This week in St Augustine and St Johns County provides Historic City News readers with some ideas about free and low-fee entertainment and activities in America’s Oldest City.
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Monday – Saturday, May 2 – 7
Sharon Booma Exhibit at Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach Nationally-recognized artist Sharon Booma’s “Collections of Impulses” exhibit is a vigorous pursuit of a balance between the states of chaos and order that alternate and overlap in our lives. Her exhibit will be on display through May 27. Admission is free. The gallery is openMonday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 50 Executive Way, Ponte Vedra Beach. 904-280-0614 www.ccpvb.org |
Wednesday, May 4
Lightner Museum Curator Tour The Lightner Museum’s curator provides a themed interactive tour designed to give participants an opportunity to see acquisitions in operation rather than just as static displays. The tour, which is included in admission, takes place at 10 a.m. on the second floor of Lightner Museum. Regular admission is $10 adults; $6 for active duty military; $5 college student and youth ages 12-18; under 12 are free. 75 King St., St. Augustine. 904-824-2874 www.lightnermuseum.org |
Friday, May 6
First Friday Garden Walk Visit Washington Oaks Gardens State Park on the first Friday of every month for a guided tour of the beautiful gardens. Meet in the garden parking lot at 10 a.m. and wear comfortable shoes. The tour will last approximately one hour. Admission into the park is $5 per vehicle, up to eight people; $4 per vehicle for single occupancy or $2 per person on bicycle applies. 6400 North Oceanshore Blvd., Palm Coast. 386-446-6783 www.floridastateparks.org/park/Washington-Oaks First Friday Art Walk From 5 to 9 p.m. on the first Friday of every month, the Art Galleries of St. Augustine feature new exhibits, refreshments and live music at more than 20 galleries. The event is held rain or shine inside the member galleries and is a free, self-guided walking tour (tour maps available at participating galleries). Plus, free Art Walk Trolleys and Trains provided by St. Augustine Sightseeing Trains and Old Town Trolleys, provide free transportation throughout downtown for the art walk. 832-779-2781 www.artgalleriesofstaugustine.org |
Friday – Sunday, May 6 – 8
Romanza Festivale of the Arts Join a celebration of art and music in America’s Most Romantic City featuring more than 100 events and exhibits by dozens of organizations. Daily events include music and dance performances, concerts, art shows, dramatic productions and much more at locations throughout the city. Many events are free. For a schedule of events, times, locations and ticket prices, visit the website. The Festival continues through May 15. 904-315-8061 www.RomanzaFestivale.com St. Augustine Art Association presents Canvas, Clay, Collage and Cutting Edge The St. Augustine Art Association combines four exciting themes into one juried exhibit. Cutting Edge is defined as work that pushes the boundaries of ideas and/or materials. The opening reception will be during the First Friday Art Walk from 5 – 9 p.m. The gallery is openTuesday – Saturday noon – 4 p.m. and Sunday 2 – 5 p.m. Admission is free. 22 Marine St., St. Augustine. 904-824-2310 www.staaa.org |
Saturday, May 7
Tour de Cure Take part in the 25th Anniversary of the Tour de Cure when riders of all levels join forces in the fight to Stop Diabetes® and raise critical funds for diabetes research, education and advocacy in support of the American Diabetes Association. The event begins at the World Golf Hall of Fame at World Golf Village. The distances include 5 miles, 41 miles, 66 miles and 102 miles. The start times ranges from 7 to 10 a.m., depending on the distance. Registration includes a $25 fee with a fundraising minimum of $200. One World Golf Place, St. Augustine. 904-730-7200 http://tour.diabetes.org GTM Research Reserve Guided Cultural Hike The first Saturday of each month features a Guided Cultural Hike that focuses on the Guana Peninsula’s 5,000 years of human history. This 1.5 mile guided walking tour departs from the Trailhead Pavilion located just west of the Guana Dam at 8:30 a.m. There is a $3 parking fee. 505 Guana River Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach. 904-823-4500 http://gtmnerr.org Nease House Environmental Education Days St. Johns County Parks & Recreation and the St. Johns County Environmental Division will host an Environmental Education Day from 9 a.m. to noon at Nease Beachfront Park. The free workshop is open to the public and all ages are welcome. Throughout the park and the historic Nease House, county staff will provide information and interactive activities on a variety of topics, including native plant identification, right whale and sea turtle conservation, animal tracking, dune habitats, as well as wetland and coastal marsh habitats. 3171 Coastal Highway, Ponte Vedra Beach. 904.209.0323 www.sjcfl.us/Recreation Militia Muster and Training at Fort Mose Visit Fort Mose from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to be transported back to the 18th Century. The members of the Fort Mose Militia come together to practice their firing drills, teach new Militia members historic weapons use and safety and generally have an enjoyable Saturday at Fort Mose. Visitors will experience historic weapons demonstrations including musket firing drills. Children of all ages will have the opportunity to participate in the children’s militia training using wooden toy muskets and authentic uniform accessories. The park is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission into the park is free. Admission into the Fort Mose Visitor Center is $2 per person. 15 Fort Mose Trail, St. Augustine. 904-823-2232 www.floridastateparks.org/park/Fort-Mose Living History Day at Fort Matanzas From 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., authentically clad re-enactors 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, approximately 15 miles south of St. Augustine. 904-471-0116www.nps.gov/foma Drum Runner Series Barrel Racing at St. Johns County Fair Grounds Saddle up and head over to the St. Johns County Fair Grounds for monthly barrel, pole and other timed speed horse events. The event is open to the public and free to spectators. Participants must have own horse. Participation fees are $15 for St. Johns County Horse Council members and $25 for non-members. Awards will be presented for each age group in each event. The races take place from 2 – 7 p.m. at St. Johns County Fairgrounds, 5840 S.R. 207, Elkton. www.sjchc.org North Florida Women’s Chorale Spring Concert This spring concert by the North Florida Women’s Chorale includes songs that are sacred and secular and of inspiration and hope. The noon program includes many familiar American hymns, spirituals, and folk songs such as “Simple Gifts,” “Wondrous Love” and “How Can I Keep From Singing?” Admission is free. Ancient City Baptist Church 27 Sevilla St., St. Augustine. 904-806-7781 www.womenschorale.org |
Sunday, May 8
EMMA Concert Performance: Janet Rabe-Meyer, Soprano & Ensemble Janet Rabe-Meyer will present a free concert as a gift to EMMA concert goers at Flagler College’s Lewis Auditorium at 2 p.m. Known for her “radiant voice and intense acting” Janet Rabe-Meyer is a true singing actress. 14 Granada St., St. Augustine. 904-797-2800www.emmaconcerts.com Guided Bird Walk at Fort Mose Historic State Park Join Master Naturalist Arliss Ryan for a guided bird walk through the grounds of Fort Mose Historic State Park. The park is located along the Atlantic Flyway and offers several natural communities, including an estuarine tidal marsh and a maritime hammock, drawing a wide variety of birds. “Rookery Island” is home to many nesting species, including several heron and egret varieties. This season a mated pair of bald eagles has taken up residency, becoming the busy parents of two eaglets that have recently fledged and are learning to hunt. The walk is from 9 to 11 a.m. Entrance into the park grounds is free. Entrance to the Visitor Center is $2 per person; children up to 5 years in age are free. 15 Fort Mose Trail, St. Augustine. 904-823-2232 www.floridastateparks.org |
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