St. Augustine, FL Discount Hotels

Events & Entertainment

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