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

Summer is in full swing on Florida’s Historic Coast. Here is a list of events featuring great music, historic reenactments and fun celebrations into the weekend, 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 11 – 17

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.

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.

Martha Ferguson: Beyond the Crowds at Lightner Museum

Inspired by her experiences strolling the streets of St. Augustine and crossing paths with locals along the way, Beyond the Crowds presents Martha Ferguson’s intimate vision of the Ancient City. 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

July’s Featured Artist at Butterfield Garage Art Gallery: 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 – Sunday, July 12 – 16

La Vie En Bleu: The Life & Art of Marguerite Castaing

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 13

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

Celebrating 5Celebrate 50 Years with St. Johns County Parks and Recreation

Come and celebrate the 50th anniversary of St. Johns County Parks & Recreation! Parks & Rec. Unleash your inner golfer with the whole family and learn new golf skills at this week’s family friendly event. Family Wedge Clinic takes place at Treaty Park 9-10 a.m. 1595 Wildwood Dr., St. Augustine www.sjcfl.us/Recreation

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

Free Concert Featuring the French Boys Choir at Cathedral Basilica

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine is proud to host a free concert series. This week’s feature Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The performance begins at 7:30 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

Thursday, July 14

St. Johns County Parks and Recreation Beach Walk

Come and celebrate the 50th anniversary of St. Johns County Parks & Recreation! This family friendly beach walk takes place 4-5 p.m. from the Mussalem Beachfront Park, 3365 Coastal Highway, Vilano Beach, St. Augustine. sjcfl.us/Recreation

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 14 – 16

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

Thursday – Sunday, July 14 – 17

Dial M for Murder at Limelight Theatre

A portrayal of this classic story where Tony Wendice has married his wife, Margot, for her money and now plans to murder her for the same reason. He arranges the perfect murder. Luckily, the police inspector from Scotland Yard and a young man who is in love with the wife discover the truth, and in a scene of almost unbearable suspense they trap the husband into revealing his guilt, thus freeing Margot. Tickets are $27 for adults, $25 for seniors, and $22 for students.

Performances run Thursdays – Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 m. in the Koger-Gamache Black Box at Limelight Theatre, 11 Old Mission Ave., St. Augustine. www.limelight-theatre.org

Friday, July 15

Fins and Freedom Day Sail

Set sail with Marineland and Schooner Freedom for a one-of-a-kind sailing experience. Come on board, help raise the sails, and then kick back and relax while you learn fascinating new facts about St. Augustine’s local marine life and their habitats. It’s very common to see wild dolphins, turtles, birds, and more, on these trips, so come prepared to ask lots of questions. Complimentary refreshments are provided onboard the boat. Passengers may bring snacks or a picnic. The sail is from 1:15 -3:15 p.m. Tickets are $60 adults, and $45 off for children and includes a pass to use for future admission to Marineland. 111 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine www.schoonerfreedom.com

FORTUNE CHILD w/ Roxx Revolt And The Velvets, El Castillo & Claire Vandiver

Enjoy a performance by Fortune Child with special guests Roxx Revolt And The Velvets, & Claire Vandiver at The Original Cafe Eleven. The General admission standing room tickets are $15 advance / $20 day of show. Cafe Eleven, 501 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach www.originalcafe11.com

Full Moon Sail

Enjoy a moonlit evening aboard the Schooner Freedom as it sails through St. Augustine’s Matanzas Bay. This sailing excursion departs at varying times from the St. Augustine Municipal Marina, visit the website for departure times. Complimentary beer, soda and wine are included in the $55 ticket. Call for reservations. 111 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine 904-810-1010 www.schoonerfreedom.com -cocktail-tours.html

Deadset at the Colonial Oak Music Park

Enjoy performance by Deadset at the Colonial Oak Music Park. This pet and family friendly concert take place 7-10 p.m. under the shade of a 300 year old oak tree right in the heart of historic St. Augustine. Admission is free. The Colonial Oak Music Park is conveniently located in the backyard of the St. Augustine Seafood Company. 21 St. George St. www.thecolonialoakmusicpark.com

Friday & Saturday, July 15 & 16

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

APEX Theatre Studio presents The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged at The AMP

A small band of madcap performers in Elizabethan dress (and sneakers) weave their way through all thirty-seven of Shakespeare’s tragedies, comedies, and histories at a break neck pace. It’s an irreverent rollercoaster ride through all of the Bard’s plays. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., performance begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $22.37 for general admission seating at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 1340 A1A South, St. Augustine. www.theamp.com

Saturday, July 16

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

Celebrate 50 Years with St. Johns County Parks and Recreation- Porch Talk

Come and celebrate the 50th anniversary of St. Johns County Parks & Recreation! Parks & Rec is hosting this fun event at Alpine Grove Park from 9-11 a.m. Participants will learn about the history of St. Johns County through engaging professional reenactors at one of the county’s most historic parks. 2060 SR 13, Fruit Cove. sjcfl.us/Recreation

Beach Exploration at the GTM Research Reserve

Join GTM Research Reserve docents from 9-11 a.m. for a beach walk! You will learn about the animals that call the beach their home, as well as seashells and other interesting facts. This is a “Beaches 101” experience that the entire family will enjoy. The hike will begin at the Visitor Center where you will learn about the different habitats on our beautiful seashore. The group will then walk across the street to the beach for this salty adventure! Parking for this event is located in front of the visitor center. There is no fee for this lot, but registration is required. www.gtmnerr.org/gtmevents

Kayaking Deep Creek Conservation Area

Enjoy a guided paddle along this freshwater creek that runs from the SR 207 into the St Johns River. Paddlers often see turtles, alligators, water birds and sightings of manatee and river otters. Cost is $55 per person and includes kayak gear and instruction. The tour leaves from the Deep Creek Kayak Launch located on SR 207 at SR 206 at 8 a.m. Participants should arrive at least 15 minutes early. www.EarthKinship.us

Nocatee Farmer’s Market

Enjoy a traditional market from 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. at the Nocatee Farmers Market where all sorts of activities, shows, and demonstrations for the entire family enhance the market experience. The market features the freshest locally grown produce and herbs as well as homemade jams, jellies, home-baked goods, hand-stitched quilts, plants, art, and pottery items. Nocatee Station Field, 400 Nocatee Center Way, Ponte Vedra. www.facebook.com/NocateeLiving

St. Augustine Country Festival & St. Augustine Craft Beer Fest!

St. Augustine’s Country Fest is about all things country from music, food, drink, exhibits and more. Featuring live country music, country food, fine crafts & country fashion exhibits, a kids korner, contests, family fun and more.

General admission is $10 adults and $5 children 3 -12 years old. Hours are from 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

But there is More! The St. Augustine Craft Beer Fest takes place along within The Country Festival. Enjoy unlimited samples of beer, plus wine and spirits with food for sale for just $29 or $39 day of the event. This ticket also gives you full access to the St. Augustine Country Festival. $79 – VIP All Included Rain or Shine at Francis Field, 25 W. Castillo Dr., St. Augustine. www.staugustinecountryfest.com

Tolomato Cemetery Guided Tours

Tour the oldest extant planned cemetery in Florida with burials from the First Spanish Period, 1565-1763. Admission is free, and donations are encouraged. Tours are from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 14 Cordova St., St. Augustine 904-257-3273 www.tolomatocemetery.com

Huguenot Cemetery Guided Tours

Tour the first cemetery in St. Augustine dedicated for Anglo-American civilians. The Huguenot Cemetery was a Protestant burial ground from 1821-1884. Admission is free, and donations are encouraged. Tours are from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 3 Cordova St., St. Augustine 904-829-6451 www.memorialpcusa.org/visitors/huguenot-cemetery

Vilano Beach Artisan Market Walk

The Vilano Beach Market Walk takes place from 4-8 p.m. along the sidewalks near the Vilano Beach Pier. Local artisan-made items, plants, home décor, datil pepper sauces, and much more. Free parking and admission. Vilano Beach Pier, 259 Vilano Rd., St. Augustine laurelberntsen@gmail.com

Cruise In – St. Augustine Cruisers

Cruise in and check out the classics during St. Augustine Cruisers Car Club Cruise-In. Held every 3rd Saturday of the month from 5-7 p.m. There will be music, door prizes and a 50/50 drawing! The Cruisers promote interest in various types of special auto activities, create good fellowship and sportsmanship among the members, and support charities.

Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine, 4370 Dixie Hwy South, St. Augustinewww.ccmstaug.com

Living History Saunter

Join living history interpreters from the Historic Florida Militia as they present a timeline of St. Augustine’s colonial history from 5:30-8:30 p.m. The saunter begins at the north end of St. George Street and makes its way south to the Plaza. Interpreters answer questions related to St. Augustine’s history and pose for pictures. For more information, contact Historic Florida Militia at ribob2000@aol.com

Sunday, July 17

Salt Run Paddle at Anastasia State Park

Join an experienced kayak guide for a nature paddle in Salt Run. This program is open to all levels of paddlers and children 9 and over with an adult present. Bring your own kayak or rent one from Anastasia Watersports. A PFD (personal flotation device) is required to be worn at all times while on the water. Space is limited and advanced registration is required. Please email Brian Murphy at murphykayak@gmail.com to reserve your spot.

This program is free with regular park admission fee when you bring your own kayak. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available at Anastasia Watersports with standard rental fees. Regular park admission ranges from $2-$8. 300 Anastasia Park Rd., St. Augustine 904-461-2033 www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia

Whiskey Myers with special guests Shane Smith & The Saints and 49 Winchester at The AMP

Gates open at 5 p.m., show starts at 6 p.m. Tickets are $25-$55. St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 1340 A1A South, St. Augustine. For more information, visit www.theamp.com

Sweetwater Brewing Tap Takeover featuring Kaya’s Embrace

Hailing from the peach state Atlanta Georgia, Kaya’s Embrace delivers a sound as diverse as the thriving city they live in. This lively preformance takes place at 8 p.m. at Cafe 11, 501 A1A Beach Blvd. St. Augustine Beachoriginalcafe11.com