Wild Lanterns, Luxury RVs, and Musical Theater: Your Sunday in Jacksonville
A Vibrant Sunday in the River City
Jacksonville is buzzing this Sunday, February 8, 2026, with a diverse lineup of activities ranging from large-scale exhibitions to intimate theatrical performances. Whether you are looking to explore the great outdoors, find your next home on wheels, or enjoy a matinee at the theater, there is something for everyone to enjoy today across the First Coast.
Major Exhibitions and Outdoor Fun
Today marks the final opportunity to experience the Colors of the Wild lantern display at the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens. This immersive nighttime event features a stunning collection of all-new lanterns that transform the zoo grounds into a glowing wonderland of light and color. It is a perfect family-friendly outing to wrap up the weekend before the exhibition closes for the season.
For those interested in the nomadic lifestyle or outdoor adventure, the 2026 Jacksonville RV MegaShow is currently taking place at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center on Normandy Boulevard. Doors are open today from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Visitors can explore hundreds of recreational vehicles, from compact pop-up campers to massive luxury motorhomes. Admission is $10 for adults, while children under 16 can enter for free, making it an accessible event for those dreaming of their next road trip.
Theater and Live Performances
The local performing arts scene is particularly active this afternoon. The Florida Ballet is hosting a 2:00 PM matinee of Alice By Heart at their Atlantic Boulevard venue. This bold and moving musical, from the creators of Spring Awakening, reimagines the classic tale of Alice in Wonderland set against the backdrop of London during World War II. It is a visually and emotionally striking production that highlights the power of imagination.
Over at the iconic Alhambra Theatre & Dining, the long-running hit Menopause The Musical continues its successful run. This hilarious celebration of women and the "change" features parodies of classic hits from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Sunday performances typically include a three-course meal, offering a full afternoon of dinner theater at one of the nation's longest-continuously running professional theaters.
Museums and Fine Arts
If you prefer a quieter pace, Jacksonville’s premier museums are open with significant exhibitions. The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Jacksonville is currently showcasing Sebastian Vallejo: Where the Zephyrs Sleep, an evocative collection of artwork celebrating Puerto Rican heritage. You can also catch Project Atrium: Muralists in Action, where local artists have transformed the museum's heights into a collaborative mural.
At the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, visitors can view Calida Rawles: Away with the Tides, which uses water as a central theme to explore Black healing. Also on display is Andrew Wyeth at Kuerner Farm: The Eye of the Earth, providing a deep look into the artist's legendary career through his connection to the Pennsylvania landscape.