Come with us on an adventure to Jacksonville’s Riverside! The Riverside Arts Market sits by the beautiful St. Johns River in downtown Jacksonville. It’s a lively spot where artists, small businesses, musicians, food lovers, and locals gather. Every Saturday (From 10am-3pm), it becomes the heart of Riverside, full of life and drawing in people from all over to enjoy its truly unique atmosphere.
In this blog post, we’ll explore Riverside and its surroundings. From the artisan stalls, tasty food, and vibrant community to hidden spots along the river, we will find out what makes this neighborhood special.
What Should You Expect at the Riverside Arts Market?
Riverside Arts Market (RAM) is a place where local artists, craftsmen, musicians, and food vendors come together to create a wonderful shopping & dining atmosphere.
Ambiance
When you arrive at Riverside Arts Market, you will immediately feel the vibrant and friendly vibe. The air hums with an infectious energy. Live music fills the air, providing the perfect environment for your visit.
As you walk around, you will discover a variety of local art, crafts, and unique creations. The people behind these creations are passionate about what they do, and it shows in their work.
Attractions:
Riverside Arts Market is a cultural hub where you can revel in live performances by talented musicians and street artists. The amphitheater style stage is the perfect spot to grab some delicacies from one of the many food trucks or vendors, take a seat and enjoy the variety of entertainment.
You will find everything from Thai, burgers, vegan cuisine, coffee, baked goods, soft pretzels to foods you likely have never even heard of. I highly recommend getting tiny bites from various vendors to really enjoy your foodie-loving experience!
You will also find rows of vendor booths where you get to browse handcrafted jewelry, pottery, art and so much more. RAM is also dog friendly, if you keep your pups on a leash and clean up after them, they are always welcome. You will find various vendors offering pet treats, foods, and toys for your fury family members.
Community Engagement:
One of Riverside Arts Market’s most important roles is bringing the community together. It’s a place where both locals, business owners and visitors can gather, making it easy to strike up conversations and connect with others.
Riverside Arts Market provides a platform for local artisans to showcase their talents, becoming a part of a supportive community. You can dance to local bands, watch impressive performances, or listen to exciting stories – each performance adds a special touch to your market experience.
Every month, RAM highlights the varied talents of local artists. It gives them a stage for self-expression and gives visitors a glimpse into the artistic spirit of the community.
Riverside Arts Market offers fresh farm produce and something for every taste. Support local farmers, explore organic cheeses and jams, or give handcrafted kombucha a shot!
Riverside Arts Market’s Nearby Activities and Events
The lively atmosphere at Riverside Arts Market is just the beginning. If you’re looking for additional activities to complement your visit to Riverside Arts Market, you’re in for a treat! There’s a multitude of engaging options to explore in the neighborhood.
Riverside Bike Tours:
Join a riverside bike ride tour with Art Bikes Jax to explore the history, architecture, and culture of the area.
- Exact Routes and Highlights: Begin your tour at the Riverside Arts Market, under the Fuller Warren Bridge, where local artists and farmers exhibit their goods every Saturday. From there, the route takes you past the historic Five Points area, known for its eclectic mix of shops and the iconic Sun-Ray Cinema.
Your Art Bikes Jax can stop at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens to witness museum’s history and its famed Italian and English gardens.
- Unique Stops: One of the tour’s unique stops includes the Riverside Avondale Preservation (RAP) House for its architectural worth and preservation efforts of the neighborhood.
While you are at it, you must visit the CoRK Arts District too that displays Jacksonville’s growing art scene through fascinating studios and galleries.
Tuk-Tuk Tours:
· Specific Route: We recommend the tuk-tuk tour for a visit to the Stockton Park for views of the St. Johns River, followed by a drive through the Avondale Historic District. You will find splendid Mediterranean revival and colonial homes within.
Additionally, ask for a stop at King Street District that presents a taste of local breweries and dynamic nightlife.
· Personalized Experience: The tuk-tuk tours allow guests to request stops at specific landmarks or local eateries. So, you can pause at Bold Bean Coffee Roasters for a quick coffee or at Hawkers for street-style Asian fare.
Cummer Museum:
· Gardens: The Cummer Museum is located directly next door to RAM and is a great way to begin your day. The 1st Saturday of each month even offers FREE admission! The Cummer Museum is best known for their gorgeous riverfront gardens.
· Exhibits: Even your children will enjoy their visit to the Cummer Museum, with an entire kids’ exploration area with interactive displays. You’ll find everything from classic oil paintings and antique fine China sets to modern & abstract art. And when you need a little break from enjoying the plethora of art displays, step outside and relish the gorgeous river views and gardens.
· Cummer Café: The Cummer Museum also has a quaint a delicious café where you can enjoy lunch during your visit or rent out for a special event. They offer indoor and outdoor dining and a mouthwatering café menu. You can even grab your items and enjoy them in the picturesque gardens for some peaceful time, or a romantic date.
· Cultural Exploration: The Cummer Museum lets you view the vast art collection and art-making workshops for visitors of all ages, from painting to pottery, inspired by the museum’s current displays.
Riverside Craft Beer Festival:
Riverside Craft Beer Festival is a fun & festive community event with an amazing cause.
As you walk around, you will discover a variety of local art, crafts, and unique creations. The people behind these creations are passionate about what they do, and it shows in their work.
Festival Features: Immerse yourself in a world of flavors with more than 100 craft beers from over 50 esteemed local, regional, and national breweries.
- When & Where: Sunday, February 25, 2024, from 1-4 p.m., with early VIP admission available at 12 p.m., at 715 Riverside Avenue, Jacksonville, FL.
- VIP ticket holders will enjoy early access to specialty, limited-quantity brews until they are gone.
- Live Music and Entertainment: The festival’s atmosphere is electrified by live music, with bands playing from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Charity: All proceeds from the festival will benefit Community PedsCare, a nationally recognized program of Community Hospice & Palliative Care that provides comfort, care, and support for children with life-threatening conditions.
Get ready to participate in beer education sessions led by master brewers discussing the brewing process, flavor profiling, and pairing with food. You can also engage in interactive games and contests, like the homebrew competition.
Let’s Explore!
Whether you choose Art Bikes Jax tours to explore the neighborhood, spend your morning strolling up and down the aisles of the Cummer Museum or use eco-friendly tuk-tuk tours to see the city, Riverside Arts Market and the nearby areas have something to captivate you for sure! Also, don’t forget to mark your calendar for the upcoming Riverside Craft Beer Festival to celebrate craft breweries with live music and delicious food from food trucks.
