How to Check Riverside Arts Market Calendar

The Riverside Arts Market (RAM) is one of Florida’s most vibrant and beloved weekly outdoor markets, drawing thousands of visitors each weekend to experience local art, live music, artisanal food, and handmade crafts along the scenic St. Johns River in downtown Jacksonville. For artists, vendors, tourists, and locals alike, staying informed about the market’s schedule is essential. Whether you're planning a weekend outing, coordinating a vendor booth, or simply wanting to avoid a closed day, knowing how to check the Riverside Arts Market calendar accurately and efficiently can enhance your experience significantly.

This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step walkthrough on how to check the Riverside Arts Market calendar — from official sources to third-party tools, seasonal variations, and real-world tips to ensure you never miss a market day. We’ll also cover best practices, essential resources, common pitfalls, and frequently asked questions to give you complete confidence in planning your visits.

Step-by-Step Guide

Checking the Riverside Arts Market calendar is a straightforward process, but it requires attention to detail due to occasional changes caused by weather, holidays, or special events. Below is a detailed, actionable guide to help you find and verify the most accurate schedule.

Step 1: Visit the Official Riverside Arts Market Website

The most reliable source for the current and upcoming calendar is the official website: riversideartsmarket.org. This site is maintained directly by the market’s organizing team and is updated in real time whenever changes occur.

Begin by opening your preferred web browser and navigating to https://riversideartsmarket.org. Upon landing, you’ll see a clean, visually engaging homepage featuring upcoming events, featured vendors, and a prominent link labeled “Calendar” or “Events.” Click on this link.

The calendar page displays a monthly grid view, with each market day clearly marked in bold or color-coded. Hovering over a date often reveals a tooltip with additional details such as special themes, guest performers, or weather-related updates. You can navigate between months using the arrows at the top of the calendar or select a specific date range using the filter options.

Step 2: Use the Interactive Calendar Features

The official calendar is interactive and offers several useful functions:

• Day View: Click on any date to see a detailed list of vendors, live music performers, and any special announcements for that day.
• Export Options: Look for a button labeled “Add to Calendar” — this allows you to export the market dates to Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, or Outlook. This is highly recommended for regular attendees.
• Filter by Category: You can filter events by type — such as “Live Music,” “Food Trucks,” or “Art Exhibits” — to tailor your visit based on your interests.

Always verify the date you’re viewing matches the current month. The site occasionally displays upcoming seasonal events (like holiday markets) alongside regular weekly schedules — make sure you’re looking at the “Weekly Market” filter, not “Special Events.”

Step 3: Subscribe to Email Notifications

One of the most effective ways to stay updated without manually checking the calendar is to subscribe to the Riverside Arts Market email newsletter. Scroll to the bottom of the homepage and locate the “Stay Updated” or “Subscribe” section. Enter your email address and click “Subscribe.”

Subscribers receive weekly updates every Tuesday afternoon, including:

• Confirmed market status for the upcoming Saturday
• Weather alerts (if rain or high winds are expected)
• Special guest announcements
• Vendor spotlights and new additions

These emails are concise, informative, and never spammy. They are the most reliable way to confirm whether the market is running on a given Saturday, especially during hurricane season or holidays.

Step 4: Follow Official Social Media Channels

While the website is the primary source, social media platforms serve as real-time updates and secondary confirmation tools. Riverside Arts Market maintains active profiles on:

• Instagram: @riversideartsmarket — frequent photo updates, live stories during market hours, and last-minute changes
• Facebook: facebook.com/riversideartsmarket — event pages, detailed posts about vendor changes, and weather-related cancellations
• Twitter/X: @RAM_Jax — concise updates, often used for urgent notifications

Follow these accounts and enable notifications for posts. On Friday evenings, the team typically posts a “Market Alert” confirming whether the event will proceed the next day. This is especially valuable during unpredictable weather conditions in Northeast Florida.

Step 5: Check for Weather-Related Cancellations

Riverside Arts Market is held outdoors and is highly dependent on weather. Rain, lightning, or sustained winds above 25 mph can lead to cancellations. The market does not operate on Sundays, but if a holiday falls on a Saturday, the schedule may shift.

To avoid disappointment:

• Check the official website on Friday afternoon
• Review the social media posts from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM EST
• Listen for updates in the email newsletter sent Tuesday

There is no automated phone line or text alert system. Relying solely on third-party apps or unofficial blogs can lead to misinformation. Always cross-reference with the official channels.

Step 6: Use Google Search for Quick Verification

If you’re on the go and need a quick answer, use Google Search. Type: “Riverside Arts Market this Saturday” or “RAM schedule [current month].”

The top result will almost always be the official website, often accompanied by a rich snippet showing the next market date. Google also pulls in recent social media updates and news articles if there’s a major change.

Be cautious of outdated blog posts or tourism sites that may list old schedules. Always click through to the source URL and verify it’s riversideartsmarket.org.

Step 7: Visit in Person — Confirm with On-Site Signage

If you’re already in downtown Jacksonville, head to the market location at 100 Riverfront Plaza. On the day of the market, look for large informational banners near the entrance. These signs display the day’s schedule, vendor map, and any last-minute changes.

Volunteers and market staff are also stationed at the main kiosk and are happy to confirm operating hours or answer questions about special events. While this isn’t a proactive method for planning, it’s a valuable final verification step.

Best Practices

Consistency and verification are key when managing your expectations around the Riverside Arts Market schedule. Below are proven best practices to ensure you never miss a market day — or show up on a closed one.

Set a Weekly Reminder

Even if you subscribe to emails, set a recurring calendar reminder on your phone or computer for every Tuesday at 5:00 PM. This is when the weekly newsletter typically goes out. Add a note: “Check RAM status for Saturday.”

Pair this with a Friday evening reminder at 5:00 PM to check social media. This two-step verification system reduces the chance of error to near zero.

Bookmark Key Pages

Save direct links to:

• Official calendar: https://riversideartsmarket.org/calendar
• Newsletter signup: https://riversideartsmarket.org/subscribe
• Facebook event page: https://facebook.com/riversideartsmarket

Bookmarking eliminates the need to search each time and ensures you’re always accessing the correct site.

Plan for Seasonal Variations

The Riverside Arts Market operates year-round, but the schedule and offerings vary by season:

• Winter (November–February): Longer hours (10 AM–6 PM), more indoor vendor tents, higher attendance
• Summer (June–August): Shorter hours (10 AM–4 PM), increased heat, possible afternoon thunderstorms
• Holiday Periods (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s): Special markets may replace the regular Saturday event — check the calendar for “Holiday RAM” events

Always review the calendar for the specific month you plan to attend. Don’t assume summer hours apply in December.

Use Calendar Syncing for Long-Term Planning

Export the entire year’s market dates into your digital calendar. Most users do this annually in January. To do so:

1. Go to https://riversideartsmarket.org/calendar
2. Click “Add to Calendar” and select your preferred platform (Google, Apple, Outlook)
3. Confirm the subscription

This will automatically update your calendar if dates change. Some users report occasional sync delays — so always double-check the official site before traveling.

Keep a Backup Plan

On days when the market is canceled due to weather, nearby alternatives include:

• Jacksonville Art District: Open studios and galleries in the nearby Brooklyn neighborhood
• San Marco Square: Weekend artisan markets and local food vendors
• St. Johns Riverwalk: Scenic walking path with public art installations

Having alternatives ensures your weekend remains productive and enjoyable, even if RAM is closed.

Verify Vendor Participation

Not all vendors appear every week. Seasonal vendors (like pumpkin sellers in October or citrus stands in winter) rotate in and out. If you’re seeking a specific vendor — such as a favorite food truck or jewelry maker — check the “Featured Vendors” section on the website or message them directly via their social media to confirm attendance.

Tools and Resources

Several digital tools and external resources can enhance your ability to track and plan around the Riverside Arts Market calendar. Here’s a curated list of the most useful ones.

1. Google Calendar Integration

As mentioned earlier, the official site offers an iCal feed that syncs with Google Calendar. This is the most reliable automated method for long-term planning. Once synced, you’ll receive notifications 24 hours before each market day.

To set it up:

1. Visit https://riversideartsmarket.org/calendar
2. Click “Add to Calendar” > “Google Calendar”
3. Sign in to your Google account
4. Confirm the calendar is added under “Other Calendars”

You can also share this calendar with family members or friends who plan to join you.

2. Apple Calendar Sync

Apple users can subscribe to the market’s calendar via a web link:

1. Open the Calendar app on your iPhone or Mac
2. Click “File” > “New Calendar Subscription”
3. Paste: https://riversideartsmarket.org/calendar.ics
4. Click “Subscribe” and choose notification preferences

Updates are pushed automatically when the organizers make changes.

3. Third-Party Event Aggregators

While not official, platforms like Eventbrite and Meetup sometimes list RAM events, especially special holiday markets. Search “Riverside Arts Market” on these platforms to find ticketed or themed events.

However, do not rely on these for weekly Saturday schedules. They are supplementary only.

4. Local Tourism Apps

Apps like Visit Jacksonville and Visit Florida include RAM in their event calendars. These are useful for tourists unfamiliar with the area.

Download the “Visit Jacksonville” app from the App Store or Google Play. Navigate to “Events” > “Arts & Culture” > “Riverside Arts Market.” The app sends push notifications for major changes.

5. Weather Forecast Tools

Since weather impacts operations, use reliable local forecasting tools:

• NOAA Jacksonville Forecast: https://www.weather.gov/jax
• AccuWeather Downtown Jacksonville: https://www.accuweather.com/en/us/jacksonville-fl/32202/daily-weather-forecast/306683
• Wunderground: Offers hyperlocal radar for Riverfront Plaza

Check the 7-day forecast on Friday morning. If thunderstorms are predicted for Saturday afternoon, assume the market may be canceled or shortened.

6. Local News Outlets

For major changes (e.g., multi-week closures or relocation announcements), local media such as WJXT, First Coast News, and The Florida Times-Union often publish updates. Search their websites for “Riverside Arts Market” to find archived articles or current alerts.

Real Examples

Let’s walk through three real-world scenarios to illustrate how to effectively use the tools and best practices outlined above.

Example 1: Planning a Family Trip in December

Sarah and her family are visiting Jacksonville from Ohio for the holidays. They want to attend the Riverside Arts Market on Saturday, December 14.

• Tuesday, December 10: Sarah checks her email — the RAM newsletter confirms the market is on, with a special “Holiday Market” theme and live carolers.
• Friday, December 13: She checks the official website. The calendar shows extended hours (10 AM–7 PM). She also sees a Facebook post: “No rain expected — see you Saturday!”
• Saturday: The family arrives at 10:30 AM. They find festive decorations, a vendor selling handmade ornaments, and a live acoustic set by a local jazz band. Sarah had synced the calendar to her phone, so she received a reminder the night before.

Result: A seamless, enjoyable experience thanks to proactive planning.

Example 2: Vendor Preparing for Market Day

James is a local ceramic artist who sells at RAM every Saturday. He needs to confirm whether he’ll be set up on March 2.

• Thursday, February 29: James logs into his vendor portal on the RAM website. His assigned booth is confirmed for March 2.
• Friday, March 1: He checks the official Instagram. The post says: “Market on as scheduled — light rain expected after 3 PM. Bring tarps!”
• Saturday, March 2: James arrives with waterproof covers. The market runs from 10 AM–4 PM. Rain begins at 3:30 PM — vendors quickly cover their stalls. The market continues without cancellation.

Result: Preparedness saved his inventory and sales.

Example 3: Tourist Misled by Outdated Blog

David reads an old blog post from 2022 that says “RAM is open 9 AM–5 PM every Saturday.” He arrives at 8:30 AM on a Saturday in July and finds the gates closed.

• He checks his phone and searches “Riverside Arts Market schedule.” The top result is the official site, which shows summer hours are 10 AM–4 PM.
• He then checks Instagram — a post from 5 PM the previous day says: “See you tomorrow at 10 AM!”
• David returns at 10 AM the next day and has a great experience.

Result: He learned to verify with official sources — a valuable lesson.

FAQs

Is the Riverside Arts Market open every Saturday?

Yes, the market operates every Saturday unless canceled due to severe weather, public safety concerns, or major holidays. Always verify via the official website or email newsletter before traveling.

What time does the Riverside Arts Market open and close?

Hours vary by season:

• Winter (November–February): 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Spring/Fall (March–May, September–October): 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Summer (June–August): 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Always confirm on the official calendar for the specific date.

Is there an admission fee?

No. Entry to the Riverside Arts Market is free for all visitors. Vendors set their own prices for goods and services.

Can I bring my pet?

Yes, leashed pets are welcome. Many vendors offer pet-friendly treats, and water stations are available. Please clean up after your pet and respect other visitors.

What happens if it rains?

The market operates rain or shine — unless conditions are unsafe. Light rain rarely causes cancellation. Heavy rain, lightning, or high winds may result in closure. Updates are posted by 5:00 PM Friday.

Are there parking options nearby?

Yes. Free parking is available in nearby garages and surface lots, including:

• 100 Riverfront Plaza Parking Garage
• St. Johns River Parking Garage
• Free street parking on weekends (limited)

Public transit (JTA buses) also stops near the market.

Can I apply to be a vendor?

Yes. Applications are accepted year-round through the official website under “Vendors” > “Apply to Join.” There is a screening and fee process. Space is limited and prioritized for local artisans and food producers.

Is the market accessible for people with disabilities?

Yes. The entire market area is ADA-compliant with paved pathways, accessible restrooms, and designated parking. Service animals are welcome. Contact the organizers in advance for special accommodations.

Do they accept credit cards?

Most vendors accept credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. However, some artisans may only take cash. It’s recommended to carry $20–$50 in cash for smaller purchases.

What if I miss the email newsletter?

Don’t worry. You can always check the official website or social media. The calendar is publicly accessible and updated regularly. You can also sign up again if you unsubscribed accidentally.

Conclusion

Knowing how to check the Riverside Arts Market calendar is more than a logistical task — it’s a gateway to experiencing one of Jacksonville’s most authentic cultural gatherings. From the vibrant energy of local musicians to the aroma of freshly prepared street food and the creativity of handmade goods, RAM offers an immersive, community-driven experience that’s hard to replicate.

By following the steps outlined in this guide — relying on official sources, subscribing to updates, syncing your calendar, and verifying weather conditions — you ensure that every visit is intentional, enjoyable, and free of disappointment. Avoid the pitfalls of outdated blogs, third-party apps, or assumptions. The official website and email newsletter are your most trusted allies.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned regular, the Riverside Arts Market rewards those who plan ahead. Use the tools provided, apply the best practices, and let the rhythm of the river guide your weekend. With the right information, you’ll never miss a Saturday at RAM — and you’ll leave with more than just souvenirs. You’ll leave with memories.