It is August – Summer fun continues on Florida’s Historic Coast, and this is Easy Season. Things slow down a little and there, but there are still lots of great music, historic reenactments and fun celebrations taking place this week. We have also included a little preview of even more events taking place in August!
Please check to make sure events are on schedule and the attractions you plan to visit are open and tickets are available before traveling long distances. While participating in events, please be safe and follow CDC guidelines. Wear a face mask in crowded areas, wash your hands frequently and practice safe distancing.
Open Daily: August 1 – 7
Picturing a Nation: American Art from the Lightner Museum
Picturing a Nation is a major installation of American paintings and sculpture from the Lightner Museum’s permanent collection. From America’s great vistas and natural wonders, to intimate scenes of St. Augustine, Picturing a Nation presents a vibrant vision of America on a local and national scale through late-19th and early 20th century American art. The exhibition runs through September 30, 2022. Lightner Museum is open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily and tickets are $17 for adults, $14 for seniors and students and $10 ages 12-17, under 11 are free. Lightner Museum, 75 King St., St. Augustine. www.lightnermuseum.org.
Tom Schifanella: Faces of the Alcazar at Lightner Museum
Faces of the Alcazar presents a compelling glimpse of life behind-the-scenes at Henry Flagler’s Alcazar Hotel. Through large-format photographs, the exhibition documents fragmentary clippings from early-20th century motion picture magazines pasted to the walls of the Alcazar staff quarters by the immigrant staff who lived and worked at the hotel. Lightner Museum is open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily and tickets are $17 for adults, $14 for seniors and students and $10 ages 12-17, under 11 are free. Lightner Museum, 75 King St., St. Augustine. www.lightnermuseum.org
Bouke de Vries: War & Pieces at Lightner Museum
This exhibition of London-based Dutch artist Bouke De Vries’ War & Pieces has been described as a “masterwork” by art critics. The monumental artwork, crafted from thousands of fragments of porcelain, reimagines the decorative centerpieces that adorned seventeenth- and eighteenth-century banquet tables. Lightner Museum is open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily and tickets are $17 for adults, $14 for seniors and students and $10 ages 12-17, under 11 are free. Lightner Museum, 75 King St., St. Augustine. www.lightnermuseum.org.
Self-Guided St. Augustine’s Secrets Historical Scavenger Hunt
This scavenger hunt will guide you to secret sights in St. Augustine that millions of people never knew about or looked for. Each Packet is for 2 Adults and their children. 1 prize awarded per packet. Purchase additional packets so you can compete with others in your group for even more fun. The packets are $25 each and there are 15 different quests to choose from. Ancient City Tours, 12 St. George St., St. Augustine www.ancientcitytours.net
Tuesday – Sunday, August 2 – 7
La Vie En Bleu: The Life & Art of Marguerite Castaing at St. Augustine Art Association
Enjoy an amazing exhibit of Marguerite Castaing works. Marguerite’s work, Impressionistic in style, elicits passion and precision. The artist was inspired by the people and places that surrounded her, from family and friends to the rolling landscapes of southern France, and eventually the colorful seasons of New England. This exhibition of her work showcases over 80 drawings, paintings and pastels detailing her life as a passionate female artist throughout the 20th Century. This collection of her paintings will be on display now through August 21. Admission is free and gallery hours are Tuesdays through Sundays from 1-4 p.m. www.staaa.org
Wednesday, August 3
Wednesday Pier Farmers Market
The Wednesday Pier Farmers Market offers oceanfront shopping at the St. Johns County Ocean Pier Park from 8 a.m.-noon. Approximately 60-80 vendors sell locally grown produce, baked goods, prepared foods, arts, crafts and more. 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine 904-315-0952 www.wednesdaypierfarmersmarket.com
Improv Night @ Colonial Oak Music Park
First Coast Comedy veteran professionals have no plan and willingly dive headfirst into almost any challenge the audience will throw at them, resulting in unforgettably hilarious moments. This show is for everyone so bring the whole family because these improvisers ensure the show is always clean and never mean. Pay what you will, all seating is general admission. 21 St. George St., St. Augustine www.firstcoastcomedy.com
Thursday, August 4
Sunset Concert Series at St. Johns Golf & Country Club
Grab a blanket and get ready to sing-a-long to favorites from the Rat Pack, Motown, Country, 80’s, 90’s and today. Tickets to the 7-9 p.m. show are $20 which includes one glass of wine or beer. Food and beverages available for purchase. 205 St. Johns Golf Dr., St. Augustine. 904-940-3200 www.stjohnsgolf.com/events
Country Music Night at the Colonial Oak Music Park
Watch local and regional country music live at The Colonial Oak. The performance takes place at 7 p.m. at Colonial Oak Music Park, 21 St. George St., St. Augustine. www.thecolonialmusicpark.com/events.
Free Concerts in the Plaza
Returning for its 31st season, this popular weekly event falls into a tradition shared by many communities: enjoying a concert in the town square on a summer night. Free and open to the public, residents and visitors alike can enjoy great entertainment in a great place together every Thursday through Labor Day from 7-9 p.m. Gypsy Stars is this week’s performer. www.Concerts-in-the-Plaza.com
Friday, August 5
First Friday Garden Walk
Join a Ranger the First Friday of every month for a garden walk. Learn about the history of Washington Oaks while exploring the formal gardens. The walk starts in the Garden parking lot at 10 a.m. and is approximately one hour. No registration required. Walk included with park entry fee of $5 per vehicle. For more information, visit www.washingtonoaks.org
First Friday Art Walk
Join Art Galleries of St. Augustine the first Friday of every month from 5-9 p.m. for new exhibits, refreshments and live music at many participating galleries.
For easy mobility downtown, patrons and visitors can enjoy the complimentary shuttle service that runs from 6-9 p.m. provided by Old Town Trolleys. To use this service, shuttle stickers may be picked up at any participating AGOSA gallery. Tour maps are available at participating galleries or online. 904-824-2310www.staaa.org/art-galleries-of-st-augustine
First Friday Artwalk Classical Concerts at Cathedral Basilica
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine is proud to host free monthly concerts the first Friday of the month. This month’s musical presentation is David McIntyre, Countertenor and Michael Giulianion on Organ. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The performance begins at 6 p.m. and is open to all, free of charge. There will be a free-will offering. 38 Cathedral Place, St. Augustine. 904-824-2806 www.thefirstparish.org
First Look, The Artisan’s Market Outdoor Bougie Market
The First Look Outdoor Bougie Market is being combined with their First Friday events from 6-8 p.m. on August 5. A cool vibe Artisan’s Market featuring local art, trinkets, coffee, music, aromatherapy and more! Free Parking Available. Come and get your groove on! First Look, The Artisan’s Market is located across from the Old Jail at 162 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine. www.firstlookartisans.com
Rick Springfield and Men at Work with special guest John Waite
Gates open at 6 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $39.50-$149.50. St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 1340 A1A S., St. Augustine. www.theamp.com
Friday & Saturday, August 5 & 6
Parade at Limelight Theatre
Limelight Theatre of St. Augustine presents “PARADE”, live onstage from August 5 – September 4, 2022. Parade is the story set in 1913, when Leo Frank, a Brooklyn-raised Jew living in Georgia, is put on trial for the murder of thirteen-year-old Mary Phagan, a factory worker under his employ. Performances are Thursday – Saturday, at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. 11 Old Mission Ave., St. Augustine. Tickets are $27 adults. www.limelight-theatre.org
Embracing Nature Exhibition at Lightner Museum
Enjoy this exhibition featuring Gail Beveridge’s poetic paintings representing a vibrant vision of the rich and varied landscape of Northeast Florida. The exhibit will be on through September 21. Lightner Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and tickets are $17 for adults, $14 for seniors and students and $10 ages 12-17, under 11 are free. Lightner Museum, 75 King St., St. Augustine. www.lightnermuseum.org
Saturday, August 6
St. Augustine Amphitheatre Farmers Market
From 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. shoppers stroll up and down the vendor-lined pathways of the St. Augustine Amphitheatre Farmers Market, browsing more than 100 tents loaded with local produce, flowers, baked goods, handmade arts and crafts and more. Admission into the market is free. 1340 A1A South, St. Augustine 904-315-9252 www.theamp.com/farmers-market
Fatio Family Fun Day
Kids get free admission every Saturday during summer (through August) with one paid adult at the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum! Children’s activities include an archaeology table (where they can find sharks teeth, shells, and a a replica of the 17th century Caravaca cross found on our property!), a scavenger hunt, coloring sheet, and colonial games. It’s FUN and they learn history! Adult admission is $10. Ximenez-Fatio House, 20 Aviles St., St. Augustine www.ximenezfatiohouse.org
Magic Hideaway at Casa Monica Resort & Spa
A brilliant magic and mind-reading experience with award-winning Master Magician Bill Abbott at the Casa Monica Resort & Spa. Indulge in a complimentary cocktail in the opulent Cobalt Lounge before being ushered into the Magic Hideaway, a boutique showroom with a vintage jazz vibe. One of the most intimate magic shows in the world featuring interactive mind-bending illusions happening literally inches away from you! Don’t miss this magical experience at 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Tickets are $125 per person and include a welcome cocktail, Cobalt Lounge VIP access, Pre Show Sleight of Hand, the Magic Hideaway experience and a post-performance social for autographs and photos. 95 Cordova St., St. Augustine. www.magichideaway.com
Militia Muster at Fort Mose State Park
Experience free musket firing demonstrations from 9-11:30 a.m. at Fort Mose Historic State Park. Youth are welcome to participate in Junior Militia training using handmade wooden toy muskets. This program is free. Visitor Center admission is $2. 15 Fort Mose Trail, St. Augustine. 904-823-2232 www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/fort-mose-historic-state-park
Guided Exploration Hike of the GTM Research Reserve
On the first Saturday of the month from 9-11 a.m., visitors can learn about the cultural history of the Guana Peninsula as well as the natural biodiversity during a guided hike. Find out about the peninsula’s 5,000 years of human history, including how native peoples used estuarine resources, what European plantation life was like, and current efforts to learn about and save these resources. Meet at the GTM Research Reserve’s Trailhead Pavilion located west of the Guana Dam. Wear comfortable closed toe shoes. There is a $3 per vehicle parking fee. Reservations are required and space is limited.
St. Augustine Sangria Stroll
Kick off the heat of Summer with this Cool experience. Sangria is the most famous Spanish cocktail and of course, you will want to try it while visiting the nation’s oldest (Spanish) city. This refreshing tour will be sure to bring a ‘touch of summer’ to your lips and it includes 2.5 hours of experiencing a variety and styles of classic Spanish sangria t live music venues. This fully guided city tour is conducted by a licensed tour host. Tickets are $75 per person and leaves from 24 Cathedral Pl., #401, St. Augustine. www.thetastingtours.com
Buddy Guy and John Hiatt & The Goners featuring Sonny Landreth
Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $47-$102. St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 1340 A1A South, St. Augustine. www.theamp.com
Sunday, August 7
Guided Bird Walk at Anastasia State Park
Meet the birds at Anastasia State Park from 8:15- 10 a.m. on this monthly bird walk. Observe a diverse variety of shore birds, marsh birds and hammock birds. Dress for the weather and bring binoculars, water, comfortable walking shoes and a field guide. Meet at the Island Beach Shop & Grill pavilion located at the end of the main park drive. The program is free with regular park admission, $2-$8. 300 Anastasia Park Rd., St. Augustine.
904-461-2033 www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia Photo: Jennifer Zelik
August Highlight Events!
Highlights of Happenings on Florida’s Historic Coast in August:
August 12: Fins and Freedom Sail
August 12: Lee Brice with Michael Ray and Jackson Dean at The AMP
August 13: St. Johns PAL Donut Dash 5K & Munchkin Fun Run
August 14: Sundays at Stetson’s at Beluthahatchee Park
August 17&18: Sunset Dolphin Walk
August 18: Words and Music: Tommy Bledsoe
August 19 -21: Florida Skimboarding Pro/Am Tournament
August 19-21- Nocatee Sunset Kayak Tours
