This Fall, small towns and big passions greet visitors alongside local entertainment, local dining, a bit of spooky fun and the county’s largest outdoor festival where families can experience a getaway with local flavor and plenty of fun too.
Here’s a look at upcoming events in Clay County, Florida!
Amazing Grace Family Farms comes alive on Fridays and Saturdays in October with their annual fall festival and corn maze. In a new location for 2022, between Middleburg and Keystone Heights on SR 21, south of Highway 16. The farm makes the perfect spot for Fall photos and little ones can enjoy fall activities. Known to be one of Clay County’s most popular Fall attractions, the entire family can take advantage of fun on this family-owned farm.Â
Built in 1912, visit the Carrie Clarke House in Orange Park on the second Sunday of each month to learn more about the history of Clay County. As one of the first families to live in Clay County, the home shares stories of the area. The surrounding park area features large playground, sand volleyball court, nature trails, gardens, lake, pavilions, grills, restrooms, and numerous beautiful oak trees – perfect for a picnic.Â
Food Truck Friday has returned to Spring Park in Green Cove Springs featuring live music and local eats from around Northeast Florida. Held the second Friday of each month March to November from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., bring a blanket or a lawn chair and enjoy the views overlooking the St. Johns River.Â
For a fun night at the theater, don’t miss The Island Theater’s production of Little Shop of Horrors in Fleming Island. This show tells the story of a nerdy florist named Seymour who finds his chance for love and success with the help of a giant, man-eating plant. Shows take place on select dates from October 21-30.Â
On the second Saturday of each month, take part in the Lake Asbury Marketplace featuring local artists, sweet treats, live music and plenty of family fun. Located conveniently between Middleburg and Green Cove Springs, the Lake Asbury marketplace is a popular spot with locals and visitors looking to take home handmade treasures and local produce.Â
Take a spooky walk-through Orange Park’s Magnolia Cemetery on Saturday, October 29 as the Moonlight on Magnolia event returns to Clay County. Sponsored by the Historical Society of Orange Park, guests go on a cemetery tour led by interpreters dressed in period clothing telling the stories of Orange Park and its former residents. Tours will start at 4:00 p.m. and the last tour will start at 6:00 p.m.Â
Following World War II, Clay County’s own Brannan Field was used for the development of a new US Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, later known as the Blue Angels. Visitors can see the historic Blue Angels take flight in Northeast Florida October 22-23 at the NAS JAX Air Show, just north of Orange Park on Highway 17. With free admission and free parking, you don’t even need a ticket to enjoy this annual, outdoor festival.Â
Orange Park’s 40th Annual Fall Festival takes place October 15-16 at the Orange Park Town Hall. What started with twelve vendors and a few musicians has blossomed into a festival featuring over 200 vendors and two stages packed with live music. Festival-goers can shop for unique gifts, handmade quilts, locally-made pottery and more. Food vendors including a variety of items including barbecue to fresh baked goods, seafood and local honey. In the Kids Zone, little ones can enjoy face painting, inflatables and games. Admission and parking are free! This event is ranked as a Top 20 event by the Southeast Tourism Society.Â
Pick up a souvenir or shop for the week’s groceries at the Orange Park Farmer’s Market held the first and third Sunday of each month at Orange Park Town Hall. With over 100 vendors featured each week, visitors can find homegrown items like fresh produce and honey, along with arts and crafts, live music and plenty of options for a bite to eat too.
In Green Cove Springs, experience ghost stories and a spooky night out at the Tales from the Clink on October 20 from 5-7 p.m. Presented by the Clay County Clerk’s Office, guests can experience a walk through the Old Jail and the 1890’s Historic Courthouse at the city’s Historic Triangle with actors from Ridgeview High School telling ghost tales and stories of past residents of Clay County. New this year is the addition of a fall festival with arts/crafts and food vendors, along with old-fashioned kids games and plenty of fun, fall photo opportunities, live music and a pumpkin patch.