Annual Events
Florida’s Historic Coast has an annual calendar chock full of events that appeal to a wide variety of interests.
First Friday Art Walk
www.staaa.org/art-galleries-of-st-augustine
From 5-9 p.m. on the first Friday of every month, new exhibits, music, entertainment and refreshments are featured at over 20 galleries in St. Augustine. Visitors can enjoy the complimentary shuttle service that runs from 6-9 p.m. provided by Old Town Trolleys. To use this service, shuttle stickers may be picked up at any participating AGOSA gallery.
JANUARY
Saint Augustine Film Festival
The St. Augustine Film Festival presents more than 20 outstanding films with filmmakers’ panel discussions.
Matanzas 5000 5K & Fun Run
www.ancientcityroadrunners.org/matanzas-5k
One of Florida’s fastest 5K races on a scenic USATF-certified course.
FEBRUARY
Flight to Freedom
www.fortmose.org/flight-to-freedom
Flight to Freedom recreates the experience of the hundreds of slaves who traveled to Fort Mose in search of freedom in America’s first Underground Railroad.
St. Augustine Spanish Food & Wine Festival
Various food & wine events over two days, showcasing the Spanish influence on the culinary scene in St. Augustine.
MARCH
Searle’s Sack of St. Augustine
This authentic reenactment portrays Captain Robert Searle’s 1668 attack on St. Augustine to loot the silver ingots held in the royal coffers. The reenactment includes a Raider’s encampment at the Colonial Quarter and an evening attack at the city’s Plaza de La Constitucion.
THE PLAYERS Championship
Come see your favorite golf pros compete at the world-famous PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach. Recognized by PGA TOUR members as “their” championship tournament, THE PLAYERS features one of the most coveted titles in professional golf, the strongest field of competitors and the richest purse.
APRIL
Blessing of the Fleet
www.staugustineyachtclub.com/blessingofthefleet.html
904-824-9725
This annual event has watercraft from trawlers, yachts, sailboats and motor craft all decorated to receive a blessing from the Bishop of the Diocese of St. Augustine at the St. Augustine Municipal Marina.
St. Augustine Easter Parade
904-829-2333
St. Augustine’s Easter Parade features marching bands, floats, drill teams, the Easter Bunny, and the St. Augustine Royal Family with the city’s carriage horses wearing special hand-made bonnets. The parade begins at the Mission Nombre de Dios and winds through downtown St. Augustine.
Florida’s Birding & Photo Fest
www.FloridasBirdingAndPhotoFest.com
One of the most popular events among birding, nature, and photography enthusiasts in the southeast will take place on Florida’s Historic Coast – St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches. With more than 110 birding and photography field workshops and classroom sessions led by acclaimed photographers, Florida’s Birding & Photo Fest has something for everyone.
May
St. Augustine Food & Wine Festival
904-385-9121
A culinary weekend celebration at World Golf Village with celebrity guest chefs, winemakers and beverage experts in spirits and beers, for adults 21 and over only.
Annual Craft Brewer's Fest
Great food, great music and great craft brews. What can be better? Enjoy unlimited samples from more than 25 local and regional breweries.
Drake’s Raid
The English corsair Sir Francis Drake and his raiders return to St. Augustine in an authentic recreation of the 1586 sack of the city.
MAY THROUGH SEPTEMBER
Music by The Sea Concert Series
Every Wednesday evening through September, a free live concert takes place from 7-9 p.m. at the St. Johns County Ocean Pier Pavilion, 350 A1A Beach Blvd.
Concerts in the Plaza
Throughout the summer months, every Thursday evening a free live concert takes place from 7-9 p.m. in St. Augustine’s historic Plaza de la Constitucion.
JUNE
St. Augustine Music Festival
www.staugustinemusicfestival.org
The St. Augustine Music Festival is a series of six free concerts held throughout two weekends in the historic Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine.
Battle of Bloody Mose
904-823-2232
This annual reenactment of the June 26, 1740, Battle of Bloody Mose, a pivotal battle between the British and the Spanish militia composed of former British slaves granted freedom by the Spanish.
JULY
July 4 - St. Augustine Fireworks and Concert
904-825-1004
The All Star Orchestra performs in the Plaza de la Constitucion then one of the largest fireworks displays on the East Coast bursts above the ancient Castillo de San Marcos and reflects in the waters of Matanzas Bay.
Ancient City Kingfish Challenge
904-669-5153
www.acgfa.com
This exciting competition offers cash and prizes for the biggest catch. This annual tournament takes place from the St. Augustine City Marina on the Bayfront.
SEPTEMBER
St. Augustine Founder’s Day Celebration
This day honors the founding of America’s First Parish, the Cathedral of St. Augustine, and St. Augustine, the nation’s oldest city. Both were founded together 455 years ago on Sept. 8, 1565, by Pedro Menéndez de Avilés. Enjoy a historical reenactment of the Spanish landing followed by a Mass at the rustic altar on the mission grounds.
Sing Out Loud
One of the largest FREE music celebrations in Florida offering hundreds of live performances at multiple venues throughout St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra in an epic celebration of music spanning multiple genres.
OCTOBER
St. Augustine Greek Festival
www.staugustinegreekfestival.com
Celebrate all things Greek - food, dancing, music and heritage - at this annual festival celebrating St. Augustine’s Greek heritage. Enjoy homemade Greek foods and pastries, shop at the outdoor market and enjoy the games and rides. The festival takes place at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 2940 County Road 214, St. Augustine
Rhythm & Ribs Festival
Non-stop music featuring popular performers and award-winning barbecue all weekend long at St. Augustine’s Francis Field.
NOVEMBER
Whiskey, Wine & Wildlife
www.whiskeywineandwildlife.com
Whiskey, Wine & Wildlife celebrates the best of St. Augustine's Vilano Beach and Florida's Historic Coast, from its culinary superstars and spectacular seafood to its artisans, musicians and cultural heritage.
Ponte Vedra Auto Show
The Ponte Vedra Auto Show showcases classic and new collectors' cars from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The auto show and parking are free and take place at 245 Nocatee Center Way, Ponte Vedra Beach
MID-NOVEMBER THROUGH JANUARY 31
Nights of Lights
Selected by National Geographic Traveler as one of the ten best holiday lighting displays in the world, St. Augustine glows with more than 3 million white lights. The Nights of Lights spectacular lighting display reflects the city’s 457-year history.
DECEMBER
St. Augustine Christmas Parade
904-824-4997
St. Augustine’s Annual Christmas Parade, the largest in North Florida, includes floats, marching bands, horses and the arrival of Santa. The parade starts 10 a.m. at Mission of Nombre De Dios and continues through historic downtown St. Augustine.
Garden Club Christmas Tour of Homes
www.gardenclubofstaugustine.org
This annual tour showcases holiday decorations at a selection of St. Augustine’s most outstanding private homes. Enjoy a taste of nostalgia in the colorful decorations hand crafted by members of The Garden Club of St. Augustine.
Regatta of Lights
www.staugustineyachtclub.com/regattaoflights.html
Brilliantly lighted boats glide through St. Augustine’s Matanzas Bay between the Bridge of Lions and Castillo de San Marcos during this annual holiday parade of sailboats, trawlers, shrimp boats and other vessels. Hosted by the St. Augustine Yacht Club.
Light Up the NIGHT! New Year's Eve Firework Show
Kick off the New Year in seaside style at this St. Augustine Beach event! Enjoy fireworks, festivities and food.