Events Happening This Week and Beyond on Florida’s Historic Coast! – North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA)

Summer fun continues on Florida’s Historic Coast. Here is a list of great music, historic reenactments and fun celebrations taking place this week, and a preview of even more events taking place next week!

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: July 25 – 31

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

P.A.St.A. Art Gallery featured artist for July: Laura Burgess

Laura Burgess is the July featured artist at P.A.St.A. Art Gallery. Laura Burgess pursued a Ceramics Associate Degree at the New Hampshire Art Institute in Manchester, NH. Out of all the arts and crafts that she has dabbled in, clay is the one form that she finds most challenging. No matter your skill level in ceramics, the element of chance is always present. When you mix earth and fire, the results can be startling beautiful or heartbreakingly disastrous. P.A.St.A Art Gallery is open daily from noon-5 p.m. Admission is free. 214 Charlotte St., St. Augustine www.pastagalleryart.com

Butterfield Garage Art Gallery featured artist for July: Dee Roberts

Dee Roberts is highly recognized for her diverse skills as an artist. Her ability to capture a fleeting moment of light can mesmerize the viewer. During July her nature inspired works will be on display through out the gallery. Butterfield Garage Art Gallery is open daily from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at 137 King St., St. Augustine. www.butterfieldgarage.com

Tuesday, July 26

Pilates and Yoga Retreat

Participate in a full day of health and wellness at this self-care retreat. The day’s activities include an aerial restorative Yoga class, Reiki and Sound Bath Healing class, a 30-minute full body massage, a plant-based lunch and nutrition class, an essential oil education and creation master class, a tea and journaling technique session, a Pilates reformer class and more. The cost is $175 per person. Reservations are required. Pilates & Yoga Loft is located at 200 Malaga St., St. Augustine. 904-325-1497 www.pilatesyogaloft.com

Joanna Connor at Cafe Eleven

Don’t miss the Joanna Connor performing from 8-10 p.m. at The Original Cafe Eleven in St. Augustine Beach. Seating is general admission $15 in advance and $20 day of show. 501 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach. www.originalcafe11.com

Tuesday – Sunday, July 26 – 31

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, July 27

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, July 28

Spanish Wine Dinner

Treat your senses when on a culinary tour of Spain at the St. Johns Golf Club. This 5-courses of perfectly paired food and wine that the wine expert and chef at The Bridge have meticulously planned to transport you to Spanish wine country. The Dinner is 6-9 p.m. and tickets are $65 for members and $75 for non-members. 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. The Grapes of Roth is this week’s performer. www.Concerts-in-the-Plaza.com

Thursday – Saturday, July 28 – 30

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 with two performances at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. every Thursday – Saturday. 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. Casa Monica Resort & Spa, 95 Cordova St., St. Augustine. www.magichideaway.com

Friday & Saturday, July 29 & 30

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 tours leave from 24 Cathedral Pl., #401, St. Augustine. www.thetastingtours.com

‘Shiver Me Timbers’ Cocktail Tour

Dead men tell no tales, but RUM-soaked ones sure do! If you are interested in all things ‘piratey’, while partaking in adult libation…then this experience is for you! Enjoy ‘plundering’ your way through downtown on this 2.5-hour cocktail tour – led by our very own ‘Captain Jack’!

Enjoy 3 to 4 venues where guests will indulge in specially-made cocktails. This tour is fully guided, inclusive of cocktails and a marauding adventures! Tickets are $85 per person and tours depart from 24 Cathedral Pl, #401, St. Augustine. www.tastingtours.com/wine–cocktail-tours.html

Saturday, July 30

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

Baba Caiman at the Colonial Oak Music Park

Enjoy the Latin Fusion sounds of Baba Caiman from 7-10 p.m. under the shade of a 300 year old oak tree at the Colonial Oak Music Park is conveniently located in the backyard of the St. Augustine Seafood Company Admission is free and the event is family and pet friendly. 21 St. George St., St. Augustine. www.thecolonialoakmusicpark.com

Sunday, July 31

Ancient City Poets Open Mic

The Ancient City Poets gather on the last Sunday afternoon of each month to host a free community open mic reading at The Waterworks, 184 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine. Sign-up begins at 2:30 with readings starting at 3 p.m. The first 15 names on the sign-up sheet will be called in the order that they appear on the list. www.facebook.com/ancientcitypoets