Giant beer pong, giant Jenga, a giant lawn chair and free chocolate.
The “Shamrockin’ Downtown” March edition of Art Walk on Wednesday will feature a pop-up attraction at the Jacksonville Landing and the grand opening of one of Downtown’s newest businesses, Peterbrooke Chocolatier.
The Front Porch at Art Walk, set up along the sidewalk on the north side of Landing, will feature tables, chairs, umbrellas, a bar and entertainment including large-scale games.
It’s intended to create a connection between the monthly event’s headquarters at Hemming Park and Downtown’s retail and entertainment center along the St. Johns River at the foot of Laura Street, said Hana Ashchi, Downtown Vision Inc. marketing and events coordinator.
“It’s a 15-block event,” she said. “We want to show people there’s more to Art Walk than just what they’ll find at Hemming Park.”
The concept to create a temporary outdoor seating area has been in the works for more than 12 months.
“We want people to walk from Hemming Park to the Landing during every Art Walk,” said Landing spokeswoman Samantha Ashcraft.
More than 15 local bakers, candle-makers and artisan jewelers have been invited to show their wares at the Front Porch. Also on tap is a bar constructed from used pallets and a 16-foot-tall Adirondack-style lawn chair.
Ashcraft said the idea is to try out the concept, and if it proves to be a hit with Art Walk attendees, it could be a regular attraction the first Wednesday of each month.
“The area should be an inviting space,” said Mike Field, co-founder of the TransForm Jax urban core advocacy group, a partner in the project along with the Landing and DVI.
He said the experiment is a way to gauge the public’s desire for an outdoor food, beverage and entertainment option without a big budget or having to permanently install amenities.
It’s also one of the current trends in urban core activation and the experiment at Art Walk could be the first in a series.
“It’s called ‘tactical urbanism,’” Field said. “We’re looking for canvases to do demonstrations.”
Also on the schedule Wednesday is the grand opening of Peterbrooke Chocolatier along Laura Street, between Bay Street and Independent Drive.
From noon-5 p.m., a small bag of Peterbrooke’s signature chocolate-drizzled popcorn will be exchanged for a business card, limit one free bag per person.
During Art Walk from 5-9 p.m., anyone wearing green will be given free chocolate.
At 5 p.m., Laura Street between the store and Wells Fargo Center will be closed for the “Shamrock Bash” grand opening block party with a beer tent, live music and an appearance by Jacksonville Jaguars mascot Jaxson de Ville.
Other events planned Wednesday from 5-9 p.m. include performances on the stage at Hemming Park by the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Pipes and Drums and the Legacy Irish dance troupe.
The Florida Theatre will conduct backstage tours at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
The lobby bar will be open for cash sales and there will be a drawing for free tickets to an upcoming show at the historic venue.
College basketball fans can meet players and coaches participating in the NCAA Southeastern Conference women’s basketball tournament, which is Wednesday-Sunday at Veterans Memorial Arena.
A slam-dunk photo booth and other tournament-related activities are planned outside the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville, presented by the Jacksonville Sports Council.
A food truck village and DJ will be set up along Laura Street in the Regions Bank parking lot, the debut of a new Art Walk partnership with the bank, said Ashchi.
Parking at meters on the street is free after 6 p.m. and the Skyway will be in service Wednesday until 9:30 p.m.
Pets are welcome as long as they are on a leash and their people pick up after them.
For a complete list of venues, visit iloveartwalk.com
@DRMaxDowntown
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