April events in St Augustine

Here are a few reminders of things to do in St Augustine on an ongoing basis and selected events during the month of April.

Every Sunday
Lincolnville’s Farmer Market
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Historic Lincolnville’s Eddie Vicker’s Park is home to our new, downtown Sunday Farmers’ Market offering fresh and organic produce, fine prepared foods, foot-stomping live music, one-of-a-kind handmade arts and crafts, plus a variety of special events. PLUS: picnic areas and a playground! It’s a fun-filled weekly destination for friends, neighbors and visitors to mingle, while enjoying a premiere and healthful shopping experience in St. Augustine’s most up-and-coming neighborhood.

Every Saturday
Farmer’s Market
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Stop by the St. Augustine Amphitheater every Saturday morning between 8:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. for the Old City Farmers’ Market. Browse through a wide variety of vendors to find fresh vegetables, baked goods, fresh fish, homemade crafts and more. Every market also features live entertainment. Admission is free.

Every Wednesday
Wednesday Market at the St. Johns County Pier
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Visit the St. Johns County Pier every Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to shop for fresh produce, baked goods, jewelry, and other quality hand-made gifts and home decorating products. The St. Johns County Pier is located on A1A Beach Blvd. in St. Augustine Beach, just south of State Road 312. The market takes place every Wednesday, rain or shine.

Wednesdays and Saturdays
Musket Firing Demonstrations at Fort Matanzas
1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
On most Wednesdays and Saturdays, join us for historic weapons demonstrations at Fort Matanzas as you take the ferry to the fort and experience daily military life at the 18th century Spanish fort that guarded the southern approach to St. Augustine. From 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. re-enactors will demonstrate Spanish muskets and cannons. 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. Call (904) 471-0116 to reconfirm and for more information.

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Cannon Firing Demonstrations
10:30am, 11:30am, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, and 3:30pm.
Call (904) 829-6506 for more information.
Come to the Castillo de San Marcos (the fort in downtown St. Augustine) and experience a little piece of history as the cannons are fired every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday throughout the year.

April

Friday, April 5 – Sunday, April 28
Spring Member Show at St. Augustine Art Association Gallery
Outstanding exhibition of Association members’ art juried for awards. The gallery is located at 22 Marine St. and is open Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 2 to 5:00 p.m. Admission is free. Info: Call 904-824-2310.

Friday, April 5
18th Annual Rhythm & Ribs Festival
Francis Field, 5:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Non-stop music and award-winning scrumptious barbecue all weekend long. Plus a Saturday night performance by JJ Grey and Mofro. Rhythm & Ribs takes place at Francis Field, located behind the historic Downtown Parking Facility on West Castillo Dr. in St. Augustine. The festival hours are Friday 5:00 to 10 p.m., Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Admission is $2 per person, except Saturday evening, when it is $5. Kids 12 and under are free. Call 904-417-8470.

Friday, April 5
First Friday Art Walk
5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Experience one of St. Augustine’s most popular cultural events from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. on the first Friday of every month. Enjoy the latest exhibits, music, entertainment and refreshments at over 20 participating galleries. Tours begin at San Sebastian Winery, 157 King St.. Old Town Trolley offers attendees complimentary shuttle service to most of the galleries. Shuttles run on a continuous loop every 30 minutes. For more information, call 904-829-0065.

Saturday, April 6
Living History Day at Fort Matanzas National Monument
10:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.
From 10:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m., authentically clad re-enactors will demonstrate Spanish cannons at this fortress that guarded the southern approach to St. Augustine. Admission is free including the ferry ride to and from Rattlesnake Island. Fort Matanzas National Monument is located at 8635 A1A at the south end of Anastasia Island approximately 15 miles south of St. Augustine. For more information, call 904-471-0116.

Saturday, April 6
18th Annual Rhythm & Ribs Festival
Francis Field, 11am – 10:00 pm
Non-stop music and award-winning scrumptious barbecue all weekend long. Plus a Saturday night performance by JJ Grey and Mofro. Rhythm & Ribs takes place at Francis Field, located behind the historic Downtown Parking Facility on West Castillo Dr. in St. Augustine. The festival hours are Friday 5:00 to 10 p.m., Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Admission is $2 per person, except Saturday evening, when it is $5. Kids 12 and under are free. Call 904-417-8470.

Saturday, April 6
Evening Nature Program at Anastasia State Park
Park rangers or volunteers present programs on various topics ranging from sea turtles to star gazing. Programs take place at open-air pavilions with one of the most beautiful scenic backdrops in Northeast Florida as inspiration. Program included in regular admission of $8 per vehicle. 1340 A1A, St. Augustine. Times vary throughout year. For more information, call 904-461-2035.

Saturday, April 6
Vilano Beach Sunset Celebration
3:00 p.m. – dusk
Features a spectacular sunset across the bay – plus, dozens of market vendors, live music, local arts and crafts and more can be found on the pier! Activities are from 3 p.m. – dusk. Admission is free. Located at 115 Vilano Rd., St. Augustine. For more information, call 904-540-0402.

Sunday, April 7
18th Annual Rhythm & Ribs Festival
Francis Field, 11am – 6:00 pm
Non-stop music and award-winning scrumptious barbecue all weekend long. Plus a Saturday night performance by JJ Grey and Mofro. Rhythm & Ribs takes place at Francis Field, located behind the historic Downtown Parking Facility on West Castillo Dr. in St. Augustine. The festival hours are Friday 5:00 to 10 p.m., Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Admission is $2 per person, except Saturday evening, when it is $5. Kids 12 and under are free. Call 904-417-8470.

Tuesday, April 9
Hotel Ponce de Leon 125th Anniversary Community Lecture
Dr. Brenda Kauffman presents a lecture titled “The Golden Gleam of the Gilded Surface and the Cheapness of the Metal: Political Corruption and American Policy Reforms in the 19th Century”. The presentation is part of the commemorative events celebrating The 125TH Anniversary of the opening of Henry Flagler’s Ponce de Leon Hotel and takes place at 10:00 a.m. in the Flagler Room at the former Hotel Ponce De Leon, 75 King St., St. Augustine. Admission is free.

Saturday, April 13
Florida Farm Days and Tractor Show
Florida Agricultural Museum
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 pm.
The Florida Agricultural Center presents a Florida Farming Expo. The 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. event features historic demonstrators, farm re-enactors, organic growers, heritage livestock & poultry, trendy vendors, historic culture and music. Guest speakers address various farming and gardening topics. Traditional Florida comes to life with canning, weaving, cast iron cooking, hand plowing contests, whip cracking, tractor contests and so much more! Admission is $5 per person. The Florida Agricultural Museum is located at 7900 Old Kings Rd. N in Palm Coast, off US 1 approximately 2 miles west of I-95 Exit 298. For more information, call 386-446-7630.

Sunday, April 14
Fromajardes Serenade
St. Augustine Cathedral Courtyard, 1:30 p.m.
Participate in the traditional Menorcan Fromajardes celebration in which young men are rewarded for their serenading abilities with “Fromajardes”, delightful Menorcan cheese pastries. The fun begins at 1:30 p.m. at the St. Augustine Cathedral Courtyard, 40 Cathedral Place. For more information, call 904-829-2333.

Sunday, April 14
St. Augustine Royal Tea
St. Augustine Cathedral Courtyard, 2:30 p.m.
Afternoon tea party with St. Augustine’s Royal Family – Queen Marianna, King Juan Carlos and Princess Margarita Maria – portrayed by local heritage residents. The tea will take place at 2:30 p.m. at the St. Augustine Cathedral Courtyard, 40 Cathedral Place. Admission is free. For more information, call 904-829-2333.

Tuesday, April 16
Second Saturdays Guana Trail Guided Hike
GTM Reserve, 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Join GTM Research Reserve volunteers from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. for a 1.5 mile guided walk through the Guana Trail. After the walk, visit the GTM Research Reserve Environmental Education Center (EEC). The EEC is located at 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach. There is a $3.00 parking fee. For more information, call 904-823-4500.

Tuesday, April 16
Hotel Ponce de Leon 125th Anniversary Community Lecture
Dr. Jerry Dickey presents a lecture titled “Costume Balls and Cake Walk Contests: Social Dancing and Casino Entertainments in the Flagler Era”. The presentation is part of the commemorative events celebrating The 125th Anniversary of the opening of Henry Flagler’s Ponce de Leon Hotel and takes place at 7:00 p.m. at the Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College, 14 Granada St.. Admission is free.

Saturday, April 20
18th Annual Flower & Garden Expo, St. Johns County Agricultural Center,
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Growers, educational seminars, nurseries and artisans from around the state offer gardeners everything they need to make spring bloom. Admission is $ 5 (which is good for both days) and children under 11 are admitted free. The Expo takes place Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the St. Johns County Agricultural Center, 3125 Agricultural Center Dr., located off SR 16 in St. Augustine. For more information, call 904-829-3295.

Saturday, April 20
Tolomato Cemetery Guided Tour
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
The Tolomato Cemetery is the oldest extant planned cemetery in the State of Florida, with burials starting during the First Spanish Period (1565-1763). Visitor access is limited to the 3rd Saturday of each month when docents provide guided tours. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged. The cemetery will be open from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and is located at 16 Cordova Street in St. Augustine.

Sunday, April 21
Earth Day Celebration
Washington Oaks State Gardens
This annual event that works toward a healthy planet takes place at Washington Oaks State Gardens, located at 6400 North Ocean Shore Blvd (A1A South) in Palm Coast. For more information, call 386-446-6780.

Sunday, April 21
18th Annual Flower & Garden Expo, St. Johns County Agricultural Center,
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Growers, educational seminars, nurseries and artisans from around the state offer gardeners everything they need to make spring bloom. Admission is $ 5 (which is good for both days) and children under 11 are admitted free. The Expo takes place Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the St. Johns County Agricultural Center, 3125 Agricultural Center Dr., located off SR 16 in St. Augustine. For more information, call 904-829-3295.

Monday, April 22 – Friday, April 26
Free Entrance Day: Castillo de San Marcos
In honor of National Park Week, the National Park Service is offering free admission to Castillo de San Marcos April 22 – 26. Built by the Spanish military between 1672 and 1692, the Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest masonry fortification in the U.S. Friday through Saturday visitors can experience living history during Spanish Military cannon firings. The Castillo de San Marcos is located on Avenida Menendez, overlooking Matanzas Bay in historic St. Augustine.

Saturday, April 27
Living History Days at Fort Mose, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
From 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m., volunteers in period clothing offer visitors a fascinating glimpse into the past at the site of the first, legally-sanctioned, free black community in the United States. Program is weather permitting. Fort Mose State Park located at 15 Fort Mose Trail in St. Augustine. Admission is $4 per vehicle or $2 for pedestrians or bicyclists. For more information, call 904-823-2232.

Saturday, April 27
Taste of St. Augustine
St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 12:00 – 8:00 p.m.
This flavorful event showcases more than 30 area restaurants’ signature dishes. The St. Augustine Amphitheatre will be transformed into a culinary marketplace offering the participating restaurants’ “signature tastes” as well as cookbooks, cooking equipment and other specialty food items. Throughout the afternoon and evening, restaurants are judged for the “best of” in numerous categories and for the prestigious ‘The People’s Choice Award’. This tasty event takes place from 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Admission to the Taste of St. Augustine is $5 and taste tickets are $1 each with restaurants charging between 1 and 5 tickets per taste. For more information, call 904-829-3295.

Saturday, April 27
Uptown Saturday Night
5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
From 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on the last Saturday of each month, experience live music, refreshments, new exhibits, book signings and much more at the galleries, antique stores and unique shops on St. Augustine’s San Marco Ave. between Ripley’s Museum and the Mission Nombre de Dios. The Mission Nombre de Dios provides FREE PARKING. For more information, call 904-823-9263.