Signature Events
You won’t find a more active and engaged community than you will in historic San Marco. Our neighborhood plays host to some of the city’s most anticipated events from decadent open-air dining experiences to family-friendly street festivals.
Upcoming Events
December 6: San Marco Tree Lighting
December 7: Storytime in the Square at 10am
December 7: Festival of Lights 5K
December 21: Yoga in the Square at 9am
December 21: Luminaria & Live Nativity
Wine Down in the Parks
April 2024
Enjoy a wine-filled evening of al fresco fun while supporting the continued maintenance, preservation and improvement of San Marco’s historic parks!
Experience the charm of Whatley, Davin, and Balis Parks, three of San Marco’s favorite recreational destinations, on this magical evening filled with live music, tapas, craft beer, wine and cocktails from several of the neighborhood’s best bars and restaurants. Wine Down in the Parks is a Spring tradition residents and visitors alike look forward to every year.
Huge thanks to 2024’s Title Sponsor, Matt Carlucci State Farm!
Happy Hour with SMPS
Quarterly
Join us at rotating venues around the neighborhood for our quarterly happy hour!
We look forward to having you join us for drinks, snacks, and good company with neighbors, while supporting local businesses! Locations rotate among local San Marco restaurants and bars, and are often held jointly with the San Marco Merchants Association in an effort to build more neighborly and professional relationships.
We hope to see you there!
Yoga in the Park
Third Saturday of the Month
The San Marco Preservation Society has partnered with Hot Spot Power Yoga to offer FREE yoga to our community!
The classes will be held on the third Saturday of each month at 9am in Balis Park in the grassy area in front of the gazebo. The class will be all-levels outdoors in the park. Plan to bring a yoga mat, water, and anything else you need for a workout!
Come enjoy the beauty of the San Marco neighborhood and the burn of a great yoga session! These classes are being offered free of charge by the SMPS.
Story Time in the Square
First Saturday of the Month
Join the San Marco Preservation Society and the San Marco Bookstore for the monthly Story Time in the Square, taking place on the first Saturday of each month from 10-11 A.M. in Balis Park.
Kids of all ages are welcome, but stories will be geared towards our littles. Feel free to bring a chair or blanket, but don’t forget your imagination at home!
Seating will be first come, first served, and the event will be held in the gazebo area, rain or shine (major weather systems excluded).
Holiday Luminaria
December 21, 2024
Every year, San Marco lights up for the annual Luminaria celebration. When the sun sets on the Saturday before Christmas, the neighborhood is filled with holiday cheer and neighborly hospitality set to the warm glow of light from luminaria lanterns lining the streets.
Residents are encouraged to purchase Luminaria kits from SMPS to help fund our preservation efforts in the community. Get in the holiday spirit and join the fun with one of the most beautiful traditions in Jacksonville.
Concert in the Park
October 25, 2024
This event is free and open to all ages. It’s designed to gather our community in one of our neighborhood’s showcase parks. Guests are invited to bring their own seating while enjoying local live music and beautiful views of Fletcher Park.
The SMPS partners with several local food trucks and providers to offer food for purchase at the event. Wine and beer will be available for guests 21+ with a suggested donation.
San Marco To Celebrate 100 Years
Next year, the San Marco will celebrate its 100th year as a community. In 1925, Telfair Stockton saw enormous development potential for a neighborhood in the City of South Jacksonville, just across the new St. John’s River Bridge (aka Acosta Bridge). Plans were made, lots mapped, and newspaper advertisements placed. On September 12th, Stockton opened the doors of his small real estate office, and every residential lot was sold in a single day!
SMPS is working hard to prepare and plan a year-long commemoration of this exciting milestone. Check back for more updates on how you can celebrate with us and help make San Marco’s Centennial a year to remember!