Founder's Day 2025

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 460th anniversary, the observance is on Saturday, September 6, 2025. Activities start at 10:00 a.m. at the Mission Nombre de Dios and continue at the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, concluding at 2:00 p.m.

Historic Florida Militia's Men of Menéndez will present the 2025 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. A Catholic Mass at the Rustic Altar on the Mission grounds follows.

The Menéndez entourage moves to the Fountain of Youth in the Grand Procession, followed by a reenactment of the first Thanksgiving meal. Living history demonstrations continue at the Fountain of Youth until 2:00 p.m.

Ample free parking is available at the Mission. Seating is limited, so you may want to bring folding chairs.

Admission: The landing, Mass, and procession are free. Regular admission rates apply to enter the Fountain of Youth ($22.95 for adults, $9.95 for children ages 6-12, and free for toddlers five and younger). On Founder's Day, St. Johns County residents, with valid IDs showing county residence, are admitted free, as well as procession participants.

When: The event starts at 10:00 a.m. at the Mission Nombre de Dios and continues through 2:00 p.m. at the Fountain of Youth.

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