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
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. A complimentary shuttle service to most galleries is provided by St. Augustine Sightseeing Trains and Old Town Trolleys from the San Sebastian Winery.
Uptown Saturday Night
From 5 – 9 p.m. on the last Saturday of each month, experience live music, refreshments, shopping and much more on St. Augustine’s San Marco Ave., between Ripley’s Museum and the Mission Nombre de Dios.
JANUARY
Matanzas 5000 5K & Fun Run
904.461.1615
www.matanzas5k.com
One of Florida’s fastest 5K races on a scenic USATF-certified course.
St. Augustine Film Festival
Presented by Flagler College, the St. Augustine Film Festival presents more than 20 outstanding films with filmmakers’ panel discussions.
FEBRUARY
Arts and Crafts Festival at St. Augustine Beach Pier
352.344.0657
www.tnteventsinc.com
A festive atmosphere with fine art and crafts and live music at the St. Augustine Beach Pier Park. Admission is free.
MARCH
Searle’s Sack of St. Augustine
904.534.6168
www.Searlesbucs.com
This authentic re-enactment portrays Captain Robert Searle’s 1668 attack on St. Augustine to loot the silver ingots held in the royal coffers. The re-enactment includes a Raider’s encampment at the Fountain of Youth Archeological Park and an evening attack at the city’s Plaza de La Constitucion.
Celtic Music and Heritage Festival
A St. Patrick’s Day Parade, traditional Irish music, Scottish pipes and drums, and contemporary Celtic Rock in celebration of St. Augustine’s Celtic history dating back to 1565! Located at Francis Field.
APRIL
Rhythm & Ribs Festival
904.417.8470
www.rhythmandribs.net
Non-stop music featuring popular performers and award-winning barbecue all weekend long at St. Augustine’s Francis Field.
Blessing of the Fleet
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.
A Taste of St. Augustine
904.829.3295
www.epicbh.org/tasteofstaugustine.html
This signature food festival at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre serves up “tastes” from over 20 local restaurants competing for the prestigious TOStA (Taste of St. Augustine) awards, as well as the “People’s Choice”.
Florida’s Birding & Photo Fest
904.209.4422
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 and 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.
Drake’s Raid
904.829.9792
www.DrakesRaid.com
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
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.
MID-MAY THROUGH SEPTEMBER
Music by The Sea Concert Series
904.347.8007
www.thecivicassociation.org
Every Wednesday evening through September, a free live concert takes place from 7-9 p.m. at the St. Augustine Beach Pier Pavilion, 350 A1A Beach Blvd.
MEMORIAL DAY THROUGH LABOR DAY
Concerts in the Plaza
904.825.1004
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
Battle of Bloody Mose
904.823.2232
This annual re-enactment 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 3 - World Golf Village Fireworks
World Golf Village celebrates Independence Day with its annual Community Fireworks—one of the largest displays in Northeast Florida. World Golf Village is located off I-95 Exit 323, St. Augustine.
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
904.824.8322
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 453 years ago on Sept. 8, 1565, by Pedro Menéndez de Avilés. Enjoy a historical re-enactment of the Spanish landing followed by a Mass at the rustic altar on the mission grounds. The event will continue at the Fountain of Youth, which will feature an afternoon with opportunities for children and families to meet the historical re-enactors and participate in activities. General admission into the Fountain of Youth is $15.
Florida Heritage Book Festival
904.940.0194
www.fhbookfest.com
Florida’s rich and colorful literary heritage is celebrated at a series of workshops, presentations and readings. Meet award-winning authors, fellow book lovers and publishing professionals.
St. Augustine Spanish Wine Festival
The oldest city’s Spanish culinary heritage is celebrated with this festival that features the very best in Spanish foods and wines. The Festival offers a variety of special events at various venues and restaurants as well as a Grand Wine Tasting and the Vino Battalla.
The Sing Out Loud Festival
One of the largest free music festivals in Florida, returns to Florida’s Historic Coast for four weekends this September. From September 1 - 23, hundreds of live performances will take place at multiple venues throughout St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra in an epic celebration of music spanning multiple genres.
OCTOBER
Greek Festival
904.829.0504
www.stauggreekfest.com
Greek music, dance and food set in a virtual Greek village at St. Augustine’s Francis Field. Greek dancers and performers are featured along with an authentic Agora market, Cafenio, Taverna, Kids Center and much more.
St. Augustine Independent Restaurant Association (SAiRA) Food & Wine Fest
www.StAugustineRestaurants.com
A popular food and wine sampling from 17 area restaurants at The River House from noon to 4 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Boys and Girls Club.
A Taste of the Beach
904.347.8007
http://www.thecivicassociation.org
Annual ‘taste-fest’ with the crowd and judges selecting the “Best of the Beach” restaurant. Admission is free and taste tickets sell for $1 each. Noon - 5 p.m. at St. Augustine Beach Pier Pavilion.
NOVEMBER
Great St. Augustine Chowder Debate
904.829.8646
www.conch-house.com
More than 30 area restaurants compete for top honors in this tasty fundraiser for Shriners Children’s Hospitals. Tastes are $1 each and winners will be selected in New England, Minorcan, conch and/or seafood categories.
St. Augustine Half Marathon
305.716.1111
http://staugustinemarathon.com
Put on your running shoes for a foot-race that suits your running level. 10K Run, Family 5K Run and the St Augustine’s Kids Race and a Half Marathon. Each race starts and ends at Francis Field.
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 450-year history.
Fall Arts and Crafts Festival
904.824.2310
www.staugustineartfestival.com
More than 150 artists from around the USA are juried into this Thanksgiving weekend art festival at Francis Field.
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
904.797.0660
http://gardenclubofstaugustine.org/tourofhomes.html
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
904.824.9725
www.staugustineyachtclub.com
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.
Bed and Breakfast Holiday Tour “Christmas Around the World”
This annual Christmas tour features 24 inns throughout historic St. Augustine. Each inn is paired with a distinguished St. Augustine restaurant offering savory nibbles, sweet treats and other refreshments.