A signature Jacksonville community event to celebrate local children battling life-threatening illnesses returns Saturday with Dream Day 2026, and News4JAX will be there from start to finish.
The Local Station will bring you live coverage of Dream Day from setup during The Morning Show to the main event on Channel 4 and our News4JAX+ streaming app, starting at 10 a.m.
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The magical Positively Jax event, brought to you by PRI Productions and Dreams Come True, runs from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at PRI Productions headquarters, located at 1819 Kings Ave. in Jacksonville. It is free and open to the public to come cheer on the children.
The community will come together to give the red carpet treatment to 36 local children, known as Dreamers, who will be honored as the heroes they are during the one-of-a-kind celebration.
More than 2,000 attendees are expected to fill the festive community gathering, which features live music, nearly 100 beloved character appearances, a parade, more than 100 local food vendors, 20-plus themed performances, children’s activities, and much more.
More than 200 volunteers will be on hand to help make the day a success, and all individuals, organizations, and businesses participating are donating their time and resources to the event.
Dream Day is a signature event of PRI Productions, created in partnership with Dreams Come True of Jacksonville — a nonprofit organization that has been fulfilling the dreams of children with life-threatening conditions since 1984.
WANT TO DONATE? Ways to give to Dreams Come True
Who are the Dreamers?
At the heart of Dream Day are the Dreamers — this year, that includes 36 children from across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia between the ages of 4 and 14 who are facing life-threatening medical conditions with courage and heart.
Each Dreamer arrives individually as their favorite character to a cheering crowd, walks a 150-foot red carpet, and is celebrated as the true star of the day.
Family members and loved ones accompany each child throughout the event, sharing in a day designed entirely for them.
This year’s event honors children representing a range of life-threatening conditions.
Dreams Come True has fulfilled more than 5,000 dreams for children in its 42-year history.
Getting there
Kings Avenue will be closed from Vine Street to Landon Avenue beginning at 7 a.m. until noon on Saturday.
Attendees are encouraged to plan for detours and arrive by 9 a.m. to secure prime red carpet viewing spots.
Free public parking is available at the Kings Avenue Parking Garage at 1201 Kings Ave. Complimentary shuttles will run throughout the day between the garage and PRI Productions headquarters.
Wheelchair-accessible shuttle vehicles are available from both the Kings Avenue Parking Garage and Duval County Public Schools, located at 1701 Prudential Dr.
Reserved parking for Dreamers and their families is available at Duval County Public Schools. Shaded seating areas, cooling fans, and water will be available along the red carpet.