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January
Annual Matanzas 5K & Fun Run
Held in late January
Location: Swing Park and Bayfront
904-797-7575
Take the
lead, just keep pace or cheer from the sidelines one of St. Augustine’s
most popular races. This 5K run begins from Swing Park and continues
downtown along the bay front. Race begins at 9:00 a.m. and is followed
by an awards ceremony.
Lighthouse Challenge
Held in late
January – early February
Location:
Lighthouse & Museum, Anastasia Island
904-829-0745
Test your
endurance and ability with an obstacle course for visitors of all ages
at the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum. In conjunction with Super
Sunday, find out if football fans of today are as rough and ready as the
lighthouse keepers of bygone days. Join a host of celebrities, football
personalities and fans in tying a sailor's knot to retrieve a key,
climbing the tower to unlock instructions for the next task, finding
clues hidden among the museum's exhibits, toting oil to a waiting ship,
and performing a variety of football-related tasks.
Colonial
Town
Held in late
January – early February
Location:
Colonial Spanish Quarter Museum
904-825-6830
Step back in
time and see what life was like in the 1700's with soldiers, tradesmen,
artisans, and their families going through typical daily activities.
Includes extended activities in the Colonial Spanish Quarter and
costumed "townsfolk" at large in the city ready to answer questions.
Annual
Saint Photios National Shrine Pilgrimage
Held in late
January
Location:
St. Photios Shrine
904-829-8205
Join the
annual pilgrimage celebrating the feast of the patron of the St. Photios
Greek Orthodox National Shrine. Religious services will be conducted on
Saturday evening and Sunday morning at the Saint Photios Chapel on St.
George Street, followed by the National Shrine Day Luncheon at the Casa
Monica Hotel.
St.
Augustine Bed Race
Held in late
January
Location:
Cathedral Place
904-829-0745
Laugh at the
representatives of St. Augustine Historic Inns indulging in hilarity
pushing, pulling and rolling their beds on Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m. along
Cathedral Place in historic downtown turned into a riotous race course.
February
Changing
of the Guard
Held in
early February
Location:
Government House
904-825-1004
Relive an
evening in 1740 in this reenactment of the Spanish garrison securing the
town for the night. Ceremony includes a march along St. George Street
and a military drill, with commands in Spanish, ending with a musket
volley. Afterwards, the soldiers will interact with the public,
answering questions and posing for photos.
Annual
San Sebastian Winefest
Held in late
February
Location:
San Sebastian Winery
904-826-1594
Celebrate the new wine releases at San
Sebastian Winery, 157 King Street. Complimentary tours and wine tasting
are offered. Local artists will display and sell their original work.
Listen to live music in ‘The Cellar Upstairs’ Wine and Jazz Bar
throughout the entire weekend on the open-air deck. A selection of San
Sebastian wine, beer, soft drinks and light appetizers are available for
purchase.
March
Native American Indian Festival
Held in early March
Location: Francis Field
888-277-0188
Sample
buffalo stew, roasted corn and other Indian food at this annual outdoor
event that features the food, music, art and craftsmanship of Native
Americans.
Menorcan
Heritage Celebration
Held in
early March
Location:
Oldest House Complex
904-824-2872
Celebrate Menorcan culture with mullet net
making, weavers, children’s games, Menorcan family photos, story
telling, real Menorcan clam chowder, rice pilaf, fromajardes cakes and
more.
The Sack of St. Augustine: Captain Robert
Searle’s Raid of 1668
Held in early March
Location: Fountain of Youth Park
904-829-9792
Relive a calamitous day in history as the
Historic Florida Militia reenacts the Sack of St. Augustine in 1668.
From their encampment at Fountain of Youth Park, where visitors can see,
examine and photograph 17th century arms, equipment and even food, the
buccaneers travel by boat and land on the bay side of the Downtown
Plaza. Spanish troops and frightened citizens flee up St. George Street
to the Santo Domingo Redoubt at Cordova and Orange Streets, where a
battle commences. Unable to capture the Redoubt, the buccaneers.
Annual Lions Club Seafood Festival
Held in mid March
Location:
Francis Field on Castillo Drive
904-829-1753
Sample
seafood prepared by culinary lions. The festival also includes an RV
show, hot air balloon rides, Bluegrass music, and an arts & crafts show.
All proceeds benefit Lions Club charities.
Annual
Lighthouse Festival & Michelob Ultra 5K
Held in mid
March
Location:
St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum
904-829-0745
The historic Light Station will offer
something for everyone, including living history activities, live
entertainment, pony rides, children's games and crafts, a variety of
refreshments, and even a baked goods contest. The Annual Michelob Ultra
Twilight 5K Run begins at 4:30 p.m. on the road in front of the Keeper’s
House. Advance registration is required to take part in the 5K Run.
Rhythm and Ribs Festival
Held in mid March
Location: St. Francis Field on Castillo
Drive
904-797-7924
Stomp your feet and smack your lips at this
annual festival featuring championship BBQ dishes from around the
country. A variety of outstanding entertainment throughout the weekend
at St. Francis Field on Castillo Drive. Shuttles from Downtown and San
Sebastian Winery.
Blessing of the Fleet
Held in mid March
Location: City Marina
904-825-1004
Witness a
ceremony that dates back hundreds of years as those that take to the
sea, in commercial and pleasure craft alike, receive a blessing from the
Bishop of the Diocese of St. Augustine. The event draws thousands each
Palm Sunday to watch as watercraft from trawlers and yachts to sailboats
and motor craft, all decorated with flags and bunting, receive this
special blessing. Ceremony begins at noon with a procession from the
Cathedral Basilica to the City Marina.
St.
Augustine Easter Parade
Held on
Easter Sunday
Location:
Downtown
904-824-7722
Join the
parade of marching bands, floats, drill teams, clowns, Royal Family and
the city’s carriage horses wearing hats donated by nationally recognized
women. Begins at 3:00 p.m. and winds through downtown St. Augustine.
Trophies presented in four categories.
April
Spring Arts & Crafts Festival
Held in early April
Location:
Francis Field on Castillo Drive
904-824-2310
Admission
Free
Look for
something new to please your taste when more than 130 artists display
their creations at the Special Events Field on Castillo Drive during
this two-day festival. Opens at 10:00 a.m. with a free shuttle running
between the Downtown Plaza and the event field until 5:00 p.m. each day.
Food and beverages available.
Epic
Celebration of Spring
Held in mid
April
Location:
Varies
904-829-2273
Call for
additional information regarding individual events
Celebrate
the arrival of spring in the Nation's oldest city. An EPIC Celebration
of Spring consists of four different activities focusing on food and
gardening.
Annual
Cabbage and Potato Festival
Held in late
April
Location:
Hastings Recreational Field
904-692-1420
Dig into the
good and abundant food as Florida’s cabbage and potato capital
celebrates its spring bounty with games and rides, arts and crafts,
exhibitors, and entertainment.
May
Regalos
Festival
Held in
early May
Location:
Varies throughout St. Augustine
904-449-1694
Liven up the
weekend with a fiesta of events that feature Spanish treasures of the
Americas and include visual arts, music, crafts and culture. There will
be walking tours of the art present in St. Augustine’s architecture.
Outdoor events include a juried art display, free jazz and folkloric
performances, and more. Events sites include the Downtown Plaza, Flagler
College and Café Habana.
Gamble
Rogers Folk Festival
Held in
early May
Location:
St. Augustine Amphitheater
904-819-8700
Come and enjoy music and song at this 10th
annual festival designated as a National Music and Storytelling
Festival. For the general public, from Friday through Sunday, it is a
non-stop musical party, complete with children's booths, rides, food
booths, a fish fry, craft demonstrators, dance floor, stories, pickin',
singing, contests, "jammin' tent," and more.
Annual San Sebastian Fine Art & Jazz Show
Held in early May
Location: San Sebastian Winery
888-352-9463
See and hear
art when the music sounds and artists display their original works
including sculpture, photography, oil paintings and watercolor. The
grand-prize winner of the Fine Art Show has their work purchased by the
winery for use on a commemorative and collectors' label. One hundred
cases of a San Sebastian Reserve Wine will be set aside for the special
Artist Series label. Complimentary tours and wine tasting offered
throughout the entire weekend. Listen to live music in ‘The Cellar
Upstairs’ Wine and Jazz Bar on the open-air deck. A selection of San
Sebastian wine, beer, soft drinks and light appetizers are available for
purchase.
First
Coast Birding & Nature Festival
Held in mid
May
Location:
St. Augustine Amphitheater
800-653-2489
Hands-on seminars and in-the-field
photography workshops with noted photographers. View otherwise
inaccessible North Island shore birds. Private access tour through
72,000 acre Camp Blanding's restricted rare bird sites. Boat trips to
undisturbed bird habitats. Kayak excursions. Butterfly tent with 1,000
butterflies. Nature seminars and field photography workshops. Photo tour
of St. Augustine.
Annual Ponte Vedra Car Show
Held in mid May
Location: Varies
904-285-0666
Admission
Free
View a
collection of cars, with the oldest dating back to 1913, on display from
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Sawgrass Village.
Annual
Memorial Weekend Cathedral Festival
Held in late
May
Location:
Grounds of Mission of Nombre de Dios
904-824-2806
Entertain
the whole family viewing and buying arts & crafts, a flea market tent,
games, rides, food court, and daily performances. Fireworks on Sunday.
Annual
‘Brass’ Community Concert
Held in late
May
Location:
TPC – Ponte Vedra Beach
904-285-3948
Bring a
picnic basket and enjoy the music under the open sky. BRASS stands for
Beaches Residents Actively Supporting the Symphony, and the Jacksonville
Symphony Orchestra responds with this concert.
June
Drake’s
Raid
Held in
early June
Location:
Fountain of Youth Park and Historic District
904-829-9792
Relive history as the English corsair, Sir
Francis Drake, and his raiders return to St. Augustine in an authentic
annual re-creation of the 1586 sack of the city. The raiders’ camp
featuring displays of the arms and armor, craft skills, and lifestyle --
explained by costumed interpreters -- will be open to the public at the
Fountain of Youth Park. In the late afternoon, Drake and his followers
will descend on the city’s historic district. Early evening will witness
the English attack on St. Augustine, the Spanish residents’ defense with
pike and musket skirmishes and simulated destruction of the town by the
invaders.
Changing of the Guard
Held late June – early September, Fridays
and Saturdays
904-825-1004
Witness
twilight time in colonial St. Augustine as soldiers guarding the town
are dismissed for the night, and their replacements arrive to deploy
guarding Government House. The commander of the new watch puts them
through a rigorous inspection drill before they take over their posts.
The retiring soldiers, relieved of their duties, are ordered to clear
their weapons with the command of “Disparen!” The resounding blast of
musket fire assures 18th century St. Augustine that the changing of the
guard had taken place and the town would be safe for the night. This
traditional Spanish military changing of the guard takes place Fridays
and Saturdays throughout the summer in front of St. Augustine’s
Government House.
July
St. Augustine’s Fourth of July
Celebration
Held on the fourth of July
Location: Bayfront
between the Castillo and the Bridge of Lions
904-825-1004
Have a blast
at one of the East Coast’s largest fireworks shows! The spectacular
fireworks burst above the ancient Castillo de San Marcos and reflect in
the waters of Matanzas Bay. The 20-minute show includes a stirring
soundtrack of great patriotic music.
Changing of the Guard
Held late June – early September, Fridays
and Saturdays
904-825-1004
Witness
twilight time in colonial St. Augustine as soldiers guarding the town
are dismissed for the night, and their replacements arrive to deploy
guarding Government House. The commander of the new watch puts them
through a rigorous inspection drill before they take over their posts.
The retiring soldiers, relieved of their duties, are ordered to clear
their weapons with the command of “Disparen!” The resounding blast of
musket fire assures 18th century St. Augustine that the changing of the
guard had taken place and the town would be safe for the night. This
traditional Spanish military changing of the guard takes place Fridays
and Saturdays throughout the summer in front of St. Augustine’s
Government House.
Kingfish
Challenge
Held in late
July
Location:
City Marina
904-824-8322
Chase the
big ones in this exciting competition that offers cash and prizes for
the biggest catch. Registration limited to 400 boats. It all begins at
the St. Augustine City Marina located at Avenida Menendez and the Bridge
of Lions.
Summer
Sizzler
Held in late
July
Location:
St. Augustine Beach Pier Park and St. Augustine Beach
904-808-8544
Soak up the
sun during a full weekend of sizzlin’ fun at the St. Augustine Beach
Pavilion. Event highlights include Hobie catamaran regatta and races,
sand sculpture contests, children’s carnival and water slide, Frisbee
dogs, crafts, food and retail vendors, and a kite flying competition,
cheered by live music! Proceeds benefit the Betty Griffin House.
August
Changing of the Guard
Held late June – early September, Fridays
and Saturdays
904-825-1004
Witness
twilight time in colonial St. Augustine as soldiers guarding the town
are dismissed for the night, and their replacements arrive to deploy
guarding Government House. The commander of the new watch puts them
through a rigorous inspection drill before they take over their posts.
The retiring soldiers, relieved of their duties, are ordered to clear
their weapons with the command of “Disparen!” The resounding blast of
musket fire assures 18th century St. Augustine that the changing of the
guard had taken place and the town would be safe for the night. This
traditional Spanish military changing of the guard takes place Fridays
and Saturdays throughout the summer in front of St. Augustine’s
Government House.
Annual
San Sebastian Harvest Festival & Grape Stomp
Held in late
August
Location:
San Sebastian Winery
904-826-1594
Admission
Free
Get purple
feet at this special festival celebrating the San Sebastian Winery’s
grape harvest. Grape Stomping competitions run throughout the entire
weekend with prizes awarded to the winners. Complimentary tours and wine
tasting included! Listen to live music in ‘The Cellar Upstairs’ Wine and
Jazz Bar on the open-air deck and enjoy a great view of St. Augustine. A
selection of San Sebastian wine, beer, soft drinks and light appetizers
are available for purchase.
September
St.
Augustine Birthday Celebration
Held in
early September
Location:
Mission of Nombre de Dios
904-825-1004
Admission
Free
Put on your
16th century party hats and help celebrate the birthday of the City of
St. Augustine! The day’s events begin with a reenactment of the landing
by the city’s founder, Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles, at the Mission of
Nombre de Dios – the exact landing point of the Spanish colonists in
1565. The event ends with Mass on the site where it was first performed
in what is now the United States. The day concludes with a variety of
musical entertainment and birthday cake for all at the Colonial Spanish
Quarter on St. George Street.
Changing of the Guard
Held late June – early September, Fridays
and Saturdays
904-825-1004
Witness
twilight time in colonial St. Augustine as soldiers guarding the town
are dismissed for the night, and their replacements arrive to deploy
guarding Government House. The commander of the new watch puts them
through a rigorous inspection drill before they take over their posts.
The retiring soldiers, relieved of their duties, are ordered to clear
their weapons with the command of “Disparen!” The resounding blast of
musket fire assures 18th century St. Augustine that the changing of the
guard had taken place and the town would be safe for the night. This
traditional Spanish military changing of the guard takes place Fridays
and Saturdays throughout the summer in front of St. Augustine’s
Government House.
October
Annual
Greek Festival
Held in
early October
Location:
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
904-829-0504
A delicious
assortment of Greek foods, pastries and beverages will be served. Enjoy
nonstop entertainment with live Greek music by the Grecian Strings and
dancing by colorfully costumed Greek dance troupes, and lots of
authentic Greek food and drink to enjoy.
Annual
St. Augustine Colonial Folk Arts & Crafts Festival
Held in
early October
Location:
Colonial Spanish Quarter Museum
904-810-5587
Admission
Free
See colonial
craftspeople from throughout Florida demonstrate “Lost Arts” such as
spinning, weaving, basket making, blacksmithing, pottery making and many
other arts and crafts. Historical musical performances, puppetry,
storytelling and much more show how entertaining the old days could be.
The event takes place each day from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Colonial
Spanish Quarter Museum.
November
Annual
Great Chowder Debate
Held in
early November
Location:
Conch House Marina
904- 829-8646
Chowders of conch, clams, lobster, scallops
and crab are laced with concoctions of secret spices, all leading to
temptation and satisfaction at the Conch House Marina at 12:30 p.m.
Night of Lights
Held mid November – late January
Location: Along
the ancient streets and historic buildings of St. Augustine
800-653-2489
Share in the
holiday glow when more than two million tiny white lights will shine
along the ancient streets and historic buildings of the Nation’s oldest
city. The Annual Nights of Lights celebration sparkles to life at 6:30
p.m. on Saturday. Tracing its origins to the Spanish tradition of
displaying a lighted white candle during the Christmas holidays, the
spectacular lighting in St. Augustine reflects the city’s history while
creating a beautiful setting for the holidays.
December
Grande
Illumination
Held in
early December
Location:
St. George and Cuna Streets
904-460-9368
Carry a
candle and follow the torchlight parade from the Government House to the
Plaza to hear the governor’s proclamation, watch soldiers fire their
muskets in salute to the season and sing Christmas carols at the Plaza.
The Grande Illumination Ceremony is an impressive pageant of color and
light that reflects the customs of the British when they occupied the
city in the Eighteenth Century. At 3:30 p.m., all descendants of
participants in the time when St. Augustine was a bastion of Tory
sympathizers, as well as the offspring of the Sons of Liberty, citizens
of the United States, and representatives of foreign dominions, not to
mention officers and enlisted men of the British Regular Army and their
ladies, are invited to partake of refreshing beverages and satisfying
victuals on the North Green of Fort St. Marks (site subject to change,
but ye shall find, if ye shall look). Colonial music and dancing after
the tea. The British Night Watch Parade is Yuletide celebration from the
American War of Independence.
Night of Lights
Held mid November – late January
Location: Along
the ancient streets and historic buildings of St. Augustine
800-653-2489
Share in the
holiday glow when more than two million tiny white lights shine along
the ancient streets and historic buildings of the Nation’s oldest city.
The Annual Nights of Lights celebration sparkles to life at 6:30 p.m. on
Saturday. Tracing its origins to the Spanish tradition of displaying a
lighted white candle during the Christmas holidays, the spectacular
lighting in St. Augustine reflects the city’s history while creating a
beautiful setting for the holidays.
St.
Augustine Christmas Parade
Held in
early December
Location:
Downtown Plaza
904-829-5681
The annual
Christmas Parade has grown to be one of the largest parades in north
Florida. Features all the things a parade has to offer, including bands,
cars, horses, tigers, and the arrival of Santa.
Regatta
of Lights
Held in mid
December
Location:
Matanzas Bay
904-824-9725
Regale your
eyes with a holiday parade of boats from 15 to 85 feet in length –
sailboats, trawlers, shrimp boats and many other vessels aglitter with
brilliant lighted displays ranging from patriotic to whimsical.
St.
Augustine’s Las Posadas Celebration
Held in mid
December
Location:
San Marco Avenue
904-826-0209
Las Posadas,
a traditional Spanish candlelight procession. Participants are
encouraged to bring their own candles. The procession led by Mary and
Joseph parades up San Marco Ave. ending at the Mission of Nombre De Dios
with a live nativity scene, live music, free refreshments, and family
activities. Transportation back to the Cathedral is provided for free.
Entertainment
Limelight
Theatre
11 Old Mission Ave.
St. Augustine, FL 32084
904-825-1164
Call for performance schedule
Professional theater in an intimate setting.
Open year 'round. See comedy, dramas, musicals and many additional
productions.
Murer Watch Mystery Theatre
4320 A1A S. (at the Garden Eatery Restaurant
in Ocean Gate Plaza)
St. Augustine, FL 32086
904-471-2691
Call for additional information
Enjoy music, comedy, mystery, and intrigue
as professional actors perform among you as you dine. See this mystery
unfold and play detective as you try to solve the crimes. Show and menu
are suitable for ALL ages. Shows schedules vary; call for show dates &
times. Reservations required.
St. Augustine Opera
904-797-6820
Call for performance schedule and additional
information
Northeast Florida's resident repertory opera
company |
