WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE BEACHES

Your quick guide to discovering what’s happening around the Beaches

Ready for a little local inspiration? This week, we’re meeting the people behind a pumpkin patch that gives back, helping you find a spot to cheer on the Jags, and rounding up a few ways to make the most of the weekend.

From Oktoberfest by the ocean to live music and a free fall festival, there’s plenty to discover around the Beaches.

Let’s get out there and discover something local! 🌊

This week’s newsletter is sponsored by P.A.C.K. Fitness

Follow P.A.C.K. Fitness on Instagram →

Were you on the edge of your seat last Sunday? We sure were! 😱

With just 8 seconds left in London, the Eagles kicked a field goal to take a 17–16 lead. Then Ameer Abdullah took the kickoff and ran it back 53 yards, leaving 1 second on the clock for one final play…

…and Cam Little drilled a 57-yard field goal as time expired. JAGS WIN, 19–17! 🎉

Yes, we jumped out of our seats too. 🙌 Little called it “the coolest moment of my career,” and Jacksonville has been buzzing ever since. Now the 4–1 Jags head back to London for Round 2 against the Houston Texans this Sunday. Scroll down to find out where to cheer them on!

A local story worth celebrating this fall

Rows of orange, plenty of helping hands and a tradition with real heart.

Drive down San Pablo Road this month and you may spot a sea of orange at Isle of Faith United Methodist Church. For more than 25 years, this pumpkin patch has been a multigenerational church tradition.

🙌 Many Hands, One Patch

Church members volunteer to host the patch, joined by students from Duval, Clay and St. Johns counties, Scout troops, local cheerleading groups, high school ROTC groups, UNF students and other community members.

Eligible students can even earn community service hours toward Bright Futures scholarships.

💛 Every Pumpkin Gives Back

Donations support 14 missions, including local ministries and sister churches in the Dominican Republic, India and Cuba. As the hand-painted sign says, these pumpkins really do make a world of difference. 🎃

👑 Meet the Pumpkin Queen

The patch is coordinated by Teresa Friley, affectionately known as the “Pumpkin Queen.” Rich Scott, who shared the story of this tradition with us, was all smiles at the welcome table (that’s him above!).

Why We Picked It: Come for a pumpkin, stay for the people. It’s an easy fall outing for the whole family, and every visit supports good work close to home and around the world.

Isle of Faith United Methodist Church Pumpkin Patch

📍 1821 San Pablo Road S, Jacksonville, FL 32224

Open daily through Saturday, October 31

Monday–Friday: 1:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Sunday: 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.

Tuesday’s rocket launch lit up the sky over the Beaches

Early risers got a jaw-dropping treat on Tuesday morning! 🚀

At 6:33 a.m., a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, and its glowing plume put on a spectacular show for everyone on the sand just before sunrise. 🌅

Where it’s headed: The mission, NASA’s SpaceX CRS-35, is carrying more than 6,300 pounds of science and supplies to the International Space Station, including the station’s final pair of new roll-out solar arrays. The Dragon spacecraft is scheduled to arrive at the station around 11 a.m. today, Thursday, Oct. 15.

Did you catch it? Next time a launch is scheduled around sunrise, it’s worth setting an alarm!

October 16–18

YOUR WEEKEND STARTS HERE

🍴 FOOD & DRINK • FREE ENTRY

Friday, October 16 • 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Saturday, October 17 • 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM

📍 Latham Plaza & SeaWalk Pavilion, 11 1st St N • Jacksonville Beach

Prost! The 11th annual Oktoberfest by the ocean brings live music, German beer and food. All ages are welcome; you’ll need a 21+ ticket to drink.

Event details →

🎶 MUSIC & ARTS

Saturday, October 17 • 8:00 PM (doors 6:30 PM)

📍 Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, 1050 A1A N • Ponte Vedra Beach

Turn it up! Jacksonville’s own Southern rockers take the stage with special guest Red Magnolia. Tickets $34–$63.

Event details →

🎶 MUSIC & ARTS

Sunday, October 18 • 2:00 PM

📍 Wick N Twisted, 320 9th Ave N • Jacksonville Beach

Get crafty! Paint a spooky or fall-themed wine glass and pour your own candle. $50.

Event details →

🎈 FAMILY & FUN • FREE

Sunday, October 18 • 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

📍 One Church Jax Beach, 324 N 5th St • Jacksonville Beach

Costumes on! Inflatables, a petting zoo, games, food and candy for kids of all ages.

Event details →

🏈 Jaguars vs. Texans

9:30 AM ET • Live from London
📍 Your favorite local Beaches spot

Local spots are opening early for the game. Follow @beachliving904 on Instagram and Facebook to see where, and cheer local!

That’s just a taste! There are lots more events happening around the Beaches this weekend, from farmers markets and yoga in the park to live music and family fun. Check the website for even more great things to do.

A little piece of local history you may not know.

Picture this: it’s the early 1900s, and hotel guests at Atlantic Beach are going “automobiling” right along the shore—racing included! 🚗🌊

It all started in 1901, when Henry Flagler opened the Continental Hotel, a sprawling wooden oceanfront resort along the Mayport Branch of his Florida East Coast Railway.

Guests came for two of the area’s first golf courses, an 800-foot ocean pier for fishing and, of course, those cars on the sand.

The hotel was renamed the Atlantic Beach Hotel in 1913 and burned down in 1919. A second hotel later rose on the same site, and today a Florida historical marker tells the story.

Next time you’re on the sand in Atlantic Beach, picture those early cars cruising by!

There’s always something happening at the Beaches.

Hosting something? Local businesses, organizations and community members can submit events for free.

Thanks for reading, sharing, and supporting the local places that make our Beaches special.

I hope you discover somewhere new, meet a neighbor, or find a new favorite spot this weekend.

Have fun out there—and as always, shop local, dine local, and support local!

— Mary

Beach Living Media | Beach Living 904