20 Jacksonville, Florida Event Venues That Your Attendees Will Love
Discover the top 20 event venues for public and corporate events in Jacksonville, Florida!
Here’s a surprising stat for you: Jacksonville, Florida is the most populous city in the Southeastern United States. Not Miami, or Atlanta, or Washington D.C. but Jacksonville. It also happens to be the largest city by area in the entire U.S.
Maybe we shouldn’t be surprised, though. Jacksonville is a wonderful city with a rich history. It was established in 1822 and named after former President Andrew Jackson. These days, it’s a bustling community with tons of things to do and beautiful natural surroundings.
It’s also a town with plenty of quality events venues for event planners to choose from. In this article, we’ll take a look at the top 20 event venues in Jacksonville, Florida. Take a look at any one of these spectacular spaces for your upcoming conference, anniversary party, or brand launch!
20 Jacksonville Event Venues
1. Sweet Pete’s Candy
Source: Jax Daily Record
Location: Downtown
Capacity: 45
We bet you never considered hosting an event in a candy store! But then again, Sweet Pete’s isn’t your typical sweets shop. Yes it sells delectable, mouth-watering treats like chocolate clusters, flavored popcorn, and taffy. But it also hosts some of the best get-togethers in town. Rent one of five spaces for your next business meeting. Or book a candy making class for your whole office and really bond with your coworkers. Sweet Pete’s has even hosted weddings in the past. Whatever kind of event you have in mind, Sweet Pete’s is ready to host it with taste. It really is one of the most unique event venues in Florida!
2. Bowing Oaks Plantation
Source: Wedding Wire
Location: Bayard
Capacity: 200
Bowing Oaks Plantation is a popular wedding location due to its lush grounds, beautiful country barn, and general rustic elegance. But it’s also a fantastic events venue for corporate luncheons, fundraising galas, award ceremonies, and team building exercises. You and up to 200 guests will love the crystal chandeliers in the ballroom, large patio with a fire pit, and catering kitchen. You’ll also love having access to an assortment of round and banquet style tables and folding chairs. It has everything you need to host a memorable business or personal event.
3. The Ritz Theater and Museum
Source: Downtown Jacksonville
Location: LaVilla
Capacity: 500
The current Ritz Theater and Museum was constructed in 1999 on the exact same spot as its predecessor, a relic of the early 1900s and a staple of the famous LaVilla neighborhood. These days, audiences come to see concerts, visit the museum and learn about African American heritage in the region, and watch films. They also come to attend a wide range of events including business meetings and anniversary parties. The Ritz Theater and Museum is equipped with state of the art sound and lighting equipment and a 30 foot by 40 foot stage. It’s also wheelchair accessible and features plenty of free parking. What’s not to like?
4. The Cummer Museum
Source: Visit Florida
Location: Five Points
Capacity: 300
The Cummer Museum houses one of the most impressive fine art collections in the southeast, with over 5,000 artifacts on display. It also features 2.5 acres of lush gardens (pictured above) complete with reflecting pools, fountains, sculptures, and stunning views of the St Johns River. If you decide to rent this location, you’ll get access to a full-service catering company as well. Whether you want to host your gathering indoors or out, entertain company board members or get married, The Cummer Museum proves to be an excellent venue choice.
5. Daily’s Place
Source: Daily’s Place
Location: Downtown
Capacity: 5,550
Daily’s Place is one of the best Jacksonville event venues for large outdoor events. It’s also a prime location for internationally touring artists. In 2019 alone the amphitheater will host country superstar Brad Paisley, the legendary rock bands Bush and Live, and Rock n’ Roll royalty Peter Frampton. But the space is also versatile and can be rearranged to host festivals or trade shows instead of concerts. And when it comes to feeding your guests, Daily’s Place has you covered with premium catering services. If your event strategy calls for a large amount of space and tasty food, do yourself a favor and take a serious look at Daily’s Place.
6. TIAA Bank Field
Source: TIAA Bank Field
Location: Downtown
Capacity: 67,164
Daily’s Space (mentioned above) will give you a lot of room. But if 5,500 seats just isn’t enough, you can go right next door and rent TIAA Bank Field (home of the NFL’s Jaguars) instead. Jacksonville event spaces don’t get much larger than TIAA field and your mega event will feel right at home at this venue! Don’t plan on hosting thousands upon thousands of guests? This event location may still be worth considering. The stadium offers boxes and meeting rooms for both corporate and private events as well.
7. Casa Marina Hotel and Restaurant
Source: Casa Marina Hotel and Restaurant
Location: Jacksonville Beach
Capacity: 500
The folks at Casa Marina Hotel and Restaurant are events experts who “take pleasure in adding a bit of imagination and glamour to every special affair, allowing guests to relax.” The hotel is situated on the dunes of the Atlantic and features breathtaking ocean views — views you and your guests will be able to enjoy from the rooftop terrace. Whether you’re hoping to treat your employees to a night of fun and food, celebrate a life milestone with your friends and loved ones, or brainstorm your next big business idea with a few trusted co-workers, Casa Marina Hotel and Restaurant has the space and atmosphere you need.
8. Manifest Distilling
Source: Manifest Distilling
Location: Doro District
Capacity: 167
Manifest Distilling is one of the most unique craft breweries in the Jacksonville area. The entire facility is certified organic and its owners work hard to support sustainable agriculture. It’s a space with a vision and we can really appreciate what they’ve set out to accomplish. But how does it fare as an events venue? Really well, actually! It features a sleek, upscale design in each of its three distinct spaces: the bar, the tasting room, and the distillery. Event planners can rent one of these spaces or all of them for their business function, private party, or wedding.
9. Spliff’s Gastropub and Patio
Hang out on the back patio and listen to rockin’ tunes at Spliffs Gastropub during Jazz Fest After Dark! Enjoy this modern-rustic spot featuring pub far and local craft beer on tap. #JFAD #TheElbowJax #DTJax pic.twitter.com/QvhOszcPk5
— Jazz Fest After Dark (@JFADjax) May 19, 2018
Source: Twitter
Location: Downtown
Capacity: 250
What’s located in downtown Jacksonville, serves gourmet mac and cheese, and has a 24 foot custom bar filled with liquor? If you said “Spliff’s Gastropub and Patio” you’re 100% correct! This popular eatery and event space is located in a historic building and features both indoor and outdoor spaces. The walls are decorated with funky artwork that give the entire location a fun, hip vibe your guests will love. Quality A/V equipment, street parking, and WiFi are also available. And if you happen to need room for more than 250 people, the folks behind Spliff’s will also rent you the music venue next door, bringing the total capacity to an even 500.
10. The Ramona Pavilion Ballroom
Source: The Ramona Pavilion Ballroom
Location: Normandy Village
Capacity: 1,100
When it comes to Jacksonville event venues for weddings, banquets, and birthday celebrations, The Ramona Pavilion Ballroom is an excellent option. The iconic wing-shaped roof looks great in photographs, as do the Canadian Pine beams and large windows surrounding the space. Event planners also have access to linens, chairs, tables, dance floors, lighting equipment — pretty much everything you need to host a memorable gathering. And we can’t forget to mention the staff. Let the experienced team at The Ramona Pavilion Ballroom help you plan your entire event, from beginning to end, so that you can relax and actually enjoy it!
11. Friday Musicale
Source: Make Some Plans
Location: Brooklyn
Capacity: 250
Friday Musicale is really two venues in one. The main auditorium is in an elegant 1930’s building (pictured above) that has a large stage, a full-service kitchen, a 24 foot projector screen, a quality sound system, and two grand pianos. The second space, known as L’Engle Hall, is adjacent to the main auditorium and includes tables and chairs, a lectern and microphone, another full kitchen, and a baby grand piano. As you can tell, Friday Musicale is a great place for concerts and music recitals but it also excels at hosting business meetings and private soirees. Whatever event you plan to host, Friday Musicale can accommodate.
12. River and Post
Source: 904 Happy Hour
Location: Five Points
Capacity: 150
River and Post hasn’t even been open for two years, but it’s already started to make its mark on the Jacksonville restaurant and events scene. The food is prepared with quality ingredients and served by an impeccable service team. The eatery’s warm and modern atmosphere is also noteworthy. But what really sets this space apart from many other event locations in the area is its rooftop lounge. Invite 20 to 30 people for a small business meeting or cocktail party and enjoy the stellar sunset views. Planning to host more folks? Rent multiple spaces — River and Post has six of them — to fit every one of your guests. Depending on which spaces you rent, you may also have access to top technology equipment like TV screens and HDMI hookups.
13. Adam W. Herbert University Center
Source: The University of North Florida
Location: University of North Florida
Capacity: 710
The University of North Florida is located in Jacksonville, which is great news because it means you have the ability to rent the Adam W. Herbert University Center for your next conference, trade show, or wedding reception. The venue has AV equipment, on-site catering services, WiFi access, and 35 different meeting rooms, each with its own climate and lighting controls. It’s a fantastic location for a wide range of events and should definitely be on your radar.
14. Black Sheep
Source: Black Sheep
Location: Five Points
Capacity: 50
Choosing the right event venue is hard. Luckily, for intimate events, you can’t go wrong with Black Sheep. The modern restaurant serves delicious food made with fresh, local ingredients and handcrafted cocktails. It also features a swanky rooftop bar and lounge with amazing views of the St. Johns River. Other venue amenities include quality A/V equipment and plenty of parking. From business powwows to birthday bashes, Black Sheep will keep you and your guests comfortable, well-fed, and entertained.
15. The Museum of Science and History
Source: Wikipedia
Location: Southbank
Capacity: 50+
The Museum of Science and History, affectionately called MOSH by locals, offers a collection of hands-on and award-winning exhibits. The museum began in 1941 and was known as the Jacksonville Children’s Museum. Obviously things have changed a lot since then but the museum’s commitment to top-quality education remains. For event planners looking for more than just a pretty space, we suggest booking the MOSH. Your guests will be able to view the exciting exhibits and enjoy the planetarium during your corporate or private gathering. Oh, and did we mention that this is a waterfront venue and has a rooftop terrace that overlooks the city skyline? Because it totally does!
16. Cooper’s Hawk Winery – Jacksonville
Source: Jacksonville Hot Spots
Location: Windy Hill
Capacity: 114
Cooper’s Hawk Winery is a well-loved chain of restaurants and wineries with locations in 10 different states. The Jacksonville, Florida location just so happens to be a great event venue for those wanting an upscale vibe. As an event planner, you’ll get access to one of four private spaces, excellent food and drinks menus, an experienced event planning staff, quality AV equipment, and more. It’s a wonderful event space for small to medium sized gatherings.
17. Deercreek Country Club
Source: Deercreek Country Club
Location: Deercreek
Capacity: 300
Do you and your guests love to golf? Do you appreciate well-manicured grounds? Do you want help from an experienced events planning team for your next business or personal get-together? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, Deercreek Country Club may be the perfect venue choice for you. This location features multiple rooms for rent, delicious food options, and a professional waitstaff. From business dinners to celebratory soirees to wedding ceremonies, Deercreek Country Club is ready to host with class.
18. Sheraton Jacksonville Hotel
Source: Priceline
Location: Deerwood
Capacity: 400
Event planners have been hosting amazing events at Sheraton Hotels for years. Why not join them? The Jacksonville location has five upscale event spaces and eight breakout rooms and event hosts get access to high-speed WiFi, top of the line AV equipment, and a professional catering team. Optional amenities include business equipment like computers and printers, a security detail, a professional photographer, and more. It’s a full-service events venue worthy or any small to medium sized event.
19. The Blue Jay Listening Room
Source: Visit Jacksonville
Location: Jacksonville Beach
Capacity: 30
Looking for the perfect space for your next intimate gathering? Look no further! The Blue Jay Listening Room is a great option for private concerts, celebratory shindigs, and small corporate functions. But it’s also the kind of venue you can enjoy without actually planning anything. Acoustic musical performances happen on a regular basis. Just buy a ticket for yourself and your colleagues, friends, or family members and enjoy the sweet jams flowing from the stage. Whatever you have in mind, The Blue Jay Listening Room would be happy to be a part of it.
20. The Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center
Source: The Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center
Location: LaVilla
Capacity: 6,000
Last but certainly not least, we have The Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center, a former railroad station with historical architecture, beautiful marble walls, and vast terminal columns that was turned into a world-class events venue in 1986. All in all, the center has 296,000 square feet of space, making it plenty big enough for most gatherings. It also features a grand lobby with 75 foot ceilings, two event halls, and 22 meeting rooms. It’s a beautiful building that will definitely wow your guests. So don’t hesitate to book your next business client meeting, fundraiser gala, or conference at The Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center. You’ll be glad you did!
Wrapping Up: Plan the Perfect Event in Jacksonville, Florida!
As we’ve just seen, Jacksonville has plenty of high-quality event venues ready to host your next corporate mixer, training seminar, or wedding reception. You just have to choose the right one for your unique gathering. Fortunately, you can’t really go wrong with any of the options listed!
But don’t forget, selecting a venue is only one element of hosting the perfect event. To help you keep track of every other detail, we suggest using event management software. From event marketing tools to ticketing services, this kind of tool will keep you on plan and make sure your gathering goes off without a hitch.
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