St. Augustine’s Lions Seafood Festival

One of the things we REALLY do right in St. Augustine is prepare seafood. When you live in a city surrounded by water, the seafood you find is not just fresh, it’s sweet and delicious! Historically, seafood was easily found when all other foods were not, so I guess you could say our success as a city has always been linked to the delicacies of the sea! Today, one of our most beloved festivals is the St. Augustine Lions Seafood Festival, one dedicated to the tasty little creatures that are so very good for you!

The Details

Held every March, the next one is scheduled to be held the 3^rd through 5^th in 2017. The festival’s theme is “Hey, we’re having fun now!” Everyone who visits is guaranteed a fun time! Your children will love the Kids’ Zone, filled with rides, magic shows, clowns, pirates, princesses, and super heroes! The adult members in your party will thrill to the music; Friday night is jazz night, with the rest of the weekend featuring country and Americana style music. There will be arts and crafts, as well as vendors selling those darling accessories you never knew you needed until now. But the star of the show, as always, is the food! Shrimp, crab, lobster, and other sea creatures will be served up in every way possible, but sharing one common theme. This is the best seafood you will ever taste, and if you don’t live in Florida, you just might have to come back year after year after year just to visit our amazing Seafood Festival!

The Ocean Gallery

Book your luxury Ocean Gallery vacation rental today and make sure you plan your vacation for March 3^rd – 5^th; this is one festival you won’t want to miss.

Rhythm and Ribs

There’s two things residents of St. Augustine love more than anything else: music that makes your toes tap in rhythm, and a REALLY good rack of ribs. We love these things so much that we have created a festival that celebrates that which we hold so close to our heart! Held every spring, the next one is scheduled for March 31 through April 2 in 2017 at Francis Field, so you’re going to want to mark your calendars.

The Rhythm and Ribs Festival is a three-day party featuring ice cold beverages, food competitions, loud music, and a kid zone where your young carnivores can have the opportunity to ride ponies, play games, and climb our “death defying” rock walls (safely and under complete supervision, of course). The 2017 line-up of performers has not been released yet, but trust us when we say they haven’t let us down yet. Year after year, only the finest of musicians have headlined for the festival, and we are excited to hear who’s up to bat at the next one.

And when you’re not dancing or singing aloud with the music, take some time and sample the award winning barbecue provided for the festival. Champions from previous years and from national competitions will be serving up some mighty tasty ribs, chicken, and beef. Make sure to eat your fill, because the next festival will be 12 excruciatingly long months away. Bring your blankets, bring your lawn chairs, but leave your pets and coolers behind; this event is for us humans only! Located at Francis Field, behind the parking garage at 25 W Castillo Drive in St. Augustine.

A Taste of St. Augustine 2016

St. Augustine is one of the greatest cultural hubs in the United States. This is especially true when you consider the quality and diversity of the food options found here. A Taste of St. Augustine food festival is a celebration of everything St. Augustine, especially the food. In its 20^th year in 2016, this festival has become one of the most significant events in St. Augustine year-round.
Food for Charity

Throughout the day, there are over 30 local restaurants featured, providing delicious dishes, including culinary fusions of Portuguese and Korean delicacies and many other unique styles. You get access to all these amazing dishes through purchasing taste tickets at $1 each. All proceeds go to a local nonprofit called EPIC Behavioral Healthcare. As if the amazing food and philanthropy was not enough, there will also be live musical performances throughout the entire day, featuring diverse musical genres. If you love food and music, you can get your fill of both at this culturally bustling event.

Taste Academy

The event takes place on Saturday, April 23^rd, 2016 from 11 am to 5 pm at the St. Augustine Amphitheater, but there will be events that occur throughout all of St. John’s County. There is also a new event this year called the Taste Academy, which will take place from April 20^th through the 23^rd. With the academy, visitors will learn about the city’s amazing culinary history as well as local food sources and trends. Get amazing insight into the culinary scene of St. Augustine, all in this amazing, family friendly environment.

Third Saturday’s Free Concerts: The Pemberwicks

Spending a lazy Saturday afternoon listening to the music of a free concert series has always seemed to be a magical way to while away the hours and when you are in St. Augustine. From April through September, being able to listen to our favorite local band, The Pemberwicks, makes the experience all that much more wonderful!

Every 3rd Saturday (and there are only two left, so you better hurry and get here if you don’t want to miss out!), The Pemberwicks perform at the Trolley and Train stop just outside the gates of the Fountain of Youth Archeological Park from 2 to 4 PM. Bring your lawn chairs and partake in food and beverages supplied by the Five Flags Café (they are located inside the park, but you can enjoy the food at the show, no worries!). The Pemberwicks play the kind of rock and roll that makes it difficult to sit still in your seats; you might just find yourself dancing in the grass as you sing along to songs you grew up knowing all the words to. But that’s ok—you’re in St. Augustine, and no one knows how to have a good time better than a bunch of South Floridians; they will probably be dancing right along beside you!

Ponce De Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archeological Park is located at 11 Magnolia Avenue. Parking is plentiful in the park, so pop a couple of lawn chairs in the trunk of your car and head on over!

Cinco de Mayo in St. Augustine

St. Augustine is a bustling city that has become famous for its beautiful landscapes and the fact that it is the oldest continually inhabited European colony in the United States. The city has gained even more national acclaim for all of the incredible events that are unique to this city. This is especially true for the Mexican holiday of Cinco de Mayo.

Cinco de Mayo Pub Crawl

This year, Cinco de Mayo falls on a Monday, but don’t worry, there will still be plenty of fun to part take in if you are celebrating in St. Augustine. The main event for the Monday night is the Cinco de Mayo pub crawl. This event, sponsored by the St. Augustine City Walks, is a local favorite! Throughout the crawl, you will have the opportunity to spend time in some of St. Augustine’s most exciting and charming bars. At each stop, you will find endless options of premium beers, liquors, sangria and much more. There will also be Cinco de Mayo activities awaiting at each of the stops if you choose to get active.

Along with the pub crawl, there are a plethora of other St. Augustine events occurring throughout the prior weekend, making it an incredible time to visit. Come out to St. Augustine, FL if you want to part take in some of the best festivities surrounding the holiday of Cinco de Mayo. The pub crawl in particular begins at 8:30 pm and continues until 11:30. If you want to spend an evening getting as much out of St. Augustine as possible, then reserve your spot on the Cinco de Mayo pub crawl today!

Romanza Festival of Arts

As St. Augustine is the oldest continually inhabited European colony throughout the entire United States, it has become a hotbed for culture, cuisine, and the arts. The Romanza Festival of Arts is a celebration of that history and all of the incredible art that the city has been home to over the centuries and still today.

As one of the biggest events in St. Augustine, the festival features over 100 events and exhibits over a week of fun throughout the city. Exhibits and activities span all art topics, from music, dance, and theater to visual arts, cuisine, and culture. Throughout the week, you will be immersed in endless concerts, dance performances, art shows and so much more. One of the greatest aspects of the festival is the diversity of the types of art which are celebrated and the countless sub genres of that art. For example, within the musical performances, you will find anything from classical music to reggae and rock and roll. One notable musical performance is A Little Night Music, which is a free performance from the Dixieland Band to kick off the festival. There truly is something for everyone at the Romanza Festival of Arts.

Join us from May 6^th to May 15^th, 2016 for endless festivities and celebrations of art of all kinds. Regardless of your artistic tastes, you will relish your time at this amazing festival. Check the Romanza Festival of Arts for more information, to pick out the events that you simply cannot miss. A trip to St. Augustine is made even sweeter by this one of a kind festival!

Music By The Sea Concert Series

St. Augustine acts as a haven for music enthusiasts from all over the country. On any given night, you are sure to find live musical acts putting on impressive shows throughout the city. But this is even more so true during the Music By The Sea Concert Series, an event that brings in countless visitors every year.

This event features 23 bands that provide musical performances that include jazz, blues, classic rock, reggae, and much more, so there really is something for everyone. Each week on Wednesday night, one of these bands will perform from 7 pm to 9 pm. Food is served at 6 pm. Each week there is a different featured restaurant that serves up delicious food at a very fair price. This event is perfect for you and your family or friends to bring your blankets and your lawn chairs and enjoy a night of delicious food and great music.

This year the event takes place from May 11^th to October 12^th. With such a long duration, there is sure to be a time that fits everyone’s schedule. There are numerous shuttle buses that can take you to the concert each week for only $1 each way or for free for members of St. Augustine Beach Civic Association members. This is a one of a kind event set in some of the most beautiful landscape that you can enjoy a concert. Check the St. Augustine Beach Civic Association website for more details on specific concerts and other events in St. Augustine!

Great American Burger Fest

St. Augustine is the oldest city in the United States and as such, has become a bustling hotbed of culture and history. So where better to have a celebration of one of the most famous American foods: the hamburger? Who could not get behind a festival that is called the Great American Burger Fest?

Good Food & Fun

This festival takes place in a time when St. Augustine becomes a bustling city with all of its noteworthy springtime festivals. The Great American Burger Fest is no exception to this reputation. Throughout this weekend in May, there are burger cooking and eating contests and of course, countless food vendors from all over the southeast United States, whipping up delicious hamburgers. On top of that, you and the family can enjoy live musical performances, arts and crafts, and a kid’s zone. There will also be countless delicious food options besides burgers from the over 75 vendors, but let’s not get distracted from the point!

Support for Military

Join us from Friday, May 20^th through Sunday May 23^rd for the celebration to end all celebrations of the famous all American burger! A $5 admission gains you access to all of the fun and festivities inside while kids, 12 and under get in for free. This event is made all the sweeter by the fact that all proceeds go towards supporting our veterans and active duty military in need. You can find the festivities at Francis Field at 25 West Castillo Drive in St. Augustine. Come hungry and leave satisfied!

Blue Crab Festival

As the country’s oldest continually inhabited European colony, St. Augustine has become famous for its incredible history. But this is not the only thing that the ancient city has become famous for in more recent years, as the seafood that is caught and prepared here is comparable to any that you will find. The city of St. Augustine remembers and honors members of the U.S. military who died in service to this country through a festival featuring that amazing seafood in the Blue Crab Festival.

Festivities

This free festival takes place on Memorial Day and features live musical performances, carnival rides, arts and crafts, and a seafood cook off. And of course, as the name suggests, there will be countless vendors dishing out some of the most delicious seafood you will find anywhere. The festivities are started by the festival kick-off party, where you will find amazing music and food on Friday May 27^th from 5 pm to midnight. The fun continues through the weekend with fireworks on Saturday night, the Memorial Day Parade on Monday, and of course, live music and delicious seafood along the whole way! The Blue Crab Festival offers fun and relaxation for people of all ages.

When to Go

This year, the festival takes place from Friday, May 27^th through Monday, May 30^th. You will find the festivities in downtown Palatka on Johns Avenue. Check the Blue Crab Festival website for more details on events and a list of live performances. Come and experience one of the most delicious St. Augustine events this summer!

Drake’s Raid Reenactment

St. Augustine has always been famous within the United States and abroad because of its rich history. This is due to the fact that it is the oldest continually inhabited city in the country. This June offers a special event to remember some of that history. This event reaches back almost 500 years in the past to reenact Sir Francis Drake’s raid of the Spanish colony of St. Augustine on June 6^th, 1586. On this day, 2000 English soldiers landed in St. Augustine to loot the city.

Drake’s Raid Reenactment begins on Friday at 10 am. During this time, visitors are free to explore The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, where they will find a recreated military encampment from the 1500s. You can enjoy learning about this historic event through the props, weapons demonstrations, and military drills. The following day, the reenactment of the attack on the old city begins in the evening. English soldiers begin the siege at the city gate on St. George Street and clash with Spanish military all the way down to The Plaza de la Constitucion. The event culminates in the English victory and burning of the town by 9 pm on Saturday evening.

Drake’s Raid Reenactment will take place on Friday, June 3^rd and Saturday, June 4^th. This has become one of the most popular reenactments in the country due to attention to detail of the recreations and performances and the incredible nature of the actual event that occurred in 1586. Come immerse yourself in history as never before!

4^th of July in St. Augustine

In St. Augustine, FL, you will find countless historical landmarks and tracts of untouched wilderness unlike anything you will find elsewhere. That is what makes this city the perfect place to hold events that everyone will enjoy. Needless to say, 4^th of July is an amazing time to be in St. Augustine. From the fireworks to the overall festivities, there is no better place to be to celebrate our country’s amazing history than in St. Augustine.

Castillo de San Marcos

There are multiple places where you can enjoy 4^th of July festivities, but one of the best places to do it is the Castillo de San Marcos. This is an event that includes live musical performances and delicious food. The band goes on at 6 pm and they play classics and patriotic music alike. The party really gets started at 9:30 pm with the famous “Fireworks Over the Matanzas” show. Thousands of people can enjoy the firing of 5,000 synchronized fireworks exploding anywhere from 100 to 2,000 feet in the air, complemented by their beautiful reflections in the bay. It truly is an astounding sight.

Celebrate in Our Nation’s Oldest City

You will also find numerous other celebrations and firework viewings, such as on the rooftops of restaurants or by one of the many historical landmarks. This year, the occasion falls on a Monday, but that surely won’t stop the people of St. Augustine from celebrating this special day in our nation’s history. Come out to St. Augustine and celebrate the 4^th of July in style in the oldest city in America!

The Greek Festival

The Greeks have played an important part in the settling of our nation’s oldest city since landing on our shores in 1768 and suffering through sickness, wars, and other obstacles, but still managing to survive and thrive in what was once a very hostile climate. Today, we celebrate their struggles and their resiliency with a Greek Festival every October. This year’s fest is to be held the weekend of October 7th, 8th and 9th and promises to be even more spectacular than the past events have been!

It’s a good time to be Greek in St. Augustine, or just to love everything that is Greek, as we eat, drink, and make merry at Francis Field, located behind the parking garage at 25 West Castillo Drive in St. Augustine. Participants can sample Greek delicacies like baklava and moussaka, learn traditional Greek dances, pick up a souvenir or two in the Greek village, or, if it interests you, take a moment or two to learn about the rich and colorful traditions of the Greek Orthodox religion. The kids play zone features carnival rides, games, and other fun activities that will ensure your children will be engaged, entertained and eager to visit again next year!

Admission is $5 a person, but kids 14 and under get in free, so this is really an inexpensive way to fill some of your vacation hours. And did we mention the baklava? If so, that’s ok, because this honey and pistachio filled pastry is worthy of being mentioned more than once, and if you have never tried it before, we promise that with just one bite, you will be addicted!

Magnolia Fest

The magnolia blossom is a large and colorful one that has become a beloved symbol of the deep South, one of the few places the magnolia tree grows well and thrives. One of our favorite blooms, it is no surprise that we have named a festival after it, even if the festival is more about music, food, and drink than about the beautiful magnolia blossom! Until recently, this magnificent musical melee has been held in Jacksonville, but to celebrate 20 years of successful parties, this October it is moving to the St. Augustine Amphitheater, located at 1340 A1A South on October 15th.

Past Magnolia Fests have been a testament to the musical abilities of the South, featuring headliners such as Lyle Lovett, Bonnie Raitt, and everyone’s favorite country music scalawag, the legendary Willie Nelson! Previously a multiple day event, this year’s festival is only one day long, but is featuring a pre-party the day before which promises to be a celebration of epic proportions! Serving ice cold beverages of the soft and hard variety, tasty Southern treats, and a music filled day of fun and frivolity, the 20th anniversary celebration of the Magnolia Fest will bring back memories of concert festivals from your youth where it felt like the music would go on and on without end and you had no worries, no cares, and no fears; all that mattered was the music that had you tapping your toes, snapping your fingers, and singing along at the top of your voice.

Halloween in St. Augustine

Of all the events in St. Augustine, the city really goes all out for this one. From the locals to the visitors that pour in during the Halloween season, there’s something for everyone to do. This amazing city is made all the more exciting by all the Halloween spirit and events that envelop the community. There is plenty to do and see this Halloween in St. Augustine.

Haunted Tours

As this is the oldest city in the United States, there are plenty of historic buildings that have been dubbed haunted and are spooky enough to set even the bravest explorer’s teeth on edge. St. Augustine’s Halloween walking tours offer all the variety of spooky tours you can handle. You can enjoy the St. Augustine Creepy Crawl, the History-Mystery-Mayhem and Murder Tour and so much more. Tours feature everything from haunted pubs to hotels and include delicious food and drink. You can also take tours of the alligator farm or agricultural museum, both with a very spooky overtone.

Family Fun & More

There is also plenty of appeal for the families with little ones. Dress everyone up in his or her Halloween costumes and head down to the St. Augustine outlet mall from 6 pm to 8 pm to enjoy a night of family friendly fun. There are also some extremely charming pumpkin patches dispersed throughout the city. And the Oktoberfest Beer Tours are a great option for the parents to unwind and savor pints of the some of the city’s best beers. Come out to St. Augustine for your next Halloween and enjoy all of the fun and spookiness set in one of the most charming cities in the country!

Thanksgiving in St. Augustine

As the oldest continually inhabited European colony in the United States, Thanksgiving takes on a very special meaning to the city of St. Augustine. As the Spanish landed here long before the English did in the north, the real first Thanksgiving was certainly held here, with the unfamiliar meal of salted pork and garbanzo beans. As such, this holiday is a big deal to the community of St. Augustine. There are many ways to enjoy this holiday in this historic city.

There are countless of authentic restaurants that provide amazing Thanksgiving dinners. Many of these dishes are reminiscent of the early thanksgivings that were held right here in St. Augustine. Research the restaurant where you want to enjoy Thanksgiving.

Night of Lights

One of the most famous St. Augustine events that takes place during the Thanksgiving season is the Nights of Lights. This astounding event begins the Saturday before Thanksgiving and continues on until January 31^st of 2017. Throughout this period, St. Augustine comes to life with millions of tiny white lights. There is nothing quite like enjoying a massive Thanksgiving meal and then walking it off through the streets of lit city. For a very special experience, take part in the Holly Jolly Trolley Tour, which takes you around the whole city to enjoy the spectacle of Nights of Lights.

You can stick around through the Thanksgiving weekend to enjoy the 51^st annual St. Augustine Arts and Crafts Festival. Come to St. Augustine for your next Thanksgiving and see the holiday as you never have before.

Christmas in St. Augustine

Christmas has been celebrated in St. Augustine for longer than in any other place throughout the whole United States. As it has been celebrated for almost 500 years, the holiday takes on a special significance in St. Augustine.

Nights of Lights Festival

Christmas in St. Augustine is marked every year with the nationally recognized Nights of Lights Festival. During this time, the city is covered with millions of twinkly, white lights. In 2011, this light festival was recognized by National Geographic as one of the best holiday light festivals in the country. There might not be any snow, but there will certainly be a white Christmas in St. Augustine. You can walk off your delicious holiday meals from local restaurants with a stroll through the streets immersed with the soft lighting, or you can take advantage of the Holly Jolly Trolley that will take you on a tour throughout the historic city.

Luminary Night & More

Among the lights, you will also find Luminary Night at the St. Augustine Lighthouse, as well as holiday dance shows, carols, parades, holiday concerts and so much more. There are also countless opportunities to visit with Santa or even have breakfast with him. The holiday fun in St. Augustine is never ending, and the holiday spirit is as fervent as you will find anywhere.

If you want to experience Christmas like never before, with traditions and customs that date back almost five centuries, then St. Augustine is the place for you to spend your next Christmas. Plan your next vacation here to take advantage of endless cheer that accompanies Christmas in the Old City.

Lightner Museum’s Curator Tour

The Lightner Museum’s Curator Tour is a delight to all history buffs which can be enjoyed year-round in St. Augustine. The Lightner Museum sits within the former Alcazar Hotel, which was built in St. Augustine in 1888. The artifacts within the repurposed 19^th century hotel represent some of the most unique collections of 19^th century art in the country. This is a particularly special museum in that it is located in the oldest city in the United States. History truly comes to life in St. Augustine, as the culture of the city is one that is over 500 years in the making.

With this event, visitors are given the opportunity to go on a tour of the museum given by the curator Barry Myers. As such, you are given an in depth view of the Lightner Museum as it relates to the amazing artifacts themselves and the curatorship of the museum. You will learn about the unique relics and collections as you discover the world of museums in conservation efforts, appraisal and acquisition of new artifacts. You are sure to have never experienced a tour quite like this one.

You can take advantage of this one of a kind tour at 10 am on the first Wednesday of every month. The tour is provided with the price of admission of $10 for adults and $5 for students. With so many opportunities to take advantage of, there is no excuse for any lover of art and history to not come to this historic place to see this amazing tour.

GhoSt Augustine Paranormal Tours

It might not be Halloween, but if you are looking for an authentically spooky experience, then look no further than the GhoSt Augustine Paranormal Tours. As St. Augustine is the oldest continually inhabited European colony in the United States, there is no shortage of buildings that are considered haunted throughout the city. GhoSt Augustine takes you on tours throughout some of these locations and provides activities for all.

Prepare to Be Scared

The tours provided are not theatrical and will give you an authentic glimpse into some of the most notorious haunted locations in the world, as well as the most up-to-date methods for studying them. There are four incredible tours to pick from that are all sure to turn even the greatest skeptics into believers. The different tours feature haunted pubs, hotels, and parks. The tours are orchestrated by professor Harry Stafford, a PhD who has received international acclaim for his work in paranormal and metaphysical research.

All tours feature access to state of the art meters for ghost hunting, full spectrum cameras and much more. One of the great staples of these tours is the Para Force Investigations. These are activities by which you can be a part of paranormal research team for the night, studying haunted locations with the most recent paranormal technology.

Check the GhoSt Augustine Paranormal Tours website for more information on times and durations of the tours. To experience a haunted house as you have never before, come to the GhoSt Augustine Paranormal Tours this year!

Old City Farmer’s Market

Whenever we travel, we always try to take in the Farmer’s Market wherever we land. It’s a fun and laid back way of learning what foods are popular in the region, it’s fascinating to explore the different artwork you can usually find, and it’s a great place to find inexpensive souvenirs to bring back home as gifts for others or simply memorabilia for yourself of all the places you’ve explored in your life’s journey. The Old City Farmer’s Market in St. Augustine, however, is always the place we are happiest to return to.

Held every Saturday morning from 8:30 to 12:30 in the St. Augustine Amphitheater, the displays of fresh fruits, vegetables, home baked goods, seafood, and arts and crafts that are indigenous to the area always reminds us that home is where our heart is. As we wander the aisles, picking up a pottery piece here, examining a shiny ring in another spot, or filling our bags with home baked goodies that we probably don’t really need, but can’t live without, live entertainment keeps our toes tapping, and on occasion, we can be heard humming the music to some of our favorite songs!

Start out your lazy Saturday vacation day with a trip to our Old City Farmer’s Market and discover the fresher side of St. Augustine. The only down side is you can’t take all the goodies you see here back home on the plane with you; we’re pretty sure your suitcase just isn’t large enough!