown Jacksonville.
Participating Venues
Interested in participating? Send your programming to phoebe@dtjax.org to be included in each month’s list.
James Weldon Johnson Park
135 W. Monroe Street
Every First Wednesday of the month, browse works by local artists, enjoy live music, and grab a bite to eat from the food trucks or a drink inside the park. This month, trick or treat with vendors inside the park!
October’s Food Trucks: Mr. Potato Spread, 904Gyros, Jags Boilers, Twisted Okie BBQ & Tacos and Zoe Shaved Ice
October’s Performances: Groove Coalition on the Main Stage and sounds by DJ Nandi
Artists and food trucks in James Weldon Johnson Park must apply through Downtown Vision.
Special thank you to our friends, Friends of James Weldon Johnson Park!
MOCA Jacksonville
333 North Laura Street
Located just steps away from the historic James Weldon Johnson Park in Downtown Jacksonville is MOCA Jacksonville. Enjoy free admission, vendors, happy hour specials and engage in Made @ MOCA art-making activities tailored for creators of all ages every month during the First Wednesday Art Walk!
October’s Additional Programming: “Jax Contemporary” Artist Talk at 7 p.m.
Special thanks to our friends, MOCA Jacksonville & The University of North Florida!
Southlight Gallery
1 Independent Drive
Located within the Wells Fargo building, lies one of Downtown’s oldest and most established galleries. Stop by each month to discover art in this beloved gallery.
October’s Additional Programming: Admire new works by Michael Dunlap, Pablo Rivera, Paul Karabinis, Mark Howard, Craig Monroe, and Will Dickey.
MAIN PUBLIC LIBRARY
303 North Laura Street
Beyond its collection of books, the Main Public Library is a vibrant hub for the City of Jacksonville, teeming with cultural experiences! Drop by every month to engage with community partners, discover their ever-changing gallery exhibit and enjoy live music performances.
Special thanks to our friends, The Jacksonville Public Library!
First Wednesday Art Walk Map
James Weldon Johnson Park
135 W. Monroe Street
Every First Wednesday of the month, browse works by local artists, enjoy live music, and grab a bite to eat from the food trucks or a drink inside the park. This month, trick or treat with vendors inside the park!
October’s Food Trucks: Mr. Potato Spread, 904Gyros, Jags Boilers, Twisted Okie BBQ & Tacos and Zoe Shaved Ice
October’s Performances: Groove Coalition on the Main Stage and sounds by DJ Nandi
Artists and food trucks in James Weldon Johnson Park must apply through Downtown Vision.
Special thank you to our friends, Friends of James Weldon Johnson Park!
MOCA Jacksonville
333 North Laura Street
Located just steps away from the historic James Weldon Johnson Park in Downtown Jacksonville is MOCA Jacksonville. Enjoy free admission, vendors, happy hour specials and engage in Made @ MOCA art-making activities tailored for creators of all ages every month during the First Wednesday Art Walk!
October’s Additional Programming: “Jax Contemporary” Artist Talk at 7 p.m.
Special thanks to our friends, MOCA Jacksonville & The University of North Florida!
Southlight Gallery
1 Independent Drive
Located within the Wells Fargo building, lies one of Downtown’s oldest and most established galleries. Stop by each month to discover art in this beloved gallery.
October’s Additional Programming: Admire new works by Michael Dunlap, Pablo Rivera, Paul Karabinis, Mark Howard, Craig Monroe, and Will Dickey.
Main Public Library
303 North Laura Street
Beyond its collection of books, the Main Public Library is a vibrant hub for the City of Jacksonville, teeming with cultural experiences! Drop by every month to engage with community partners, discover their ever-changing gallery exhibit and enjoy live music performances.
Special thanks to our friends, The Jacksonville Public Library!
The Lark
229 North Hogan Street
Situated in the heart of Downtown Jacksonville, the Lark is a stunning, historic loft exuding charm. This restored venue and gallery from the 1920s boasts enchanting wrap-around windows that offer picturesque views of James Weldon Johnson park. Be sure to visit during the First Wednesday Art Walk each month, where you can explore an array of vendors, savor delightful libations and immerse yourself in the latest gallery installation.
The Lark will not be programming during October’s Art Walk.
Visit Jacksonville
100 N. Laura Street
Stop by our friends at Visit Jacksonville each month to discover more about the flip side of Florida! Shop with local vendors, indulge in tasting brews from local breweries located on the Ale Trail and more.
Join Visit Jacksonville and Jax Tours for a special Haunted Tour to kick off the month of October! Participants will get to learn some of the spooky history in Downtown Jacksonville.
Special thanks to our friends at Visit Jacksonville!
Laura Street Artists & Vendors
Laura Street
Shop with vendors along Laura Street who celebrate creativity and craftsmanship. You’ll find pieces that reflect the artist’s individual voice and vision.
October’s Programming: Shop with vendors along the street and pop into participating businesses, like Chamblin’s Uptown & Cafe. Experience Nightmare on Laura Street: this Art Walk activation features a full live scare zone on Laura Street, costume fun for kids and funky photo ops.
The Elbow Nightlife District
Various Locations
A collection of more than 20 bars, restaurants and performance venues centered around the historic Florida Theatre in the heart of Downtown Jacksonville. There is something for everyone in The Elbow.
Untitled Art Space: Check out the closing reception for exhibit “Pathways” from 5-9 p.m.
Hardwicks Bar: Join the Downtown Run Club at 6:30 p.m. before cooling off with dancing and drinks inside.
The LaVilla Renaissance
315 W. Forsyth St.
Stop by Indulgence Southern Bistro to discover the LaVilla Renaissance with Mal Jones’ The Lyricist Live and other programming. Enjoy free wine from 5–7 p.m. with DJ Bodie performing on the sidewalk. From 9 to 11 p.m., Art Walk After Dark will feature a small business mixer.
Untitled Art Space
Art space and gallery in Downtown Jacksonville. Check it out on Art Walk night to experience its final exhibit, “Pathways.”
Bay Street Bar & Grill
Laid-back hangout offering a pub grub menu, local beers, billiards & darts in a casual atmosphere. Offers a stand-up open mic every Art Walk Wednesday starting at 6:30 p.m.
The Pillars Club
232 W. Adams St.
Stop by the Pillars Club to enjoy cigars and a drink.
Hardwicks Bar
Welcome to Hardwicks Bar, a vibrant and inclusive LGBTQIA+ bar located in Downtown Jacksonville.
Hardwicks Bar and Arts Collective Theatre are teaming up for four nights of creativity, culture and cocktails. Experience live performance, local art and community energy in Jacksonville’s favorite LGBTQ+ bar every Wednesday in September, starting on September 3rd’s Art Walk.
Ruby Beach Brewing
Ruby Beach Brewing is a Downtown Jacksonville craft brewery celebrated for its inventive beer lineup and versatile event space.
Shop vintage with Thriftnic every Art Walk evening from 6-9 p.m. on the Ruby Beach patio. Looking for the after party? Hit up Ruby Beach for a silent disco after party with Hushhush Jax every Art Walk Wednesday starting at 9 p.m.
41 E. Duval St.
Once home to the legendary Paulus Music Co., 41 E. Duval has been transformed from vacant to vibrant. The building will be opened Art Walk night — explore businesses and projects including Paulus Music Co., Hush Hush Jax, The Petite Jax, KollectJax and Konbini Labo.
Free and open to all, this immersive collaboration honors the building’s artistic legacy while shaping a bold new chapter for creativity and community in Downtown Jacksonville.
Downtown Vision
Pop in for a vibrant and diverse group art exhibition at Downtown Vision. PLAYGROUND is a 2-night-only, pop-up art exhibition, featuring 12 Jacksonville artists, whose work spans painting, drawing, and photography.
CAP Kids (Cathedral Arts Project)
Drop in during Art Walk for happy hour to learn more about CAP Kids initiatives and become a CAPtivator.
The Volstead
The Volstead is a prohibition-style lounge in Downtown Jacksonville, reviving the elegance of jazz, conversation, and expertly crafted classic cocktails.
October Programming: The Volstead is decorated for Halloween and will have tarot card readers in anticipation of the Rocky Horror Picture Show 50th Anniversary Spectacular with Barry Bostwick. Stop by for holiday spook and register to win a pair of tickets to the show on October 14th. Come back the week of October 13th to try new, themed drinks crafted around the show.
Public Art in Downtown
Downtown is filled with amazing murals, sculptures, mosaics and more. Check out the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville’s Public Art Map to learn more about the pieces.
Black Mural Map
Black Mural Map is a public resource created by local artist Kandice Knecole that highlights black muralists, murals currently in progress and helps fund new mural projects around Jacksonville.
#ArtWalkJaX
Tag your photos #ArtWalkJax for a chance to be featured.
Connecting Artists and Businesses
Are you an artist, performer or musician looking to perform at a Downtown venue? Fill out our Art Walk Performer Contact List so that businesses can reach out to you as they build their programming!
Businesses, check out the results of the contact form and connect with local creatives to maximize your attendance on Art Walk days!
Downtown Vision, Inc. (“DVI”), as the producer, maintains its sole discretion to approve or deny any potential vendor, artist, or other participant at First Wednesday Art Walk based on the best interests of the event and its attendees. DVI further reserves the right to engage law enforcement to enforce decisions made in the exercise of this discretion, in compliance with all relevant rules, laws, and regulations.