Spring Brings Exciting Cultural Events to Florida’s Historic Coast
From ballets to symphonies and theatre to festivals, there’s something for everyone to celebrate this Spring.
Classical Performances
First, some classical favorites. If you love ballet and orchestral music, you’re in luck. These fine performances have delighted audiences for many years and the tradition continues with new twists this Spring. Here are a few you won’t want to miss. Click the links for times and details.
March 11
Fancy An Evening of Arias? It’s happening at Marsh Creek Country Club, courtesy of First Coast Opera.
March 18
EMMA Concert Series Presents Dance Alive Ballet – Loveland. An international roster of award-winning dancers perform in this repertoire inspired by Elizabeth Barrett Browning sonnets.
March 30
The St. Augustine Orchestra will be performing a concert at the Lightner Museum.
April 15
Afternoon Tea Presented by St. Augustine Orchestra makes for a perfect afternoon with hot tea and heavy hors d’oeuvres to accompany some delightful classical music at the St. Anastasia Catholic Church.
Theatre
Florida’s Historic Coast has more than its share of talented performers who know how to entertain audiences of all ages. Be sure to catch these wonderful performances this Spring. Our local Limelight Theatre offers a lineup of performances that will put a smile on your face, while at the Waterworks, an intimate setting brings the drama a lot closer.
March 10 – 12
This modern romantic comedy about a marriage and a dog is just what the world needs today. Written by A.R. Gurney, Sylvia Presented by A Classic Theatre is at The Waterworks.
April 7 – April 30
It’s all in the family and this performance of Over the River & Through The Woods captures the emotions and hilarious attempts of grandparents trying their best to keep the family together. You can catch it at Limelight Theatre.
May 12 – June 4
Everyone’s favorite little beauty pageant contestant heads for the stage at Limelight Theatre. Little Miss Sunshine and family brings joy, laughter and good feels to all kinds of families.
May 5 - 7 & 12 – 14
Witty and powerful at the same time, Mothers & Sons deals with the grief of a mother for her son. You can catch this provocative performance at the Waterworks, presented by A Classic Theatre.
Festivals
What’s Spring without a festival? We have so much to celebrate, from heritage to cultural cuisine and local music, you’ll be hard pressed to choose which one to attend. Luckily, you don’t have to choose. Attend them all!
March 10 – 12
Celtic bands, Whisky tastings and Highland games make this one of the best attended festivals in Florida. You don’t have to be Irish to love the music, food and, of course, the St. Patrick Day Parade. See you at the St. Augustine Celtic Music & Heritage Festival at Francis Field.
March 18
From processions and pageantry to ceremonies and cannon salutes, the Founder’s Day activities celebrate the Founding of Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose in 1738, establishing it as the first legally sanctioned free Black community in North America.
March 23
The White Trash Cooking Festival at The Barn Palm Valley celebrates the unique history, culture and fortitude of the original pioneer families of Palm Valley. Enjoy folk music, storytellers, local authors, arts, crafts and of course, lots of white trash cooking from local restaurants featuring their favorite Southern dishes.
March 25 & 26
It’s the 40th anniversary of this popular festival featuring boatloads of seafood and all kinds of cuisine, entertainment and 100 artisans. Join us at Francis Field for the St. Augustine Lions Spring Festival.
April 14 – 16
The legacy of the storyteller and songwriter is celebrated at the Gamble Rogers Music Festival, complete with four performance stages, camping, food trucks, local artisans and lots more at the St. Johns County Fairgrounds.
April 19 – 23
Florida’s Historic Coast is where birding and outdoor photography come together. Join us for more than 100 events spread out over five days during Florida’s Birding & Photo Fest. Learn from top photographers as you enjoy the outdoors in America’s Most Photogenic City®.
April 26 – 30
Love to paint? Love the outdoors? The 7th Annual St. Augustine Plein Air Paint Out draws artists from all over to find artistic inspiration throughout the streets and neighborhoods of the nation’s oldest city.
April 28 – 30
Trail Blazer Country Music Festival and Craft Beer Fest is all about country—music, food, drink, exhibits and so much more. Bring the kids and spend the day enjoying the outdoors at the St. Johns County Fairgrounds.
April 28 – May 14
St. Augustine’s Romanza Festivale of the Arts is a perennial favorite with dozens of concerts, and dance performances and exhibits featuring local talent throughout St. Johns County.
April 30
It’s every foodie’s favorite time of year. The Taste of St. Augustine draws big crowds every year to taste the best of what St. Augustine chefs have to offer. There’s contests, prizes, live music and of course, tasty delicacies from our local restaurants and chefs. Come hungry to The AMP.
May 3 – 7
USA TODAY calls it “one of Florida’s top 10 food and wine festivals” and with good reason. Join celebrity guest chefs, local chefs and beverage experts for cooking demos, tasting events and live music at the St. Augustine Food + Wine Festival at the Lightner Museum and Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village.
May 6
Somos Latinos! That’s the theme of Unidos A La Musica: A Latin American Festival. A day filled with great music and dancing, wonderful food and lots of cultural pride. Bring the family and spend the day celebrating with art, games and vendor market outdoors at Francis Field.
May 6
Enjoy unlimited samples from over 25 local and regional breweries at the St. Augustine Craft Brewer’s Fest at the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. Craft beers, live music and food trucks—what more could you ask?
May 10 – 14
Taking place at many different venues and historical buildings throughout the city, the St. Augustine History Festival celebrates every era in the nation’s oldest city, from its founding in 1565, the Gilded Age and today.
May 23
Remember Vanilla Ice? He’ll be headlining at this year’s 3rd Annual As If! The 90’s Fest taking place at Francis Field. Come and enjoy music with Ice, the Spin Doctors and other performers, vendors, food trucks, water slide, photo booth and lots more totally rad activities.
Be sure to check for updates in the Events calendar as we are constantly adding new events.
