By Dana Michelle Maule
For the first time ever, people experienced Duval Day on bikes. Local nonprofit Northside Pride organized a bike tour designed to introduce people to the history and culture that define Jacksonville’s Northside. Duval Day is a local food and music festival launched by comedian and recording artist Lil Duval, most popular for his 2018 viral rap anthem “Smile (Living my best life)” featuring Snoop Dogg.
Duval Day is an annual community block party and cultural celebration held in Northwest Jacksonville. This year’s event, the 11th annual, took place July 11 at Clanzel T. Brown Park (formerly Moncrief Park) and drew thousands of attendees for live DJs, musical performances, local food vendors, games and activities for all ages. Backed by Lil Duval, the festival aims to promote community unity while giving local entrepreneurs and small businesses a platform to reach new customers.
Nearly 30 cyclists were seen cruising along Moncrief Road the morning of Duval Day. The Duval Day Bike Tour is a new cultural tourism initiative developed by Northside Pride of Jacksonville founder Dana Maule.
Bike Walk Jax provided bicycle safety and helmet training, and ZenCog, a local bike rental company, supplied bicycles for participants who needed them.
The guided bike ride showcased historic and cultural destinations along the Moncrief Road corridor, like Eartha White’s historic coquina cottage and Holley’s BBQ, Jacksonville’s oldest Black-owned barbecue restaurant. Riders learned about the legacy of owner Jack Holley, who is credited with introducing curly fries to Jacksonville more than 80 years ago. The business is now owned and operated by Holley’s daughter.
The ride concluded with the unveiling of the new “Jack Holley Legacy” mural, a 278-square-foot public artwork created by Jacksonville artist Metamorphic. Northside Pride and LISC Jacksonville funded the mural. It honors Holley’s lasting contributions to Jacksonville’s culinary and cultural history.
“This was more than a bike ride,” said Dana Maule, Founder and Executive Director of Northside Pride. “It was an opportunity to experience Jacksonville’s Northside through the lens of history and public art. Tourism should tell the stories of every neighborhood, and this tour demonstrates the Northside’s value as a cultural destination.”
Organizers called the bike tour a success and confirmed the Duval Day Bike Tour will return in 2027. The next bike tour will be in Historic Durkeeville along the Emerald Trail S-Line in February 2027.
Dana Michelle Maule is the Founder and Executive Director of Northside Pride.
