Bourbon, bands and a whole lot of community spirit are set to take over Corks and Barrels in Fleming Island this Saturday, as VetFest returns for its fourth annual run. The event is billed as an annual nonprofit, veteran-centric charitable gathering, dedicated to honoring, supporting and empowering people who have served the nation.
According to News4JAX, VetFest was founded and is coordinated by veterans, guided by individuals with more than 100 years of combined military service between them. The station reports the event works through veteran-focused initiatives, outreach and partnerships, aiming to give veterans, service members and their families access to meaningful resources, opportunities and community.
This year's edition runs Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. at Corks and Barrels, 1824 Town Center Blvd. in Fleming Island, per the same report.
A Growing Tradition on Town Center Boulevard
Clay Veterans also has the gathering on its calendar, listing Clay Vet Fest 4.0 at the same Corks & Barrels address, according to the organization's event list. Separately, 96.9 The Eagle says proceeds from the fourth annual VETFest will benefit Clay Veterans, while Explore Clay describes the day as dedicated to honoring, supporting and giving back to veterans.
Last year's gathering at the same Town Center Boulevard address was covered by News4JAX as the third annual VET FEST, with organizers at the time saying proceeds went to the Whiskey Valor Foundation, a nonprofit described as helping veterans in need. That 2025 event featured games, bands, a cigar lounge, vendor booths and raffles.
Corks and Barrels' History With Veteran Fundraisers
The Fleming Island venue has hosted veteran-focused fundraisers before. Clay Today reported that a Warriors and Whiskey event at Corks and Barrels previously benefited the Whiskey Valor Foundation and K9s for Warriors, offering samples of nearly 100 spirits and wines alongside live music, an auction and a cigar bar.
River City Live host Rance Adams, who has spent 20 years working in television and the last six years in Jacksonville as an MMJ, co-host, producer and host for the show, is featured in the WJXT News4JAX report promoting this weekend's event.
