Stephen W. Groves Heads Downtown Jax For Navy Birthday Activities

The ship will be open for tours and The Jacksonville Landing will feature landside activities and concerts. On Oct. 12, the evening will culminate with a fireworks show shot from a barge in front of The Jacksonville Landing. In addition, the 20th anniversary rededication ceremony of the Jacksonville Navy Memorial on the Southbank will take place on Oct. 13. All activities are free and open to the public. Below is a complete listing of events and highlights of the Navy Birthday Celebration.

Friday, Oct. 10

USS Stephen W. Groves arrives from Naval Station Mayport and docks in front of the Hyatt Regency Hotel (Northbank) 10.30 a.m.

Northbank Landside Activities

The Jacksonville Landing

Live Entertainment (Admission is free)

Kort McCumber 5-9 p.m.

Freeze Frame 9:30 p.m.- 2 a.m.

Saturday, Oct. 11

USS Stephen W. Groves Ship Tours

Tours from 8-11 a.m. and 1- 4 p.m.

Bags are subject to search before coming aboard. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. No strollers allowed aboard.

USS Stephen W. Groves is not ADA accessible.

Free admission

Northbank Landside Activities

Booths and interactive displays near the ship

9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Navy League

USS Charles F Adams Museum Association

Navy Recruiting

Naval Order

USO

The Jacksonville Landing

Live Entertainment (Admission is free)

Navy Band Southeast Pride followed by Dennis DeYoung and the music of Styx beginning at 8 p.m.

Interactive displays and inflatables

City of Jacksonville Fireworks, 9:30 p.m.

Downtown Riverfront

One barge in front of The Jacksonville Landing

10-minute show

Sunday, Oct. 12

USS Stephen W. Groves Ship Tours

Tours from 8-11 a.m. and 1- 4 p.m.

Bags are subject to search before coming aboard. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. No strollers allowed aboard.

USS Stephen W. Groves is not ADA accessible.

Free admission

Northbank Landside Activities

Booths and interactive displays near the ship

9 a.m. -4 p.m.

Navy League

USS Charles F Adams Museum Association

Navy Recruiting

Naval Order

USO

The Jacksonville Landing event

Live Entertainment (Admission is free)

Deejay, Noon-4 p.m.

Brian and Riptide, 9:30 p.m. - 2 a.m.

Interactive displays and inflatables

Monday, Oct. 13

Navy Memorial 20th Anniversary Rededication Ceremony

10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Navy Memorial Statue on the Southbank Riverfront

Sponsored by the City of Jacksonville and the Mayport and Jacksonville Councils of the U.S. Navy League

General public is encouraged to attend.

Boaters with decorated vessels are encouraged to anchor near the ceremony.

USS Stephen W. Groves Ship Tours

Tours from 8-11 a.m. and 1- 4 p.m.

Bags are subject to search before coming aboard. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. No strollers allowed aboard.

USS Stephen W. Groves is not ADA accessible.

Free admission

Tuesday, Oct. 14

USS Stephen W. Groves departs

Transportation

Take a convenient Water Taxi along the riverfront to enjoy your day on sea or land during the U.S. Navy Birthday Celebration. Saturday, Oct. 11, 9 a.m.- 11 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 12, 9 a.m.- 9 p.m.;Monday, Oct. 13, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Northbank Stops

The Jacksonville Landing, Berkman Plaza, and Metropolitan Park

Southbank Stops

Friendship Fountain, Crowne Plaza Jacksonvillle, and Wyndham Jacksonville Riverfront

One-way fares Metro Park, $4 Other stops, $3

For more information including Sunset Cruises, call (904) 733-3382 or email ssmarinetaxi@comcast.net.

For more information on the Navy Birthday Celebration and surrounding activities, visit www.coj.net or call (904) 630-3690. This event is part of the Make A Scene Downtown! series.