Bulls, boats, books, beauty queens and a demon-posessed barber make for a lively lineup of September events in Jacksonville.
Lemon Bar Luau, Lemon Bar, September 13
The Lemon Bar, a favorite oceanfront hotspot, hosts the Lemon Bar Luau, benefitting the Beaches Resource Center Foundation and B.E.A.M. (Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry), which helps at-risk kids and families. The annual Polynesian-themed, adults-only party features live entertainment, great dishes from area restaurants and tropical tea. Tickets are $30-$40 and there's a cash bar. Party time is $:00-7:00 p.m. (904)270-8200Jacksonville Jaguars Season Opener, Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, Sept. 14
Photo © Getty Images/Sam Greenwood
The Jacksonville Jaguars kick off the 2008-2009 home season against the Buffalo Bills, 1:00 p.m. at Municipal Stadium. Later this month, they'll take on the Indianapolis Colts at Indianapolis September 21 before heading back home to tank the Houston Texans September 28. Tickets run $50 -$250. 877-4-JAGS-TIX
Sulzbacher Center's 10th Annual Transformations, Florida Theatre, September 18
Billed as Jacksonville's "best feel-good event," the Sulzbacher's 10th Annual Transformations-A Salute to the Home Team" spotlights the success stories of former homeless locals who have rebuilt their lives. Your ticket purchase ($25 for students, $50 general admission) benefits other homeless men, women and children. Enjoy a family-friendly, upscale tailgatge party on Forsyth Street at 6:00 p.m. and a tribute performance in the Florida Theatre at 7:30 p.m. (904)394-8084Professional Bull Riders, Veterans Memorial Arena, September 19-20
Photo © Getty Images/Harry How
The toughest sport on dirt comes to the Veterans Memorial Arena in the PBR's Built Ford Tough Shootout Sept. 19 and 20, 8:00 p.m. Tickets run $30-$100 for plain 'ol seats, or $250 for the Team PBR VIP Experience package, including pre-party and corral passes and semi-private meet & greets with selected competitors. Cowboy up! (904)630-3900
Miracles in the Moonlight Gala Ball, Hyatt Regency Riverfront, September 20.
The Bragans hit Broadway! Well, sort of. The annual Miracles in the Moonlight Gala Ball honors the work of Jacksonville Suns owners Beter Bragan, Sr. and Peter Bragan, Jr. with a Broadway-themed evening of dinner, dancing and live auctions. Funds benefit the North Florida Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Festivities begin at 6:00 p.m. and tickets run $150 per person to $2,500 per table. (904)739-2101West Side Story, Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, Alhambra, Sept. 19-21
Image courtesy Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra
The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra and Alhambra Dinner Theatre team up to present one of musical theatre's biggest hits - West Side Story - fully staged, fully symphonic and just in time for it's 50th anniversary Broadway revival. Showtimes are 8:00 p.m. Friday, 2:00 and 8:00 p.m. Saturday, and 2:00 Sunday. Tickets run $31-$59. (904)354-5547
Ultra Realistic Sculpture/Making Marks, Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville
Image © Marc Sijan
MOCA opens two new exhibitions this month: "Ultra Realistic Sculpture" featuring works by Marc Sijan and "Making Marks: A Survey of Jacksonville DRawing." Both open September 19 and run through January 4. Tickets are a family-friendly $5-$8. (904)366-6911
Southeast US Boat Show, Prime Osborn Convention Center, September 19-21
Photo © Southern US Boat Show
See all the latest and greatest in power, sail, freshwater and saltwater fishing boats, yachts, kayaks, boating accessories and everything in between. Showtime is 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Sunday. Kids and teens age 16 and under are admitted free. Adults pay $10. (904)673-0093
Sara Evans, Florida Theatre, September 20
Photo courtesy The Florida Theatre
Dancing with the Stars alum, one of People magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People," newlywed, oh yeah, and solid country music star Sara Evans takes the Florida Theatre stage at 8:00 p.m. Tickets run $36-$54. (904)355-2787
Dog Days in the Park, Klutho Park, September 20
Photo © Getty Images/Diane Macdonald
Spend a day of fun with your canine companion compliments of the Springfield Animal Care & Rescue Club. Enjoy live music and entertainment, the Kids Play Zone, food and drink. Soak up some positive vibes with the popular Blessing of the Animals, pick up some animal care tips, enter your four-legged pal in the pet costume contest and show off his skills in K9 frisbee, flyball and other pet activity demonstrations. 11 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (904)485-6597