After a three-month hiatus, Sip & Stroll is once again on tap along the Southbank Riverwalk.
Downtown Vision Inc. announced Sept. 12 that the monthly event, formally the Third Thursday Sip & Stroll Presented by PNC Bank, will resume Sept. 19.
On a route from Friendship Fountain to the Chart House restaurant, Sip & Stroll features live music, food, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages and culture-focused programming. Art shows and vendors, dance groups, martial arts demonstrations and a car show are among the attractions.
DVI announced June 2024 that it was pausing the event to “reimagine and enhance (it) to create new and memorable experiences for the community.”
The new release says the resumed series features programming developed by DVI and partner organizations Rio Latino, Jax Carribe and Jax Filipinos.
September will feature live performances by Awilda Quezada La Tremenda, Baba Caiman, DJ Nandi, Mike Trombone, DJ Excel, DJ BabyJay, DJ Recka and a live timbalero band, showcasing traditional Latin American percussion.
Food options include Venezuelan cuisine from the El Chamo Criollo food truck, plus fare from Naked Kitchen, Lazy Days Hotdog Cart, Hardpressed Burgers, Chop It Charlie’s and Compass.
“With our new partnerships and programming, we look forward to celebrating all our vibrant Jacksonville communities right here in Downtown on the riverfront,” DVI CEO Jake Gordon said in the release. “Through music, food, drink and beautiful scenery, Sip & Stroll will become even better, and will showcase how Downtown is for everyone, connecting us together as a community.”
DVI said the Oct. 17 event will include dance performances by Konpameplease, Tantan, Chillakaya and DJ sets by DJ Jocymix and DJ Sebas. Ten food trucks will be on hand, with such offerings as Caribbean food and fusion cuisine.
The Nov. 21 event will be curated by Jax Filipinos, with performances by the hip-hop group In the Midst, DJ Funktion and other live performances from Guijone, Sunlowly, Calire Alfre and DJ Mercee. There will be dance groups, martial arts demonstrations, live artists, vendors and a car show along with local and regional Filipino food vendors.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the return of this popular monthly event,” Chris Kalin, PNC regional president for North Florida, said in the release. “With a reimagined and enhanced Sip & Stroll, Downtown Vision has created an incredible opportunity for residents and visitors to come together to enjoy our beautiful riverfront and celebrate the cultural diversity of our community.”
Hours are 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Afterward, participants also can take part in a free silent disco on the pool deck of the DoubleTree Hotel on the Jacksonville Riverfront or take in the nightly music and light shows at Friendship Fountain.
More information is available at dtjax.com/sipandstroll