Festival Season events may cause increased traffic

March and April in St. Augustine has informally become known as “The Festival Season” and with good reason as demonstrated by the list below. 

Festivals goers, especially those attending events on Francis Field, will likely add to the normal springtime visitor traffic.  Those traveling to or though the downtown during these events may wish to plan their trip accordingly to lessen any inconvenience.

For those attending events, the best option is to take advantage of the free park and ride Spring Shuttle, thus avoiding traffic congestion and the need to find and pay for parking. The shuttle schedule is available here.

St. Augustine Lions Seafood Festival, March 22-24

Location: Francis Field 

Expect heavy traffic in the vicinity of Francis Field including Ponce de Leon Blvd. (U.S. 1) and San Marco Ave. Note that the Spring Shuttle will be operating on Saturday and Sunday.

Festival of Chariots, March 23

Location: Plaza de la Constitución and several downtown streets.

Expect brief traffic interruptions along the parade route (Cathedral Pl., Cordova St., Orange St., Avenida Menendez) from 10:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. 

St. Augustine Race Week, March 28-30

Location: Offshore, Matanzas Bay, Tolomato River 

Expect increased pedestrian traffic along the Bayfront during some events and longer than normal openings of the Bridge of Lions on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, April 6-8, at 8:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., and 9:30 a.m.

Rhythm & Ribs, April 5-7

Location: Francis Field

Expect heavy traffic in the vicinity of Francis Field including Ponce de Leon Blvd. (U.S. 1) and San Marco Ave.

Old Town Art & Craft Show, April 13-14

Location: Francis Field

Expect some traffic congestion in the vicinity of Francis Field including Ponce de Leon Blvd. (U.S. 1) and San Marco Ave. during the event’s hours.

The Blessing of the Fleet, Sunday, April 14

Location: St. Augustine Municipal Marina

Very brief traffic halt at approximately 12:30 pm at intersections of Avenida Menendez with Cathedral Pl. and King St. with the extended opening of the Bridge of Lions expected at the event’s conclusion at approximately 3:00 p.m. View the informational flyer for participants here.

St. Augustine Easter Parade, April 20

Location: San Marco Ave., Avenida Menendez, Cathedral Pl. Cordova St.

Road closures and detours are in effect from before the parade’s 9:00 a.m. start until its conclusion at before noon.