The first of Downtown's three biggest annual weekends will get an early start this year when Halloween ushers in the Florida-Georgia football game celebration Thursday evening.
Michael Chambliss, director of marketing at the Landing, said Florida-Georgia weekend; the four-day Thanksgiving holiday with the Lighted Boat Parade along the St. Johns River and the lighting of the Christmas tree; and the combined Gator Bowl and New Year's Eve festivities draw the most visitors to the Downtown riverfront each year.
Chambliss said it's difficult to get an accurate count of how many people will celebrate the college football classic Downtown this weekend, but the best estimate is about 30,000, based on past experience.
"Florida-Georgia is one of the top three weekends of the year. It's a close call with the Gator Bowl, depending on the team selection," Chambliss said.
The Landing is sponsoring what's billed as "North Florida's Biggest Halloween Party" from 7 p.m. to midnight Thursday. Chambliss said a $1,000 cash prize will be awarded for the best costume.
Doors open at 6 p.m. Thursday for a concert by country music singer Thomas Rhett at Mavericks Rock N' Honky Tonk.
Also along the river, the city is presenting "Haunted Harbor," an outdoor party and costume contest at Metropolitan Park.
Friday, in addition to the stage in the courtyard, a stage will be set up near the Landing at Hogan Street. Live music will begin at Fionn MacCool's Irish Pub and Restaurant at 5:30 p.m.
Live music begins on the courtyard stage at 7 p.m. Friday and Mavericks has scheduled at 8 p.m. a Florida-Georgia pep rally and dance party.
The Florida-Georgia Block Party and BBQ Competition will take over A. Philip Randolph Boulevard near Veterans Memorial Arena and the Baseball Grounds from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday. Cousin Catfish's Pigskin Jamboree featuring Corey Smith and Sister Hazel begins at 8 p.m. Friday at the Shipyards along East Bay Street.
Saturday's activities kick off at 9 a.m. with Community First Saturday along the Northbank Riverwalk.
Tony Allegretti, director of downtown engagement for the JAX Chamber, said the November edition of the monthly event will have a somewhat different format.
"Community First Saturday is always kid-friendly, but it's Florida-Georgia. This month we'll have a more adult, party atmosphere," he said.
The café area along the river will be expanded and Community First Saturday will wrap up early at 3:30 p.m. to allow visitors to watch the game, he said.
For fans who can't get a ticket to watch the Gators versus the Bulldogs at EverBank Field, the Landing will show the game at 3:30 p.m. on the big screen in the courtyard.
Chambliss said after the game, the party will continue on both stages at the Landing, at Fionn MacCool's and at Mavericks.
As if the weekend needed a final flourish, the clock will roll back 60 minutes when Eastern Standard Time goes into effect at 2 a.m. Sunday morning, allowing an extra hour for the party to continue.
For more information about the weekend's events, visit flga.org, jacksonvillelanding.com and downtownjacksonville.org.
(904) 356-2466