Here are 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. There are lots of exciting events and celebrations taking place this week and into the weekend when we celebrate our Country’s birthday with a big Blast over the Matanzas! 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

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

Tuesday, June 28

Taco Tuesday Fiesta Tour (Chauffeured)

Elevate your Tuesdays this summer on the ultimate Mexican Street Food Taco Tour. Features Latin inspired dishes, margaritas, sangria and more on a chauffeured tour through the historic streets of St. Augustine. The tour is 1:30-4:30 p.m. Reservations required. Tickets are $125 per person. Tour departs from 24 Cathedral Place, St. Augustine www.thetastingtours.com

Wednesday, June 29

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 50 Years of St. Johns County Parks – Popsicles & Playground

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of St. Johns County Parks & Recreation at a community-wide free event at 10 a.m. This family friendly Popsicles & Playground events will take place at Aberdeen Park, 1401 Shetland Dr., St. Johns 904-209-0333 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

Music by the Sea

This free weekly concert series at the St. Johns County Ocean Pier returns for the season. This week’s concert features Ain’t Too Proud for a 7-9 p.m. performance. 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

Thursday, June 30

Jaws of the Sea

St. Johns County Parks and Recreation hosts this free event to learn sharks! During the walk you’ll learn about shark biology, common sharks of our area, local shark research, as well as human and shark encounters. Participants will even have a chance to find sharks’ teeth. The walks are free and take place at Mussallem Beachfront Park, 3365 Coastal Highway, St. Augustine. Registration is required. www.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 Billy Buchanan is this week’s performer. www.citystaug.com/657/Concerts-in-the-Plaza

Thursday – Saturday June 30 – July 2

St. Augustine Music Festival

The St. Augustine Music Festival is a series of six free concerts held throughout two weekends (June 23-25 & June 30-July 2) in the historic Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine. The concerts take place Thursday to Saturday at 7:30 p.m. with a different performance each evening.

Thursday, June 23 | Virtuosity and Beauty

Friday, June 24 | Postcards from Austria

Saturday, June 25 | Danses and Spells 38 Cathedral Place, St. Augustine 904-814-9404 www.staugustinemusicfestival.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 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, June 30 – July 3

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 1

First Friday Garden Walk at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

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. 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. Shuttles can be boarded at any of the following stops: in front of Butterfield Garage and ArtBox, the Lightner Museum, Aviles Street, as well as in front of Bold Art Gallery near Hypolita Street.

Steve Miller Band at The AMP

Gates open at 6 p.m., show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $49.50-$149.50. St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 1340 A1A South, St. Augustine. www.theamp.com

Friday – Saturday, July 1 – 3

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

Friday – Monday July 1 – 4

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. An Artist Talk, First Friday July 1, at 6pm is an opportunity to hear Dee’s talk about her inspirations and processes. Butterfield Garage Art Gallery is open daily from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at 137 King St., St. Augustine. www.butterfieldgarage.com

Oak Fest at Colonial Oak Music Park

Stop by the Colonial Oak Music Park to celebrate Oak Fest which features some of the region’s favorite performers. Hours are Friday, 8-10 p.m.; Saturday 5-10 p.m.; Sunday 3-10 p.m. and Monday 8-11 p.m. Admission is free and food and drink are available at the adjacent St. Augustine Seafood Co., Colonial Oak Music Park is located at 21 St. George St., St. Augustine www.thecolonialoakmusicpark.com

Saturday, July 2

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

Militia Muster at Fort Mose Historic State Park

ViExperience 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 at GTM Research Reserve

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. www.gtmnerr.org/events

Monday, July 4

Fireworks Over the Matanzas

Enjoy the Fourth of July Concert and Fireworks in St. Augustine starting at 6 p.m. with music by The All Star Orchestra in the Plaza de la Constitución. At 9:30 p.m., one of the largest fireworks displays on the East Coast bursts above the ancient Castillo de San Marcos and reflects in the waters of the Matanzas Bay. Admission is free with the best vantage points along the bayfront between the Castillo and the Bridge of Lions. Click here for parking and shuttle information.