St. Augustine Music Festival - 2026

The largest free classical music festival in the United States, St. Augustine Music Festival (SAMF), celebrates two anniversaries in 2026: America's 250th and SAMF's 20th. This year, they present five live performances at the Cathedral Basilica in June, starting with their annual Juneteenth concert on June 19. On July 3, SAMF performs at the Castillo de San Marcos in celebration of America's Independence and the National Park Service. 

SAMF Music Festival

Scheduled for two weeks on Fridays through Sundays from June 19 to June 28, 2026, the festival features musicians from the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra and often includes internationally renowned guest artists. SAMF celebrates its 20th anniversary season in 2026.

Sponsored by the St. Johns Cultural Council, St. Johns County Tourist Development Council, and the Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, the festival was founded by Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra members Jorge A. Peña (viola) and Jin Kim-Peña (cello), who encouraged other orchestra musicians and soloists to participate in the festival.

For more details regarding the St. Augustine Music Festival, please visit here.

St. Augustine Music Festival Event Details

Admission: Free. You are encouraged to register for your free tickets to each of these concerts.

When: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, from Friday, June 19, through Sunday, June 28, at 7:30 p.m. 

Where: Concerts are held at the Cathedral Basilica, 38 Cathedral Place in historic downtown St. Augustine, Florida 32084.

Special 250th Concert: July 3, at the Castillo de San Marco. More information, soon.

The 2026 Concerts

Friday, June 19, at 7:30 p.m. — Voices of Freedom: American Music for Juneteenth

•  Featuring baritone Robert Sims. Go here for more information.

Saturday, June 20, at 7:30 p.m. — Mozart and More

• Chamber music, featuring several soloists. (See program below.)
• Order free tickets in advance

Sunday, June 21, at 7:30 p.m. — Elegance and Fire: Masterpieces of the Classical Spirit

• The orchestra performs compositions that show how composers presented both the expressive and lyrical, and the explosive and dramatic, creating music that is refined and exhilarating. (See program below.)
• Reserve your tickets in advance.

Friday, June 26, at 7:30 p.m. — Chamber Virtuosity: The Art of Ensemble

• Enjoy an evening exploring chamber music as outstanding SAMF artists offer diverse and intricate explorations of several musicians performing expressive and powerful music. (See program below.)
• You may order free tickets in advance.

Saturday, June 27, at 7:30 p.m. — 250th National Celebration: American Landscapes

• This special program honors the rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions of the United States of America. (See program below.)
• Reserve tickets in advance.

Sunday, June 28, at 7:30 p.m. — 20th Anniversary Concert

• SAMF celebrates two decades of presenting world-class music in St. Augustine. (See program below.)
• Order free tickets in advance.

Programs for the SAMF Music Festival

Saturday, June 20, 2026, Chamber Music: Mozart and More
Featuring a piano quartet, performing music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Robert Schumann

• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Piano Quartet No. 1 in G minor, K. 478
• Robert Schumann: Piano Quartet in E-flat Major, Op. 47 

Musicians:

• Nigel Armstrong, violin
• Gabriela Peña, violin
• Lauren Hodges, viola
• Jin Kim, Cello
• Yukino Miyake, piano

Sunday, June 21, 2026, Elegance and Fire: Masterpieces of the Classical Spirit
The SAMF Chamber Orchestra performs works by Grieg, Haydn, and Mozart.

• Edvard Grieg: Holberg Suite, Op. 40
  • Prelude
  • Sarabande
  • Gavotte
  • Air
  • Rigaudon
• Joseph Haydn: Cello Concerto No. 1 in C Major
• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Symphony No. 29 in A Major, K. 201 

Friday, June 26, 2026, Chamber Virtuosity: The Art of Ensemble
The best and most expressive chamber music can only occur when a small group of musicians collaborate and drive each other to reach their best. Members of SAMF take the stage to perform with precision, energy, and expressive power.

• Benjamin Picard: Concentric
• Guillaume Connesson: Sextuor for oboe, clarinet, violin, viola, bass, and piano
• Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy: Octet in E-flat Major, Op. 20

Musicians:

• Nigel Armstrong
• Gabriela Peña-Kim
• And others TBA

Saturday, June 27, 2026, 250th National Celebration: American Landscapes
Featuring the SAMF Orchestra and several guest artists, this concert celebrates American composers and songwriters. 

• Aaron Copland: Appalachian Spring (Suite)
• Other American works will be announced.

Sunday, June 28, 2026, 20th Anniversary Concert
An evening of celebration and reflection as SAMF and special guests present a program featuring music from their 20 years of performances in St. Augustine.

• Featured works and guest artists will be announced at a later date.