St. Augustine's 2024 Spring Festival Guide
Festival lovers can plan their festival hopping with this comprehensive guide.
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 23 - 25
The 39th 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: $5.00 for adults; $3.00 for children 11-17 and adults 65 and older; free admission for active-duty military and children 10 and younger.
When: 5:00 to 10:30 p.m. Friday, February 23; noon to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, February 24; noon to 9:00 p.m. Sunday, February 25, 2024. Fireworks are planned for 9:00 p.m. on Saturday.
Where: The Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios, 101 San Marco Ave.
February 24
Florida Man Games
The Florida Man Games promise to be an experience like not other as they celebrate Florida's unique culture and humor through various challenges such as the Weaponized Pool Noodle Mud Duel, the Evading Arrest Obstacle Course, the Hurricane Force Winds Cash Grab, and the Dad Gut Jello Sumo Match. Festival-goers vote on who wins the mullet contest and @FloridaMaamOfficial hosts the Florida Ma'am Pinup Girls contest.
Admission: Regular field tickets cost $45.00 and VIP tickets cost $145.00.
When: Saturday, February 24, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Where: Francis Field in St. Augustine, adjacent to the City's Parking Garage.
February 29 - March 2
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 the Flagler College Hospitality & Tourism Management Program.
Admission: $100.00 - $700.00
When: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, February 29 - March 2, 2024. Tapas, Wine, and Spirits is from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday; the VIP Cava Reception & Dinner is from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. on Friday and the Grand Tasting is from 2:00 to 5:00 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.
March 3, 9, 17 & 22
Improvapalooza
The Adventure Project presents this annual celebration of improv theatre and improv comedy in America's Oldest City. Taking place in March over four evenings, Improvapalooza gives locals and visitors the opportunity to enjoy improv performers from Jacksonville to Orlando. Three evenings are shows while one evening is a workshop from a Hollywood writer, comedian, and improviser who has worked on Mad TV and Saturday Night Live among other notable projects. Every performance showcases different types of improv giving festival-goers a taste of various styles and forms.
Admission: Shows range from $12.00 - $17.00 while the workshop is $60.00.
When: Shows are Sunday, March 3 at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, March 9 at 8:00 p.m., and Friday, March 22 at 8:00 p.m. The workshop is Sunday, March 17 at 6:00 p.m.
Where: The March 3rd show is at Limelight Theatre and the other events are at Third Space Improv — both are in historic downtown and both have free parking.
March 8 - 10
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 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 9.
Admission: $20.00 general admission for Saturday or Sunday. Free for children under 12 and active duty/retired military with ID. $100.00 VIP tickets include admission for both days, a festival t-shirt, two beers or glasses of wine, separate VIP seating, bars, and bathrooms. $60.00 for Friday's whiskey tasting.
When: Friday, March 8 through Sunday, March 10, 2024; Friday: Whiskey Tasting 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.; Saturday: gates open at 10:00 a.m., close at 10:00 p.m.; Sunday: gates open at 10:00 a.m., close at 7 :00 p.m.
Where: Francis Field at 25 West Castillo Drive in historic downtown St. Augustine.
March 9 - 10, April 13 - 14
Arts & Crafts Festival at the Pier
Hand-crafted items, fine artwork, live music, delicious food, and more at this outdoor festival on St. Augustine Beach.
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: March 9 and 10, April 13 and 14, 2024. 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sundays.
Where: Anastasia Island's St. Augustine Beach Pier Park at 350 A1A Beach Blvd.
March 16 - 17
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: $5.00 for adults (good for both days); free for kids 12 and under.
When: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, March 16, and 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sunday, March 17, 2024.
Where: Sykes Family Farm at 5995 Brough Road in Elkton.
March 23 - 24
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: March 23 - 24, 2024, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday.
Where: Francis Field at 25 West Castillo Drive in historic downtown St. Augustine.
March 23
Pup-A-Pawlooza
Pup-A-Pawlooza offers pet guardians, and their dogs, the opportunity to participate in several doggie-friendly activities. In addition to all the doggie fun, there's also training demonstrations, music by a local DJ, food trucks, vendors, and prizes for the best dog in an astounding number of categories, including Best Treat Catcher, Worst Behaved Dog, and Dog with the Waggiest Tail.
Admission: $15.00 at the door, $10.00 in advance for anyone 15 and over. Humans younger than 15, and all dogs, may enter for free. The event benefits the St. Augustine Humane Society.
When: Saturday, March 23, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm.
Where: St. Johns County Fairgrounds, 5840 Florida 207, Elkton, Florida 32033
March 30 - 31
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 begins at 9:00 a.m. March 30, 2024. The promenade starts at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 31, 2024.
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 6 - 7
St. Augustine Lions Spring Festival
The 41st 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: $10.00 for adults; free for kids under 12.
When: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Saturday, April 6, and 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, April 7, 2024.
Where: Francis Field at 25 West Castillo Drive in historic downtown St. Augustine.
April 6 - 13
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, April 6 & 7; Inshore Series, Tuesday and Wednesday, April 9 & 10, Performance Yacht Offshore; Thursday, Friday, and; Saturday (April 11 - 13, 2024).
Where: Several locations in the St. Augustine area including the downtown bayfront.
April 11 - 13
St. Augustine PoetFest
For the third year in a row, Flagler College, Ancient City Poets, and the St. Johns Cultural Council present a three-day poetry festival to celebrate literary heritage and to connect the creative community. St. Augustine PoetFest 2024 includes events ranging from poetry readings to improv showcases in celebration of the spoken word.
Admission: Free and open to the public.
When: Thursday, April 11, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.; Friday, April 12, 10:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Where: Several locations in St. Augustine including the St. Johns County Waterworks, Relampago, and Flagler College.
April 12 - 14
Gamble Rogers Folk Festival
The 27th 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: $80.00 - $120.00 for a weekend pass; $30.00 - $80.00 for a day pass.
When: Friday to Sunday, April 12 to 14, 2024. The concert runs on Friday evening, beginning at 5:00 p.m.; on the day and evening on Saturday; and on Sunday until 6:00 p.m.
Where: The St. Johns County Fairgrounds at 5840 S.R. 207, Elkton, FL 32033
April 13
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: noon until 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 13, 2024.
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.
April 20 - 21
Lullaby of the Rivers Music Festival
The fourth annual Lullaby of the Rivers Festival 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: General admission on Saturday is $20.00 for one, and $30.00 for families of two or more. General Admission on Sunday is $15.00 for one and $20.00 for families of two or more. Children 12 and under are free.
When: Beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 19, and noon on Sunday, April 20, 2024. See their website for more information.
Where: At the North Shores Community Park, 120 Meadow Avenue, St. Augustine, Florida.
April 24 - 28
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: $15.00 - $25.00 for one-time registration; Individual classes and events have additional fees.
When: Wednesday through Sunday, April 24 through April 28, 2024.
Where: The festival is headquartered at Celebration Hall at St. Anastasia Catholic Church. Both the opening reception and keynote presentation will take place at the Whitney Lab Center for Marine Studies. Individual events take place throughout the area.
April 28
27th 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: $5.00 per person; free for kids 12 and under; taste tickets are $1.00 each with restaurants charging between one and five tickets per taste.
When: Sunday, April 28, 2024, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: The St. Augustine Amphitheatre on A1A South in St. Augustine.
May 3 - May 19
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, May 3 - Sunday, May 19, 2024
Where: At various locations around St. Augustine.
May 4
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: $20.00 for general admission; $75.00 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. Kids aged four and up are $5.00.
When: From 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, 2024.
Where: Francis Field at 25 West Castillo Drive in historic downtown St. Augustine.
May 4
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 third annual St. Augustine Brewers' Fest. Showcasing independent, smaller breweries, the Brewers' Fest supports Epic Behavioral Healthcare. 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: $45.00 advance, $50.00 at the door; $100.00 VIP tickets; $8.00 for designated drivers with a regular ticket.
When: 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, 2024.
Where: The Fountain of Youth at 11 Magnolia Avenue in St. Augustine.
May 8 - 12
St. Augustine History Festival
The third annual St. Augustine History Festival celebrates the "Nation's Oldest City" with five days of activities at historical sites throughout downtown. Created by the University of Florida, Historic St. Augustine Inc., and the Lastinger Family Foundation, the festival showcases every era of St. Augustine's long and storied past via special events at historic sites.
Admission: Events are free while admission to historical sites varies.
When: Wednesday, May 8 to Sunday, May 12 — times vary.
Where: At locations in and around historic downtown St. Augustine.
May 8 - 12
St. Augustine Food + Wine Festival
The fourth annual St. Augustine Food + Wine Festival, 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 $69.00 to $129.00. Ticket packages are also available.
When: May 8 through May 12, 2024
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 11
Sunflower and Tomato Festival
This annual springtime festival celebrates the sunflower and the tomato with activities such as a kids zone, salsa tasting contest, handmade market, live entertainment, food trucks, and other farm fun. Pick your own produce or flowers or purchase produce that's already been picked.
Admission: $7.00 in advance and $10.00 at the gate. Children under two are free.
When: Saturday, May 11, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Where: Wesley Wells Farms U-Pick Field at 2680 Ada Arnold Road.
May 18
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, too.
Admission: $30.00 - $40.00 for adults; $200.00 VIP tickets which include a lounge area and VIP bar access.
When: 1:00 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, May 18, 2024.
Where: Francis Field at 25 West Castillo Drive in historic downtown St. Augustine.
Free Park and Ride Shuttle for 2024 Festivals
Parking is available at the downtown parking garage right next to Francis Field.
The City of St. Augustine offers free park-and-ride shuttles for downtown events every Saturday from March 9 through April 6.
All shuttles will drop people off and pick them up at the Visitor Information Center, at 10 S. Castillo Drive.
Free parking will be available at 198 & 212 West King Street, at the intersection of U.S. 1 and King Street - Known as "Broudy's Lot."
The times of shuttle operation vary by date:
* Saturday, March 9, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 pm.
* Saturday, March 16, from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
* Saturday, March 23, from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
* Saturday, March 30, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
* Saturday, April 6, from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
For alternative parking options when the park-and-ride shuttle is not available please visit here.
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.
