Founders Day participants striding under the flags.

Founder's Day 2024

An annual celebration honoring Pedro Menendez landing in St. Augustine.

Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024 | 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Pedro Menendez and his troops landed in St. Augustine on September 8, 1565, and the city celebrates each year with a Founder's Day Commemoration. For the 458th anniversary, the observance is on Saturday, September 7, 2024. Activities start at 10:00 a.m. at the Mission Nombre de Dios and continue at the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, concluding at 5:00 p.m.

Historic Florida Militia's Men of Menéndez will present the 2024 Founder's Day Commemoration in partnership with the Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios, the St. Augustine Maritime Heritage Foundation, and the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The landing is at 10:00 a.m. at the Mission, accompanied by cannon and musket salutes from the adjacent shores of the Fountain of Youth. Following that, a Catholic Mass will be held at the Rustic Altar on the Mission grounds at 11:00 a.m.

At noon, the Menéndez entourage will move to the Fountain of Youth in the Grand Procession, and at 1:00 p.m., there is a First Thanksgiving Meal reenactment. A re-created encampment and living history demonstrations will continue at the Fountain of Youth until 5:00 p.m.

TimeActivityLocation
9:30 a.m.Menéndez and his entourage approach and land at the Mission groundsMission Nombre de Dios
11:00 a.m.Ceremonies and Catholic Mass at the Rustic Altar at MissionMission Nombre de Dios
12 noonGrand Procession from Mission grounds to the Fountain of YouthMoving to the Fountain of Youth
1:00 p.m.The reenactment of the First Thanksgiving Meal (Regular admissions apply; free for residents of St. Johns County.) Fountain of Youth
1:00 - 5:00 p.m.Encampment and regularly scheduled weapons demonstrations (Regular admissions apply; free for residents of St. Johns County.) Fountain of Youth

Ample, free parking is available at the Mission. Seating is limited, so guests are encouraged to bring folding chairs.

Admission: The landing, mass, and procession are free. Regular admission rates apply to enter the Fountain of Youth ($19.95 for adults, $9.95 for children ages 6-12, and free for toddlers five and under). On Founders Day, St. Johns County residents who have valid IDs showing county residence will be admitted free, as will procession participants.

When: The landing and mass are at the Mission beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 7, 2024. The First Thanksgiving reenactment is at 1:00 p.m. at the Fountain of Youth, where a re-created encampment and historic demonstrations will continue until 5:00 p.m.

Where: The Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios is at 101 San Marco. The Fountain of Youth is at 11 Magnolia Avenue.

The logo for the St. Johns Cultural Council with red art

Admission | Ticket Prices

Free
Free to attend activities at Mission grounds
Regular admission applies at Fountain of Youth:
Adults$19.95
Children (ages 6 - 12)$9.95
Toddlers (5 & under)Free

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Editor's Note: We encourage you to verify event times and details with the organizers, as they may change.