Discover why St. Augustine was just named one of the South’s Best Music Towns
St. Augustine, Fla. (May 27, 2026) – Internationally celebrated for its carefully preserved history, expansive beaches, and small-town charm, Florida’s Historic Coast is also earning recognition for its thriving live music scene. St. Augustine was recently named one of the South’s Best Music Towns by Garden & Gun magazine, further cementing its status as a must-visit destination for music lovers.
Locals know summer marks the return of free concerts in some of the area’s most picturesque settings. The Plaza de la Constitución takes center stage during the popular Concerts in the Plaza series, held every Thursday evening throughout the summer. Featured performers include the U.S. Navy Band Southeast Brass Quintet, Big Papa Fish, Think & Thin String Band, and The Groove Coalition.
Beachside vibes take over during the 
Music & Art by the Sea Concert Series, featuring free concerts every Wednesday evening in June, August, and September at the St. Johns County Ocean Pier Park. Each event includes exhibits by local artists, food trucks and a rotating lineup of local favorite performers such as Those Guys, Str8-Up, Bad Dog Mama, and Contact Buzz.
On any given night, there’s a good chance visitors can find live music somewhere on Florida’s Historic Coast. Colonial Oak Music Park, tucked beneath towering oaks on St. George Street offers an outdoor musical speakeasy vibe with performances ranging from local favorites to nationally touring acts. 
The Original Café Eleven located on St. Augustine Beach’s main road, is widely regarded as one of Northeast Florida’s premier intimate venues, pairing inventive cuisine with live music and comedy performances spanning every genre. Meanwhile, Marina Munch Waterside Food Truck Park combines scenic views of the San Sebastian River with a rotating selection of local food trucks and weekend acoustic performances.
In late June, the St. Augustine Music
Festival (SAMF) presents a powerful series of free concerts designed to entertain, educate, and inspire audiences through world-class performances. Concerts take place June 19–21 and June 26–28 at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine. The season finale will be held at the Castillo de San Marcos on July 3 at 8 p.m. Set against the backdrop of one of Florida’s most iconic landmarks, the performance offers a memorable way to experience history, music, and community while celebrating SAMF’s 20th anniversary season and the Nation’s 250th birthday.
The St. Augustine Amphitheatre (The AMP) has earned a reputation as one of the world’s premier outdoor music venues performance venues – n experience worth planning an itinerary around. Located on Anastasia Island between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, The AMP blends Old Florida natural beauty with state-of-the-art acoustics. This summer’s lineup includes award-winning artists such as Dierks Bentley, Claypool Gold, Vince Gill, Men at Work, Lord Huron, and The Black Keys.
Just north in Ponte Vedra Beach, the newly renovated Ponte Vedra Concert Hall delivers an intimate concert experience in a beautifully upgraded venue. Upcoming performances include Stewart Copeland, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, John Anderson, Steve Earle, and Billy Bob Thornton & The Boxmasters.
Summer music concludes with one of St. Augustine’s most beloved musical traditions: the Sing Out Loud Festival Local Showcase, returning September 4–20. This multi-week celebration of live music features free performances from local and regional artists throughout St. Johns County. A cherished tradition since 2016, the festival highlights hundreds of singers, songwriters, and musicians across a wide range of genres.
Visitors can get into the groove before they arrive by streaming Florida’s Historic Coast Radio on Spotify. Travelers can also plan the ultimate music-filled getaway while saving on lodging and attractions through exclusive summer deals.
Located midway between Daytona Beach and Jacksonville, Florida’s Historic Coast includes historic St. Augustine, the outstanding golf and seaside elegance of Ponte Vedra, the rural beauty of Hastings, Elkton, St. Johns, and 42 miles of pristine Atlantic beaches. Visitor Information Centers are located at 10 Castillo Drive, St. Augustine; 200 Solana Rd. Suite B, Ponte Vedra Beach; and at the St. Johns County Beach Pier Park, 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach. For advance travel information, call 1-800-653-2489 or go to the Visitors and Convention Bureau website at www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com. Check us out on social media Instagram @FloridasHistoricCoast; Facebook.com/OfficialStAugustine; and Threads @floridashistoriccoast
For More Information, contact:
Barbara Golden, Communications Manager
BGolden@FloridasHistoricCoast.com | 904-669-8142
