It may be hot in August, but there are plenty of cool events and happenings to look forward to this summer and fall on Florida’s Historic Coast. Refreshing tours, historic reenactments, musical celebrations, impressive art, fun theatre, tasty food and an exciting watersport event that make the late summer and early fall an exciting time to chill at St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches.
The coolest and newest thing happening on Florida’s Historic Coast is the new Dolphin Bay Scenic Shuttle which carries passengers between the Vilano Beach Public Pier and the St. Augustine Municipal Marina. Along with the convenience of not driving a car and searching for a parking space, the water shuttle provides lots of opportunities for seeing dolphins, coastal birds in their natural habitats and historical sites like the Castillo de San Marcos.
The exciting Florida Skimboarding Pro/Am Tournament, the world’s third longest running tournament of its kind, returns to Vilano Beach August 19-21. Come watch the excitement as these athletes glide across the surf at this end-of-summer bash where skimmers from around the world come to show their skills while competing for trophies.
Summer goes beyond September, and everyone is invited. Join St. Johns County (SJC) Parks and Recreation Naturalists , the park rangers at Anastasia State Park, or docents at GTM Research Reserve for one of the really cool free programs through the fall and into next year. SJC Parks programs include evening beach walks to see and learn about the local dolphin population at Vilano Beach, sunset kayak tours at Nocatee, and fun Geocaching 101 hunts at Canopy Shores Park in St. Augustine. Anastasia State Park offers a series of guided bird walks and marsh explorations most weekends, and the docents at GTM Research Reserve offer weekly programs like Beach Exploration 101, family seining, beach cleanups, and more.
It is cool to be in the Nation’s Oldest City in September! St. Augustine, Florida was founded and settled on September 8, 1565, by Spanish Admiral Pedro Menendez de Aviles and 800 colonists that included soldiers, artisans and families. Upon their arrival, the Spanish Father Francisco Lopes de Mendoza led the first celebration of Mass on the North American continent, and a feast of Thanksgiving with the native Timucuan Indians followed. This year, the St. Augustine 457th Founder’s Day celebration will take place at Mission Nombre de Dios and the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park on September 3, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The sound of music is a special part of the Florida’s Historic Coast experience. In September Florida’s Historic Coast celebrates music during Sing Out Loud. This festival has an abundance of free concerts performed by up-and-coming entertainers at cool venues across Florida’s Historic Coast. In addition to the dozens of live performances, this popular music festival has multiple elements including the St. Augustine Songwriters Festival, St. Augustine Record Fair, artist development workshops, and more that focus on elevating the local music community while developing and celebrating local talent. Sing Out Loud takes place each weekend, September 9-30, 2022.
Enjoy the cool ocean breezes with live music, beautiful art and more every Wednesday through September at the Music & Art by the Sea at St. Augustine Beach. Free music, great food from a local food truck, and see what’s on display at The Art Studio.
Ancient City Con returns to the World Golf Village Renaissance Resort September 16-18. This long-running multi-day pop-culture convention features multiple celebrity and comic book guests, cosplay, tabletop and arcade gaming, panels, films, live performances and demonstrations, and a diverse vendor hall of amazing creators and exhibitors!
The GTM Research Reserve will be hosting the family-friendly Estuary Fest 2022 on September 17, when all are invited to enjoy fun & games, art, music, food trucks and scavenger hunt while celebrating National Estuaries Week.
Not only do the outdoors and music sooth the soul on Florida’s Historic Coast. There are also some tasty events that celebrate our heritage and today’s culture.
On September 24, the 5th annual Jerk and Curry Music Festival brings a little Caribbean culture to St. Augustine showcasing music, arts, food, and games. Performances by Inner Circle Band, Anthony B, Everton Blender and other performers along with a Jerk & Curry cook-off, pepper eating and Jerk Wing eating contests will be featured.
From October 7 – 9, The 25th annual St. Augustine Greek Festival taking place at celebrates the cultural and historical importance of Greek influence in the Nation’s Oldest City with traditional Greek music, folk dance, and delicious cuisine.
The Ponte Vedra Wine Festival features unlimited samples of wines and champagnes from around the world, along with cheese, chocolate and charcuterie. This elegant event takes place October 8, at the Ponte Vedra Croquet Club.
New happenings taking place this fall season on Florida’s Historic Coast include the November 4-6, Whiskey, Wine and Wildlife Festival (tickets are now on sale). During this exciting weekend celebration benefiting Vilano Beach Main Street and the GTM Reserve, guests will get to savor renowned whiskeys, spirits, wines and beers; indulge in some of the finest cuisine by the best chefs in Northeast Florida; and, top it off with a unique opportunity to experience coastal wildlife up-close.
While planning your refreshing getaway to Florida’s Historic Coast, checkout some of the great deals and offers to make your end of summer visit just a little cooler!
For exciting events and cool happenings taking place throughout the year, visit www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com/events.
Located midway between Daytona Beach and Jacksonville, Florida’s Historic Coast includes historic St. Augustine, the outstanding golf and seaside elegance of Ponte Vedra, and 42 miles of pristine Atlantic beaches. For more information on events, activities, holiday getaways and vacation opportunities in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches, go to the Visitors and Convention Bureau website at www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com, become a fan on Facebook or call 1.800.653.2489.
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