Blues musicians on stageBlues musicians on stage
Blues Fest takes over at St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church in St. Augustine

WHAT TO DO | ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’; Blues Fest; ‘Carrie: The Musical’

Published on October 22, 2026 at 11:28 am
Free local news and info, in your inbox at 6 a.m. M-F.

A family-friendly movie night in Riverside, a blues fest in St. Augustine and Carrie: The Musical in Arlington are What to Do in the Jacksonville area this weekend.

JaxParks Movie Night: ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’

Friday

Artist Walk | Riverside

Grab your cozy blanket or lawn chair and head down to Riverside for a free outdoor movie night under the Fuller Warren Bridge! The city’s Parks Department is hosting two showings of spooky season classic The Nightmare Before Christmas, 1993’s Halloween-meets-Christmas story following Jack Skellington’s attempt to take over Santa’s job. (Bonus: the late great Catherine O’Hara played Sally.) Food trucks will be on site, plus free popcorn.

Jacksonville Today thanks our sponsors. Become one.

Friday: 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. |718 Riverside Ave. | Free and open to the public | More info 


St. Benedict Blues Festival

All weekend

St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church | St. Augustine 

Three days of live music and home-cooked food are coming to Lincolnville. The annual St. Benedict the Moor Blues Festival spotlights local and regional blues musicians, while the kitchen serves up a different menu each day — fried fish sandwiches on Friday, a BBQ dinner on Saturday, and a Sunday morning brunch. Bring a lawn chair and stay a while. All proceeds support the church’s historic renovation fund. 

Friday and Saturday: 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.; Sunday: 9 a.m. – noon | 86 MLK Ave., St. Augustine | $10/day (Includes parking) | More info

Jacksonville Today thanks our sponsors. Become one.

‘Carrie: The Musical’

All weekend

The 5 & Dime (at The Florida Ballet) | Arlington

Stephen King’s iconic story, first brought to life as a novel more than 50 years ago(!), comes to the stage in a rock-driven musical adaptation. Presented by The 5 & Dime, the production explores the complex, intense bond between Carrie and her mother, brought to life with an angsty rock soundtrack and incredible local talent. (If you love a good spooky season show, this one is an absolute must-see!)

Friday-Saturday: 8 p.m.; Sunday: 2 p.m. | 10131 Atlantic Blvd. | Tickets: $33.85 online/ $35 at door | Tickets and more info



author image Amy Garrett has called Northeast Florida home for 25 years. Born into a military family, she learned early how to be a tourist wherever she is — a mindset that keeps her curious about the Jacksonville area's hidden gems and new experiences. Amy loves festivals of all kinds, exploring nature trails and saying hello to every single dog she meets along the way.