Things to do this weekend

Jay Humphreys reported to Historic City News about upcoming events this weekend in the St. Augustine area.

Friday: August 1

FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK
Join one of St. Augustine’s most popular cultural events on the first Friday of every month. Enjoy the latest exhibits, music and entertainment at over 20 participating galleries. Tours begin at Rembrandtz American Craft Gallery, 131 King Street. All participating galleries are open from 5 to 9 p.m. St. Augustine Sightseeing Trains and Old Town Trolleys offer attendees a complimentary shuttle service to most of the galleries. Shuttles run on a continuous loop every 30 minutes. For more information, call 904.829.0065

BOYS LIKE GIRLS, GOOD CHARLOTTE AND MORE PERFORM!
See Billboard chart toppers Boys Like Girls along with Good Charlotte in this special concert that includes performances by Maine and Metro Station. Tickets are on sale at the St. Augustine Beach Pier and are $25 in advance and $29.50 the day of the show. For details, call 904.471.1965

KID’S SALTWATER FISHING WORKSHOP
Help teach your kids the joys of saltwater fishing at this special workshop conducted by the Florida Park Service. All fishing gear will be furnished for each participant including complete rod & reel, fishing tackle and bait. This workshop is open for ages 8-15 years old and the fee is $20.00 per participant, which includes the park entrance fee. This three-hour workshop will be held at Washington Oaks State Gardens located at 6400 Ocean Shore Blvd., in Palm Coast from 9 a.m. to noon. Space is limited and advanced reservations are required. Reserve your spot contacting Washington Oaks at 386.446.6783.

Saturday: August 2

HISTORIC WEAPONS FIRING DEMONSTRATION
Take the National Park Service’s ferry to Rattlesnake Island and experience daily military life at Fort Matanzas – the 18th century Spanish fort that guarded the southern approach to St. Augustine. From 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., authentically clad re-enactors will demonstrate Spanish muskets and cannons at the fort. Admission is free. Fort Matanzas National Monument is located on A1A at the south end of Anastasia Island approximately 15 miles south of St. Augustine. For more information, call 904.471.0116.

CHANGING OF THE GUARD
Witness twilight time in colonial St. Augustine as soldiers guarding the town are dismissed for the night and their replacements arrive to take over this important task. The commander of the new watch puts his men through a rigorous drill that ends with a resounding blast of musket fire that assures residents that 18th century St. Augustine is safe for the night. This traditional Spanish military changing of the guard takes place at 7 p.m. in front of St. Augustine’s Government House in the Plaza de la Constitucion. The event is free. For more information, call 904.825.1004.

WINGS OVER FLORIDA KAYAK TOUR
Leave from the lush gardens of Washington Oaks Gardens State Park only to find the true heart of Florida on a two-hour kayak tour. Search for the inhabitants of the coastal estuary including dolphins, manatees, turtles and an incredible variety of local and migrating birds. This tour leaves at 9 a.m. and is $40 per person, all instruction, and equipment included. Space is limited so call today to reserve your place! For more information, call Ripple Effect Ecotours at 904.347.1565.

NOTE: St. Johns County residents with a valid ID are always admitted free of charge to Government House Museum, the Lightner Museum, the Colonial Spanish Quarter Museum, the Fountain of Youth, the Ximenez-Fatio House and the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse. The daily tours and wine tastings at the San Sebastian Winery are free to everyone. Also, admission is free to everyone at the Authentic Old Drug Store, Fort Matanzas National Monument, and St. Photios Chapel.

For more information on events and activities in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches, contact the Visitors and Convention Bureau at 904.829.1711