St. Augustine's 2023 Spring Festival Guide
Festival lovers can jump into St. Augustine's spring festival season as soon as mid-February.
Some people get excited about the holiday season while others jump for joy when the spring festival season arrives in St. Augustine. Because it's Florida, or more accurately because it's St. Augustine, the season kicks off in February making for weekend bliss until summer rolls around. From water, to wine, to art, to music, to bunnies, and to birds, there is something for every age and every interest in the springtime, so forget Paris and jump into St. Augustine's festivals.
February 18 - 19
Arts & Crafts Festival at the Pier
Attracting local, regional, and national artists, and crafters to showcase their work seaside, the festival invites visitors to enjoy browsing everything from handmade jewelry and ceramics to stained glass and fine artwork. The event also hosts live music as well as several varieties of food items to eat on-site or to take home.
Admission: Free.
When: Two weekends: Saturday and Sunday, February 18 and 19, and again on Saturday and Sunday, March 11 and 12, 2023. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays.
Where: Anastasia Island's St. Augustine Beach Pier Park at 350 A1A Beach Blvd.
February 23 - 25
St. Augustine Spanish Wine Festival
The St. Augustine Spanish Wine Festival's mission is to connect modern-day St. Augustine to the city's Spanish history through a series of events that feature Spanish wine, cuisine, and culture. Proceeds from the St. Augustine Spanish Wine Festival benefit local charities.
Admission: $100 for Grand Tasting; $125 for Thursday's Tapas, Wine, and Spirits.
When: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, February 23 - 25, 2023. Tapas, Wine, and Spirits is from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday; the Grand Tasting is from 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday and 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday.
Where: Events take place at several locations on the Flagler College campus and at the Lightner Museum in historic downtown St. Augustine.
February 24 - 26
The 38th Annual Cathedral Festival
On the grounds of the Mission Nombre de Dios, in the Uptown neighborhood, the Cathedral Festival is the unofficial start of spring festival season in St. Augustine. The fundraising carnival is one of the area's largest festivals featuring rides, games, bingo, a silent auction, and fireworks. Proceeds from the festival benefit the Cathedral Parish School and the Cathedral Parish Early Education Center.
Admission: $5 for adults; $3 for children 11-17 and adults 65 and older; free admission for active-duty military and children 10 and younger.
When: 5 to 10:30 p.m. Friday, February 24; noon to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, February 25; noon to 9 p.m. Sunday, February 26, 2023. Fireworks are planned for 9 p.m. on Saturday.
Where: The Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios, 101 San Marco Ave.
March 10 - 12
St. Augustine Celtic Music & Heritage Festival
The St. Augustine Celtic Music & Heritage Festival features world-famous Celtic bands on two stages, a pre-festival Whiskey Tasting, Highland games, Celtic artisans and food, and a variety of entertainment. The event also includes the St. Augustine St. Patrick's Day parade at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 11.
Admission: $15 - $20 general admission for Saturday or Sunday. Free for children under 12 and active duty/retired military with ID. $90 VIP tickets include admission for both days, a festival t-shirt, two beers or glasses of wine, separate VIP seating, bars, and bathrooms. $60 for Friday's whiskey tasting.
When: Friday, March 10 through Sunday, March 12, 2023; Friday: Whiskey Tasting 7 to 9 p.m.; Saturday: gates open at 10 a.m.; Sunday: gates open at 10 a.m., close at 7 p.m.
Where: Francis Field at 25 West Castillo Drive in historic downtown St. Augustine.
March 11 -12
Arts & Crafts Festival at the Pier
Attracting local, regional, and national artists and crafters to showcase their work seaside, the festival invites visitors to enjoy browsing everything from handmade jewelry and ceramics to stained glass and fine artwork. The event also hosts live music as well as several varieties of food items to eat on-site or to take home.
Admission: Free.
When: Two weekends: Saturday and Sunday, February 18 and 19, and again on Saturday and Sunday, March 11 and 12, 2023. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays.
Where: Anastasia Island's St. Augustine Beach Pier Park at 350 A1A Beach Blvd.
March 18
Festival of the Chariots
Also known as Rathayatra, the Festival of Chariots, is an annual event celebrating Indian and Hindu culture. The festival includes two colorful parades, live entertainment, a vegetarian feast highlighting Indian cuisine, music, dancing, art vendors, a magic show, henna tattoos, and other festive, colorful activities in historic downtown.
Admission: Free.
When: 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 18, 2023.
Where: The parade is along King Street with the Harinam Procession on St. George Street. Other festival activities take place on the Plaza de la Constitución.
March 18 - 25
St. Augustine Race Week
St. Augustine Race Week's spring sailing extravaganza features ocean and bayfront racing in yachts from 24 to 50 feet long. In addition to the sailing events, St. Augustine Race Week also hosts before-race socials and after-race parties for racers and guests along the downtown bayfront, at the Municipal Marina, and at the St. Augustine Yacht Club.
Admission: Free to watch.
When: Youth Regatta, Saturday and Sunday, March 18 - 19; Inshore Series, Tuesday and Wednesday, March 21 -22, Performance Yacht Offshore; Thursday, Friday, and; Saturday (March 23 - 25, 2023).
Where: Several locations in the St. Augustine area including the downtown bayfront.
March 25 - 26
St. Augustine Lions Spring Festival
The 40th Annual St. Augustine Lions Spring Festival features seafood such as lobster, crawfish, scallops, and shrimp — as well as cuisines from other cultures and regions and traditional county fair food, too. The festival also includes rides for the kids, family-friendly shows and activities, live music, and booths showcasing pottery, paintings, jewelry, and other arts and crafts.
Admission: $5 for adults; free for kids 15 and under.
When: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 25 and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 26, 2023.
Where: Francis Field at 25 West Castillo Drive in historic downtown St. Augustine.
March 25 - 26
Flower and Garden Expo
The annual Flower & Garden Expo showcases a variety of vendors with everything needed to begin or enhance a garden, including native plants, butterfly plants, colorful flowering plants, herbs, succulents, ferns, and even citrus and olive trees. All proceeds from this event benefit EPIC Community Services, Inc.
The expo also offers garden-related crafts, lectures by gardening experts on both days, access to St. Johns County Master Gardeners, and a Children's Activity Area with face-painting and plant potting activities.
Admission: $5 for adults (good for both days); free for kids 12 and under.
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 25, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 26, 2023.
Where: Sykes Family Farm at 5995 Brough Road in Elkton.
April 1 - 2
Florida Ma'am! Festival
Florida Ma'am is a two-day celebration of music "fresh-squeezed" by Florida women. Included in the festival is food, a full bar, as well as women-owned swag and pop-up shops.
Admission: $20 for a general admission day pass; $30 for a general admission weekend pass. Re-entry is permitted.
When: Saturday to Sunday, April 1 to 2, 2023. Concert times are 2 to 10 p.m. on Saturday; from 3 to 9 p.m. on Sunday.
Where: The Colonial Quarter on St. George Street in historic downtown St. Augustine.
April 1 - 2
Old Town Art Show
Artists and artisans from Northeast Florida and beyond converge at the Old Town Art Show. The art festival showcases nearly 100 juried artisans and master craftspeople who exhibit their creations such as jewelry, pottery, paintings, fiber art, glass art, sculpture, photography, wood, and recycled materials.
Admission: Free.
When: April 1 - 2, 2023, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Where: Francis Field at 25 West Castillo Drive in historic downtown St. Augustine.
April 8 - 9
Easter Parade and Promenade
St. Augustine's Easter Parade, now in its 64th year, is the nation's second oldest Easter Parade. This hometown parade welcomes visitors to join in the community's celebration by lining the streets to watch marching bands, floats, drill teams, the Easter Bunny, and the city's carriage horses wearing their Easter hats. Trophies are presented to winners in four categories.
The promenade is a spectacle of Easter bonnets and festive Easter costumes. Awards are presented in various categories such as Most Creative Hat, Best Dressed Pet, and Family from Farthest Away. Prizes are awarded to the winners, and all are welcome to participate in the contests.
Admission: Free.
When: The parade is 9 a.m. Saturday, April 8, 2023. The promenade is 1 p.m. Sunday, April 9, 2023.
Where: The parade is along San Marco Avenue and Avenida Menendez in downtown St. Augustine, beginning at the Old Jail Museum. The promenade is at the gazebo of the Plaza de la Constitución between King Street and Cathedral Place.
April 14 - 16
Gamble Rogers Folk Festival
The 26th Annual Gamble Rogers Folk Festival is dedicated to commemorating the life and music of Gamble Rogers, whose passion for balladry, storytelling, and the oral tradition has shaped American folk music. Along with three full days of music, the Gamble Rogers Music Festival also offers food and drinks as well as a children's area featuring interactive music-making, folk arts, storytelling, and crafts demonstrations.
Admission: $45 - $50 for a weekend pass; free for children under 12. Single tickets available day of at the venue - space permitting - 2022 information
When: Friday to Sunday, May 6 to 8, 2022. Concert times are 5 to 10 p.m. on Friday; from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday; and from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday - 2022 information
Where: The St. Johns County Fairgrounds at 5840 S.R. 207, Elkton, FL 32033
April 19 - 23
Florida's Birding & Photo Fest
The internationally acclaimed Florida Birding and Photo Fest feature more than 130 birding and outdoor photography events in and around St. Johns County. Every day offers various classes, seminars, and excursions as well as birding and nature photography clinics. This year's nature tours include sunrise and sunset outdoor adventures.
Admission: $25 for one-time registration; $10 - $125 for individual classes and events.
When: Wednesday through Sunday, April 19 through April 23, 2023. The opening reception is Wednesday, April 19, from 3 to 4:30 p.m., and the keynote reception is Friday, April 21, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: The festival is headquartered at Celebration Hall at St. Anastasia Catholic Church, 5205 A1A South in St. Augustine Beach, FL 32080. Both the opening reception and keynote presentation will take place at the Whitney Lab Center for Marine Studies at 9505 A1A Beach Blvd. in St. Augustine Beach, FL 32080.
April 21 - 23
Lullaby of the Rivers Music Festival
The third annual Lullaby of the Rivers Festival takes place will once again celebrate our state's waterways. Founded by singer/songwriter Bob Patterson, whose award-winning song "Lullaby of the Rivers" is the inspiration of the event, the festival will again feature various singer/songwriters on the "Gamble Rogers Stage." Food trucks, craft booths, and an environmental fair will round out the day.
Admission: The events on Friday will be free. General admission on Saturday is $20 for one, and $30 for families of 2 or more. General Admission on Sunday is $15.00 for one and $20.00 for families of 2 or more. Children 12 and under are free. For more information about Lullaby of the Rivers, and for tickets, go here.
When: Beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 22, and noon on Sunday, April 23, 2023. See their website for more information about free events on Friday.
Where: At the North Shores Community Park, 120 Meadow Avenue, St. Augustine, Florida.
April 28 - 30
St. Augustine Country Music and Craft Beer Fest
A celebration of all things country from art to music to food, the festival includes more than 250 booths, featuring exhibits, crafts, fashions, truck art, and delicious eats. The Craft Beer Fest is like a festival inside a festival, and is only from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday in the Country Festival. With a ticket to the Craft Beer Festival, you can taste unlimited samples of beer, wine, and spirits - make sure you know who is driving you home!
Admission: $10 - $599 (Children's rate all the way up to a glamping rate.)
When: Friday, April 28, from 1 to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 29, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, April 30, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: At the St. Johns County Fairgrounds, 5840 SR 207, Elkton, Florida.
April 30
26th Annual Taste of St. Augustine
Serving up tastes of featured dishes from St. Augustine restaurants, this signature food festival benefits EPIC Behavioral Healthcare. Restaurants compete for the TOStA (Taste of St. Augustine) awards, with categories including Best Family Dining, Best Ethnic Food, and Best Dessert, as well as the People's Choice Award. Everyone gets a vote. There's also a children's area with craft activities and face-painting as well as live music throughout the day.
Admission: $5 per person; taste tickets are $1 each with restaurants charging between 1 - 5 tickets per taste.
When: Sunday, April 30, 2022, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: The St. Augustine Amphitheatre on A1A South in St. Augustine.
April 28 - May 14
Romanza Festivale of Music and the Arts
For two weeks, the nation's oldest city will have a love affair with the cultural community as it showcases music and dance concerts, living history events and historical tours, live theater, and other various creative and cultural heritage events.
Admission: Most events are free.
When: Friday, April 28 - Sunday, May 14, 2022
Where: At various locations around St. Augustine.
May 3 - 7
St. Augustine Food + Wine Festival
The third annual St. Augustine Food + Wine Festival, recently named "One of Florida's Top 10 Food & Wine Festivals" by USA Today, is a culinary, beverage, and cultural showcase highlighting celebrity guest chefs, local chefs, celebrity winemakers/proprietors, artisans, farmers, local craft spirits and beers, along with renowned wine, spirits, and beer brands from around the globe. The festival offers a wide variety of events including wine dinners, tastings, and master classes.
Admission: Tickets are per event and range from $49 to $165. Ticket packages are also available.
When: May 3 through May 7, 2023
Where: Most events are at the World Golf Village Hall of Fame and the World Golf Village Renaissance Resort in St. Augustine. Select events are in historic downtown St. Augustine.
May 6
Unidos en La Música: A Latin American Festival
This event made history by bringing the first Latin American festival to St. Augustine. The family-friendly festival includes Latin music, dance, workshops, cultural exhibitions, art, games, food, and adult beverages. Musical and dance groups perform on the main stage throughout the day with a mixture of styles ranging from across Latin America.
Admission: $10 for general admission; $60 for the VIP Experience which includes an artist meet and greets, front-of-stage access, private tables under the canopy, air-conditioned restrooms, a VIP bar, and Latin American-inspired hors d'oeuvres.
When: From 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, May 6, 2023.
Where: Francis Field at 25 West Castillo Drive in historic downtown St. Augustine.
May 6
St. Augustine Brewers' Fest
St. Augustine's local brew houses team up with breweries from around the state and country to offer a day of fun for craft beer enthusiasts at the second annual St. Augustine Brewers' Fest. Showcasing independent, smaller breweries, the Brewers' Fest supports the St. Augustine Lighthouse Museum and Keepers of the Coast. Using a souvenir cup when visiting beer tents stationed around the Fountain of Youth, festival-goers are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles to stay hydrated throughout the duration of the event.
Admission: $40 advance, $45 at the door; $100 VIP tickets; free for designated drivers.
When: 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 6, 2023.
Where: The Fountain of Youth at 11 Magnolia Avenue in St. Augustine.
May 20
As If! The '90s Fest
Celebrating the first weekend of summer and the '90s nostalgia craze, As If! The '90s Fest features all the fun from the last decade of the 20th century including a selfie station, a slime zone, and iconic '90s music and games. Food trucks serve up their specialties and there are plenty of snacks and beverages to purchase.
Admission: $25 - $40 for adults; $200 VIP tickets which include a lounge area and VIP bar access.
When: 1 to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 20, 2023.
Where: Francis Field at 25 West Castillo Drive in historic downtown St. Augustine.
Free Park and Ride Shuttle for 2023 Festivals in St. Augustine's Historic Downtown
The City of St. Augustine offers free shuttles for downtown events on every Saturday from March 11 through April 18.
All shuttles will drop people off and pick them up at the Visitor Information Center, at 10 S. Castillo Drive. Parking will be available at three parking locations outside of the downtown area:
- 198 & 212 West King Street, at the intersection of U.S. 1 and King Street
- 200 San Sebastian View, at the St. Johns County Health Department
- 301 San Marco Lot, 301 San Marco Avenue
The times of shuttle operation vary by date:
- Saturday, March 11, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 pm.
- Saturday, March 18, from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Saturday, March 25, from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Saturday, April 1, from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Saturday, April 8, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Amy Angelilli
When not writing, you can find Amy teaching and performing improv as well as facilitating team building sessions. She's also a certified laughter yoga leader, a travel hacker, and cat lady.
