Published on May 6, 2026 at 9:22 pm
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A luau-themed evening in Downtown Jacksonville, a self-guided garden tour in Riverside and Avondale, and a celebration of Ukrainian cuisine in Mandarin are What to Do this weekend in Jacksonville.
After Hours at JWJ Park: Luau Night
Friday
James Weldon Johnson Park | Downtown
Unwind after the work week at James Weldon Johnson Park with the launch of a new After Hours series. The inaugural event is Luau themed (just in time for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month), and promises to turn the Downtown space into an island getaway complete with tropical drinks, food trucks, music and vendors.
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6 p.m- 9 p.m. | 135 W. Monroe St. | Free to attend | More info
6th Annual Riverside Avondale Garden Tour
Saturday
Multiple locations | Riverside and Avondale
Take an exclusive look behind the hedges and garden gates of historic Riverside and Avondale during the 6th annual RAP Garden Tour. The self-guided tour showcases diverse private yards and exterior landscapes, offering a chance to speak directly with homeowners, volunteers, and Master Gardeners for expert advice on landscape design and local gardening. It’s the perfect thing to bring your mom (or wife/daughter/sister/mom-like figure) to this Mother’s Day weekend! Take it from a mom: Moms love this kind of thing.
10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Pick up your tour brochure at Riverside Avondale Preservation, 2623 Herschel St. | Tickets: $20 in advance, $25 the day of the event; Kids under 13 are free | Tickets and more info
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Borscht Festival
Saturday
Tommy Hazouri Park | Mandarin
The Borscht Festival is a chance to taste traditional Ukrainian cuisine and enjoy live music and all-around good vibes outdoors. The event centers on a borscht cooking competition, allowing you to sample different variations of the beloved soup, meet the makers and enjoy an afternoon in the park.
Noon | Tommy Hazouri Sr. Park. | Free and open to the public | More info
