Free events in Fernandina Beach, FL

People who have been affected by another person's drinking can find support at the S.O.S. Al-Anon Family Group in Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island. This open weekly gathering at the Alachua Club offers a confidential, no cost setting where those attending for the first time are welcome. Al-Anon is a mutual support fellowship for relatives and friends of people with alcohol problems. It is separate from AA and is not intended for the person who is drinking. Participants talk about what they have lived through and what has helped them cope, which can reduce feelings of isolation, build understanding, and encourage healthier responses in daily life. Whether the drinker in your life is actively using, sober, in recovery, unwilling to seek help, or no longer present, you can explore practical support, perspective, and hope here. Observers may attend too, including professionals, healthcare workers, students, journalists, and others interested in learning how alcohol affects families and loved ones. The meeting space is accessible. S.O.S. AFG #2564, North Florida District 3.

At Beaches Organic Community Garden on the east side of Jarboe Park in Neptune Beach, an open house and community workday welcomes visitors to tour the garden, chat with the gardeners, and learn about the space. Weather permitting, volunteers can help with group projects or lend a hand by mowing, watering, and weeding. Families are welcome, and children can take part by painting signs, planting seeds, and watering plants. Wear comfortable outdoor clothing, a hat, and closed toe shoes or boots, bring work gloves if you have them, and bring water to drink.

People whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking are welcome at this open Al-Anon Family Group meeting in Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island. Hosted by the S.O.S. Al-Anon Family Group at the Alachua Club, the gathering offers a free, confidential setting where relatives and friends of alcoholics can hear from others, share as they feel comfortable, and learn practical ways to cope. Al-Anon is a mutual support fellowship for those close to a person with a drinking problem, it is separate from AA and is not intended for the person who drinks. Conversations focus on understanding how alcoholism impacts families and relationships, developing healthier responses, and taking life one day at a time. Because this is an open meeting, observers are also welcome, including professionals, medical personnel, students, reporters, and anyone seeking to learn about the effects of alcohol on families and loved ones. The location is accessible. Newcomers are welcome. S.O.S. AFG #2564 participates in North Florida District 3.

The 3rd Annual SHEConnects Women’s Experience returns to the UNF Adam W. Herbert University Center as a free indoor event celebrating women owned businesses, shopping, and community connection. Enjoy inspiring speakers along with massages, samples, demonstrations, permanent jewelry, and engaging patch and jewelry bars. SheConnects bags are set aside for the first 100 women, and anyone who shops with five vendors will receive a free gift. A nonprofit spotlight features the Betty Griffin Center. Reminder and VIP ticket options come with chances to win $25 in market bucks. The VIP upgrade adds swag bags, special vendor offers, hourly giveaways selected from VIP tickets, and guaranteed reserved seating for the speaker series. Sponsorship and vendor opportunities are available.

Stephen K. Webster takes the stage at The Inkwell Art Bar with a live performance shaped by moody, 90s-influenced sounds in the spirit of artists like Elliot Smith. There is no cover charge. Beer, wine, and bar bites are available. The Inkwell Art Bar also serves as a local art gallery and classroom space and provides art supplies.

There is no cover charge. The event takes place outdoors in the Shipyard with a wide selection of drinks, and there is usually a food truck on site.

The Amelia Island Jazz Festival opens its 23rd season with a free concert for the community. Taking the stage is the 21-piece UNF Jazz Ensemble 2 with special guests, led by Dennis Marks.

S.O.S. Al-Anon Family Group hosts an open meeting in Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island for anyone whose life has been affected by another person’s drinking. It is part of the Al-Anon fellowship, which supports families and friends of alcoholics. This program is separate from AA and is not designed for the person with the drinking problem. Attendees share what they have been through, the strength they have found, and the hope they are building. Hearing from others in similar situations can lessen isolation, deepen understanding of how alcoholism impacts loved ones, and encourage healthier ways to respond, one day at a time. Newcomers are welcome, there is no cost to participate, and confidentiality is respected. Because this is an open format, relatives, friends, and observers may attend, including professionals, medical staff, students, and reporters who want to learn more about the effects of alcohol on families. Meetings take place at the Alachua Club in Fernandina Beach, and the location is accessible for people with disabilities. Sessions are offered multiple days each week, including Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.

B.STAR presents a free Senior Fit chair yoga session for older adults at Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park.

Enjoy free community bingo with prizes provided by local businesses. Hosted by Wise Choice Ministries Inc., a nondenominational 501c3 nonprofit church in the Jacksonville area, this outreach event offers a fun activity with no gambling and no fees. The weekly gathering at the Highland Reginal Library welcomes everyone, with a special focus on seniors, and typically sees more than 50 participants. Wise Choice Ministries Inc. is seeking donations, sponsors, and volunteers to support this program. For details, call 1-904-878-7840 or email wisechoiceministries512@gmail.com.

Hive Build Nights brings volunteers together each week to turn donated bicycles into safe, reliable rides for the community. Participants collaborate to inspect, fix, and fine tune each bike so it is ready to roll back out to people who need it. No prior wrenching experience is necessary, because guidance is provided throughout. Wear closed-toe shoes and clothing that can handle a bit of grease, and bring curiosity and a positive attitude. All tools are supplied, and donations of parts are appreciated but not required. The aim is simple... move bikes from donation to repair to road-ready while growing skills, confidence, and community through shared effort. Many hands on many bikes, working as one hive.

S.O.S. Al-Anon Family Group hosts an open, weekly meeting in Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island for anyone whose life has been impacted by another person’s drinking. The gathering is free and confidential, and it is designed for family members and friends rather than for the person with the alcohol problem. Separate from AA, Al-Anon offers a mutual support setting where people share experience, strength, and hope, which can ease feelings of isolation, build understanding of how alcoholism affects families, and encourage taking life one day at a time. Whether the drinker in your life is still using, sober, in recovery, not seeking help, or no longer present, the focus is on coping skills, healthier responses, and perspective. This meeting is open to observers as well, including professionals, medical staff, students, reporters, and anyone interested in learning about the effects of alcohol on loved ones. It takes place at the Alachua Club in Fernandina Beach and the venue is accessible for people with disabilities. S.O.S. Al-Anon Family Group, AFG #2564, is part of North Florida District 3. New participants are warmly welcomed.

Every Wednesday features 99¢ oysters and a family friendly music bingo game. Listen to the tunes, name the song to mark your card, and compete across four rounds. Prizes are awarded.

Live trivia brings the fun to North Florida with games at Cruisers Grill and Veterans United Craft Brewery in Jacksonville. It is free to play, and participants have a chance to win.

Every Thursday features crab legs priced below frozen grocery-store options, paired with complimentary live music on the waterfront deck.

Women in Power Networking Night brings people together at Chuy’s in Jacksonville for an evening of connection and inspiration. Participants can highlight their businesses, take part in raffles, and support community growth by bringing a raffle gift. Admission is free, and dinner is available for purchase.