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

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 and September.

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 22 – 28

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.

Gail Beveridge: Embracing Nature Exhibition at Lightner Museum

Gail Beveridge’s poetic paintings present a vibrant vision of the rich and varied landscape of Northeast Florida. Beveridge’s powerfully realized images connect the viewer to special places. 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. The exhibit will be on display till September 21. 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

Top Gun: Maverick is Back at World Golf IMAX

After more than thirty years of service as one of the Navy’s top aviators, Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (Tom Cruise) is where he belongs, pushing the envelope as a courageous test pilot and dodging the advancement in rank that would ground him. Showing through August 31, tickets are $14/adults, $13/seniors & students, children under 12/$11. Shows are daily at 4 and 7 p.m. at World Golf IMAX, 1 World Golf Pl., St. Augustine. www.worldgolfimax.com

Monday, August 22

Guided Bird Walk at Anastasia State Park

Anastasia State Park will host an educational Bird Walk Program from 8:15-10 a.m. Meet the birds at Anastasia State Park on this monthly bird walk. This fun and informative walk is open to participants of all birding levels. Participants will observe a diverse variety of shore birds, marsh birds and hammock birds by walking the beach, boardwalks, nature trails and other areas. 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, which ranges from $8-$2. 300 Anastasia Park Rd., St. Augustine 904-461-2033 www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia

Wednesday, August 24

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

Music and Art By The Sea

This free weekly concert series at the St. Johns County Ocean Pier features a wide variety of musical genres from 7-9 p.m. The Art Studio, located at the southeast corner of the Pier Park and opens at 3 p.m. with displays of creative works by local artisans. Danimal spins a variety of music in the pavilion prior to the bands performance. This week’s featured performance is by Soulfire. Bring a beach chair or blanket along with a favorite beverage and get ready to dance. Starting at 6 p.m., a local food truck will be on-site. Concert goers are encouraged to car pool. 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach 904-347-8007 www.freebeachconcerts.com

Wednesday & Saturday, August 24 & 27

Geocaching 101

Join a St. Johns County Parks Naturalist at Canopy Shores Park from 3:30-5:30 p.m. on Wednesday and 10 a.m.-noon on Saturday for a special geocaching hunt and maybe you’ll find your first treasure!

This event is free, registration is required. Canopy Shores Park, 804 Christina Dr., St. Augustine. www.sjcfl.us/recreation

Wednesday & Sunday, August 24 & 28

Yoga on the Lawn at Ximenez-Fatio House Museum

Enjoy yoga on the lawn at the historic Ximenez-Fatio House Museum. This one-hour vinyasa flow is perfect for all levels. Bring a beach towel or mat and water. Free parking behind the museum is available, but limited. Access the parking lot from Cadiz Street. Instructor will contact you by phone if class is canceled due to weather. Practice gets underway at 8 a.m. and lasts approximately one hour. Cost is $15 and registration is required. 20 Aviles St., St. Augustine. www.pilatesyogaloft.com

Thursday, August 25

Presence/Erasure:Black History in St. Augustine Closing Event

Join the Governor’s House Library for guest speaker Gayle Phillips, Executive Director of Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center at 6 p.m., on Zoom.

The exhibition “Presence / Erasure: Black History in St. Augustine” traces the city’s 450+ years of Black experiences and stories. It examines the critical role Black St. Augustinians played in the development of St. Augustine, Florida, and the United States. The closing event is free and open to the public. Registration is required.

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. DLonesome Burt and The Thick and Thin Band is this week’s performer. www.Concerts-in-the-Plaza.com

Thursday – Sunday, August 25 – 28

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

Friday, August 26

Ancient Dunes Trail Hike

Enjoy a guided hike through ancient dunes shaded by a maritime hammock. Discover the natural communities of Anastasia State while exploring this unique trail. Although only a mile long, this hike is more challenging than our other trails due to the natural sloping landscape. The tour starts at the Hilltop Picnic Area at 9 a.m. Suggested items to bring are binoculars, comfortable walking shoes, a camera, drinking water, bug spray, and sunscreen. This event is weather permitting and subject to cancellation. Tour is free with park admission- $2-$8. Anastasia State Park, 300 Anastasia Park Rd., St. Augustine www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia

Bad Dog Mama at The Colonial Music Park

Enjoy a concert by Bad Dog Mamas under the shade of a 300 year old oak tree right in the heart at the Colonial Oak Music Park from 7-10 p.m. The Concert is family and pet friendly, and admission is free. The Colonial Oak Music Park is conveniently located in the backyard of the St. Augustine Seafood Company, 21 St. George St., St. Augustine. www.thecolonialoakmusicpark.com

Saturday, August 27

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

Cars and Coffee at The Classic Car Museum

Cruise over to Classic Car Museum for Cars & Coffee from 8-10 a.m. Enjoy the morning checking out over 150 beautiful classics, and enjoy free coffee and doughnuts. Classic Car Museum offers this free event every 4th Saturday of the month. Event sponsored by Bozard Lincoln. 4730 US 1 South, St. Augustine. 904-806-4625 www.facebook.com/classiccarmuseumstaug

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

GTM Research Reserve Beach Clean Up

Join Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM) for a beach cleanup on every fourth Saturday of the month. Enjoy coastal views while helping remove debris and microplastics from the beach. GTM Rangers will supply gloves and trash bags at 9:30 a.m. at a different meeting location each month. Visit www.gtmnerr.org/events for information on where to meet.

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

Smoke Stack at the Colonial Oak Music Park

Enjoy live music under the shade of a 300 year old oak tree right in the heart of historic St. Augustine. Smokestack will perform at the Colonial Oak Music Park from 7-10 p.m. Concerts at the Colonial Oak Music Park are family and pet friendly and admission it free. The Colonial Oak Music Park is conveniently located adjacent to St. Augustine Seafood Company, at 21 St. George Street, St. Augustine. www.thecolonialoakmusicpark.com

EARTHKRY w/ DalWayne at Café Eleven

Don’t miss Earthkry with special guests DalWayne performing at The Original Café Eleven from 8-11:30 p.m. DJ Raggamuffin spinning before concert begins & in-between sets! So come early and enjoy Happy Hour from 3-7 p.m. General admission standing room show tickets are $15 advance / $20 day of show. 501 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach

www.originalcafe11.com

Sunday, August 28

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 St. Augustine Beach Art Studio & Gallery, 370A A1A Beach Blvd., 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

Improv Comedy Night at the Beacon

Enjoy an evening of unscripted comedy featuring The Adventure Project. The show will be completely made up on the spot, so remember to bring your suggestions with you. A dinner menu, full bar, and free parking are available. The show starts at 7 p.m. and seating is limited. Tickets are $10 advance/$15 at the door. The Beacon, 830 Anastasia Blvd., St. Augustine, www.adventure-project.com