UFC, 'Moana,' cosplay, Margaret Cho: Top 5 things to do this weekend in Jacksonville

Tom Szaroleta, Florida Times-Union
·2 min read

Don't look now, but June's almost gone. Fortunately, there is no shortage of opportunities for fun this weekend in the Jacksonville area. Your choices include a swing band or an iconic comic at the Florida Theatre, a Disney classic under the stars, a big cosplay/anime festival near downtown, an a capella "yacht rock" show in St. Augustine and a mixed-martial arts event that's such a big deal it's being shown nationwide on ABC and ESPN.

'Moana'

"Moana" shows for free Friday evening in Atlantic Beach.
"Moana" shows for free Friday evening in Atlantic Beach.

A free Disney movie under the stars; how summer can you get? Disney's 2016 blockbuster "Moana" will be screened for free at 8 p.m. Friday at Bull Memorial Park in Atlantic Beach. Bring your own chair, blanket, snacks and bug spray.

Florida Theatre

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy played the first post-shutdown concert at the Florida Theatre on Dec. 9, 2020. They are back on the same stage Friday night.
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy played the first post-shutdown concert at the Florida Theatre on Dec. 9, 2020. They are back on the same stage Friday night.

The historic Florida Theatre in downtown Jacksonville is shutting down for a few months while work is done on the interior, but there are still two weekends left. Big-band swing act Big Bad Voodoo Daddy plays at 8 p.m. Friday ($49.50-$59.50) and iconic comic Margaret Cho plays at 7:30 p.m. Sunday ($19.75-$59.50).

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Bold Matsuri Cosplay Festival

Cosplay is a big part of Bold Matsuri.
Cosplay is a big part of Bold Matsuri.

Fans of anime and cosplay have had Bold Matsuri weekend circled on their calendar for months. The event includes guest artists and cosplayers, panel discussions, a gaming area, dance parties, story times, an escape room, "Jeopardy" tournaments and costume contests. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Prime Osborn Convention Center. $35-$60.

UFC Fight Night

UFC Fight Night held one of the first public gatherings during the pandemic at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in May 2020. Fight Night returns on Saturday.
UFC Fight Night held one of the first public gatherings during the pandemic at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in May 2020. Fight Night returns on Saturday.

There are lots of fun things to see and do in Jacksonville this weekend, but only one of them is on national television. ESPN and ABC will be in town to air UFC Fight Night, the mixed-martial arts events highlighted by Josh Emmett and Ilia Topuria battling in a featherweight bout. More than a dozen fights are on the card. Doors open at noon, TV coverage starts at 3 p.m. $77-$275.

Straight No Chaser

Straight No Chaser is best known for its holiday performances. They're doing a "yacht rock" show Sunday in St. Augustine.
Straight No Chaser is best known for its holiday performances. They're doing a "yacht rock" show Sunday in St. Augustine.

“Yacht rock” is becoming a real trend. A capella group Straight No Chaser, which always does big business in the holiday season, is going out on a tour where they’ll sing those songs Mom used to play in the minivan — “What a Fool Believes,” “Sailing,” “Heart to Heart” and, of course, “Escape (The Pina Colada Song).” They're at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre at 7 p.m. Sunday. $29.50-$84.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Things to do this weekend in Jacksonville, Florida