Your GPS can’t tell you how to get to Shakedown Street but this Sunday, August 5th at the Karpeles Manuscript Museum and adjacent grounds you will find the closest thing to it that Jacksonville has to offer.
That’s right folks it’s time for the annual China Cat Sunflower Festival.
Sunday will mark the 23rd festival. The event is a celebration of Jerry Garcia’s life. For any non deadheads that’s “Jerry” lead guitar, singer and songwriting of the band, The Grateful Dead. Not to be confused with Cherry Garcia of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream fame, which was named in his honor, though you may want some ice cream as it is August in Florida.
The festival is named after the Grateful Dead song, the China Cat Sunflower. The inaugural event was in 1995. The Jacksonville China Cat Sunflower Festival was founded by Brenda Star Walker as a living tribute to Garcia.
The China Cat Sunflower Festival is held on the second Sunday of August, between Garcia’s birthday and the day he died. The festivities begin at 4:20 PM and last until dusk.
Bands include Ouija Brothers, Glass Camels, Old Dawgs New Tricks and The Good Wood Band.
Vendors include Tanya Ambrose Designs, Tim Bullard’s Collections, Rhonna’s Amazing Tie Dye, Don Lester’s Gemstones, Christian Daley’s wrapped gems, Lori Berkey’s Creations and Botanical Boutiques.
Food available from Murray Hillbilly Foodtruck.
Drum circle begins at 4:20
Bring your drums, shakers, bells, whatever you have.
*Bring your family, hula hoops, bubbles, hacky sacks, kites, frisbees. It might rain, and it might stop. The music will be inside and cool.
The event is family friendly.