Handstitched Worlds: The Cartography of Quilts
Through January 20: Handstitched Worlds: The Cartography of Quilts invites viewers to read quilts as maps, tracing the paths of individual stories and experiences that illuminate larger historic events and cultural trends. Spanning the nineteenth to the twenty-first centuries, the exhibition brings together 18 quilts from the collection of the American Folk Art Museum, New York, representing a range of materials, motifs, and techniques—from traditional early American quilts to contemporary sculptural assemblage. The quilts in Handstitched Worlds show us how this too-often overlooked medium balances creativity with tradition, individuality with collective zeitgeist. Handstitched Worlds: The Cartography of Quilts runs through January 20 at Lightner Museum, 75 King St., downtown St. Augustine. The exhibition is organized by the American Folk Art Museum, New York and is toured by International Arts & Artists, Washington, DC. Regular admission free is required. St. Johns County residents receive free admission with ID every Sunday. Details at lightnermuseum.org
Concerts at Cafe Eleven
Nights of Lights
Nights of Lights Old Town Trolley Tour
Magic Hideaway – Magic Experience
Every Friday & Saturday through January: Magic Hideaway, a boutique two-hour magic experience, is offered by Magician Bill Abbott each Saturday evening at the iconic Casa Monica Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection. Once guests have arrived at the Casa Monica, they choose from a menu of complimentary magic-themed welcome cocktails to enjoy in the opulent Cobalt Lounge with exclusive access to the VIP area where Bill Abbott will entertain with pre-show sleight of hand magic before everyone is ushered by House Manager Rebecca Abbott into the Magic Hideaway showroom. Styled after a vintage jazz club, the showroom is a 22-seat venue featuring glowing crystal balls, Moroccan chandelier, majestic palms, and carefully-arranged seating so everyone is within touching distance of the magic. Once the house lights dim, Bill Abbott takes the stage to perform one of the most intimate magic shows in the world featuring interactive, mind-bending illusions. Tickets and additional info are available at magichideaway.com
Nights of Lights Party Boat – Old Town Cycle Cruise
Through January 30: See St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights on Old Town Cycle Cruise! For those who don’t want to cycle, just choose your favorite songs and BYOB! This cycle cruise becomes for adults only at night and is a FUN and different way to see Nights of Lights. Details at oldtowncyclecruise.com
Lighthouse Illuminations – 20+ themed trees
Through January 14: View 20+ uniquely decorated trees, each with a distinct theme, at this special after-hours event at the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum — in the historic buildings, throughout the grounds, and in the lighthouse tower! Explore the Keepers’ house and grounds illuminated by lights and garlands, and enjoy a sensational view of the lighthouse’s night mark. Tickets and details at www.staugustinelighthouse.org
Jackie Knight’s Comedy Club at Amici Italian Restaurant
January 12: Stand Up Comedy Night at 7:30 p.m. January 12 with Comedians Paul Jenen and Nick Harvey will be at Amici Italian Restaurant, 1915 A1A South, St. Augustine. Tickets are $25 for the show. Full menu and full bar available. Tickets: jackieknightscomedyclub.com or call 904-461-0102 for reservations.
Saint Augustine Film Festival
The Diary of Anne Frank
Performances at The Waterworks are sponsored by the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council. Use of The Waterworks is possible through generosity of the City of St. Augustine and St. Johns Cultural Council.
Oleanna at Limelight Theatre
Porkapalooza – BBQ Benefit
January 14: The 3rd annual Porkapalooza, a BBQ benefit event raising funds for St. Johns County elementary schools, will take place from he St. Augustine Elks Elks Lodge 829, 1420 A1A S, St. Augustine, FL 32080. The event will run from 1:30-9 p.m. featuring a whole hog BBQ contest, BBQ dinners, a corn hole tournament, a kid zone, and other fun activities. 20+ vendors will be on site. Guests are invited to bring chairs. Tickets & Details: https://app.promotix.com/events/details/Porkapolooza-whole-pig-cook-off–tickets
Paranormal Investigation of the Ximenez-Fatio House
January 14: Be part of a Paranormal Investigation at the 225-year-old Ximenez-Fatio House! Spend A Night Among Ghosts on Saturday, January 14 at the first paranormal investigation night of 2023 with The Odd Macabre. Space is limited to 13 lucky souls. Reservations are required: theoddmacabre.com
Speakeasy for a Cure
January 19: The American Cancer Society will host a fundraiser called Speakeasy for a Cure on January 19 at Prohibition Kitchen, 119 St. George Street, in downtown St. Augustine. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Food, drinks and live music are part of this event. No password needed. Tickets & Details: https://speakeasyforacure.ticketspice.com/2023
I Lived Here, As Well … Together at Ximenez-Fatio House
January 19-February 25: At the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum, guests are invited to step into a 225-year-old boarding house and experience, first hand, the stories of the people that lived within it. The “I Lived Here, As Well” program is a series of interpretive Black History tours in which the ‘tour guides’ are actors who portray several characters from St. Augustine’s past. In the 2023 edition, guests will be joined by two actors portraying each viewpoint to witness the harsh conditions of slavery, and life after. The program will include stories and accounts not heard during the traditional museum tour, along with full access to the house museum’s three floors of exhibition space. “I Lived Here, As Well – Together” will run at 10 a.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday mornings from January 19 through February 25. The tour is open to the public, led by costumed historical actors, and lasts approximately 60 minutes. Admission is $22 per person. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are available at www.ximenezfatiohouse.org/ILHAW
Elks Club Garage Sale
January 21: The St. Augustine Elks Club will hold a garage sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Elks Lodge 829, 1420 A1A S, St. Augustine, FL 32080. Drop off dates for items are 3-5 p.m. January 7 and January 15.
Lullaby of the Rivers Walk
January 21: Lullaby of the Rivers Festival is sponsoring a Lullaby Walk from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, January 21 at Vilano Beach. Get some time outdoors on this short walk along the back streets of Vilano Beach. Along the way, stations with live music and storytelling will be featured. Register at the pavilion on Vilano Beach Pier to receive detailed maps and other handouts. Cost is $10, with free admission for children and pets. Walkers following the Lullaby Walk route will see the Vilano Beach Nature Boardwalk, North Shores Community Park, and can follow optional loops to two more parks, Nease Beachside Park and Surfside Park.
The mission of the Lullaby of the Rivers Festival is to awaken and nurture connections to nature in gatherings of all ages, by using music and stories that inspire environmental awareness. The festival will take place on April 22 at Vilano Beach. More details at www.lullabyoftherivers.com
Vilano Beach Market
January 21: 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 area, 259 Vilano Road. More details at https://www.facebook.com/vilanobeachofficial
Jax Symphony Masterworks Concert
January 22: The EMMA Concert Association will bring the Jacksonville Symphony to St. Augustine at 7:30 p.m. January 22 in Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College, 14 Granada St., downtown St. Augustine. Tickets: emmaconcerts.com
January Jazz in the Garden at Lightner Museum
January 26: January Jazz in the Garden is a free event from 6-8 p.m. January 26 in the Radzinski Family Garden behind Lightner Museum, 75 King St., downtown St. Augustine. As Nights of Lights comes to a close, let’s celebrate the season one last time at the Lightner with an evening of January Jazz in the Garden. Enjoy live music from the Alberto Cebollero Ensemble, food from Pele’s Wood Fire, and drinks. Admission is free. Learn more about Lightner Museum at lightnermuseum.org
Old City Pirate Fest
January 27-28: The Old City Pirate Fest will take place at the Colonial Quarter in downtown St. Augustine. A ticketed concert by Fire Water Tent Revival will be from 7:30-10 p.m. Friday, January 27, followed by a Family Day on Saturday, January 28 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. that includes vendors, entertainment on the Quarter Ship Stage, history, games and fun for the entire family. A ticketed concert and dinner with Rusty Cutlass and Tom Mason and the Blue Buccaneers will be from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, January 28. Tickets: https://wmayhemproductions.com/ocpf/purchase-tickets/
Cuban Art Show at W.B. Tatter Studio Gallery
January 31: The artist of 25 Cuban artists will be on view at W.B. Tatter Studio Gallery, 806 Anastasia Blvd., on Anastasia Island. An opening reception will take place from 5-8 p.m. January 31. View the artwork throughout February. Regular hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Proceeds will go to the artists in Cuba. Stay updated on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wbtattergallery
Lightner Museum Open House
February 2: An open house from 6-7:30 p.m. February 2 will be held at Lightner Museum, 75 Granada St., in downtown St. Augustine. Museum Members and St. Augustine residents are invited for a first look at the 75th Anniversary exhibitions:
- 75 for 75: Lightner Museum Diamond Anniversary Exhibition
- Ride On! Historic Bicycles from the Keith Pariani Collection
- St. Augustine Through the Lens of William Henry Jackson
Admission is free. Learn more at lightnermuseum.org
Flight to Freedom at Fort Mose
February 2-4: During the three-day festival at Fort Mose State Park, visitors will take guided tours on Flight to Freedom Trails, lined with costumed re-enactors. These talented storytellers portray the various characters that affected a freedom seeker’s precarious journey from the Carolina plantations to Spanish Florida. Attendees will learn first-hand from talented re-enactors, the experiences of those who took America’s first Underground Railroad south, to reach the freedom of Fort Mose. Visitors also can walk the Park’s 40-acre site beside and over, via secure walkways, the saltwater marshes amidst the Park’s increasingly rare natural ecology that includes some of Florida’s best bird nesting areas. The event is free and open to the public. Fort Mose is located at 15 Fort Mose Trail, St. Augustine, Florida. More details: https://fortmose.org/flight-to-freedom/
11 a.m. to noon – African Drumming
Noon to 3 p.m. – Tours every 15 minutes
4 p.m. Last shuttle to the parking lot
Opera Mystique by First Coast Opera
February 3-12: Opera and the supernatural combine in First Coast Opera’s inaugural production at The Waterworks, 184 San Marco Ave., in uptown St. Augustine. This other-worldly program features staged performances, with orchestra, of Menotti’s séance-filled The Medium and Holst’s Sāvitri, based on an episode from the Sanskrit epic Mahābhārata. Tickets are $40 for general admission; and $10 for students and children. TICKETS: firstcoastopera.com
Show dates and time:
- 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3 and Saturday, Feb. 4
- 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5
- 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10 and Saturday, Feb. 11
- 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12
Mystic Faire 2023
February 4: Join the Center For Spiritual Living in St. Augustine for the tri-annual Mystic Faire from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, February 4 at the Center For Spiritual Living, 1795 Old Moultrie Rd, St. Augustine, FL 32084. Tickets are $10 at the door. Children under age 13 are admitted for free. The event will include regional psychics, mediums, astrologists, numerologists & tarot card readers. Holistic healers, including Shamans and Reiki healers, will be offering sessions. Many healers and readers are also accomplished artists and jewelers and will have their wares on display in their booths. Specialists with various stones, crystals, and botanicals for tinctures and teas will be present. Many vendors will give free 20-minute presentations, and there are FREE raffles every hour during the day with items provided by the vendors. John Guinta and STREAMS OF SOUND will entertain with handpans during the day. Find out more at www.streamsofsound.org. Special Needs? – We want to ensure everyone is included; please reach out if you need accommodation. You can find out more information at cslstaugustine.org or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1550530032118662 SAVE THE DATE: Save the Date for the Next Event: June 3, 2023, @ 10AM – 4:30 pm
The Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Series
February 10-19: The Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Series will return to Fort Mose Historic State Park, the site of the first legally sanctioned free African settlement in what is now the United States, from February 10 to February 19, 2023. The second installment of the series will comprise of six unforgettable performances by some of the most recognized jazz, blues, R&B, and soul artists in the industry. In a continued effort to honor the history and historical significance of the site, the Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Series 2023 will welcome 10-time Grammy Award-winner, and “Empress of Soul,” Gladys Knight, three-time Grammy Awardwinning soul, gospel, and R&B national treasure Mavis Staples, eight-time Grammy Award-winning bassist, composer, and bandleader Christian McBride’s New Jawn, the “future of blues” Mississippi-born, and Grammy Award-winning guitarist Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, two-time Grammy Award-winning eclectic folk singer, songwriter, and multiinstrumentalist Rhiannon Giddens, and the critically-acclaimed, Grammy Award-nominated Americana singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Valerie June. Collectively, the artists performing in the 2023 series have won 24 Grammy Awards, and earned a total of 72 Grammy nominations. Tickets for the Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Series in February 2023 go on sale this Friday, November 4 at 10 a.m. via The St. Augustine Amphitheatre Box Office, online at Ticketmaster.com and DiscoverFortMose.com
Grease (School Edition) by Limelight Theatre Education
Lighthouse 5K & Fun Run and Night Fest
St. Augustine Spanish Food & Wine Festival
February 23 and February 25: The St. Augustine Spanish Food & Wine Festival will benefit the Flagler College Hospitality & Tourism Management Program. The Tapas, Wine & Spirits event will take place Thursday, February 23 from 6-8 p.m. in the Lightner Museum Radzinski Family Garden. The Grand Tasting will be Saturday, February 25, 2023 from 2-5 p.m. at Flagler College’s Markland House. Tickets and details: www.spanishwinefestival.com
38th annual Cathedral Festival
February 24-26: The 38th annual Cathedral Festival will take place Feb. 24-26 on grounds of the Mission Nombre de Dios, off San Marco Avenue in uptown St. Augustine.The fundraiser is one of the area’s largest festivals featuring rides, games, bingo, a silent auction and a fireworks spectacular show. Proceeds go to the private Cathedral Parish School. A fireworks show will light up the sky at 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25 over the water near the grounds. Visit thecathedralfestival.com or stay updated on Facebook.
904 Beer Run .5K
February 25: The 904 Now will host the inaugural 904 Beer Run .5K on February 25 along Saint George Street in downtown St. Augustine — complete with beer, swag, and surprises along the way.A portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit the Jimmy Jam Outreach, a 501(C)3 nonprofit that helps those in need in our community and surrounding communities. Jimmy Jam Outreach has helped over 500 St. Johns County residents get through tough times this year. The organization aims to help people quickly with every day needs. From a tank of gas, to repairing household appliances, they step up quickly when people in our community need help. TICKETS: the904now.com/race
St. Augustine Celtic Music & Heritage Festival
March 11-12: The St. Augustine Celtic Music & Heritage Festival is held in America’s Oldest Celtic City with multi-award-winning cultural events to be held on Saturday, March 11 and Sunday, March 12.
Top international and U.S. Celtic bands, Highland Games, workshops, lectures, Celtic food and artisan crafts will be feature. The St. Patrick Day parade will be featured on Saturday, March 11 and a special whiskey tasting event will be held Friday, March 10. The Celtic Music & Heritage Festival and activities will be held at Francis Field, 29 W. Castillo Dr. in historic downtown St. Augustine, Florida. The events are produced by Romanza-St. Augustine, Inc.
Tickets for the festival may be purchased online at www.celticstaugustine.com/tickets or at Ann O’Malley’s Irish Pub, 23 Orange Street in St. Augustine, and during the festival at the gate. The Whiskey Tasting begins at 6:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. with a variety of offerings and acoustic music by The Steel City Rovers. Whiskey Tasting limited-seating tickets are available online only.
The St. Augustine Celtic Music & Heritage Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, March 11; and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, March 12.
Top touring bands from Scotland, Ireland, Canada, and the U.S. will play traditional songs and Celtic rock throughout the two-day festival. An extensive music line-up includes Albannach, Dublin City Ramblers, Seven Nations, Steel City Rovers, La Unica, Syr, Jamison, and Dragonfly. Chad Light is the main stage host and emcee. Additional entertainment, lectures and workshops will be on the second stage with host Robert Burns.
ONGOING EVENTS
Tour the circa 1798 Ximenez-Fatio House Museum
Daily: Located on the oldest street in America, the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum was built in 1798 by and Spanish merchant and his Minorcan wife. The house was then owned and run by women throughout the 1800s as a boarding house. Self-guided audio tours and guided tours are available Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Step back in time when you stroll through the historic house, detached colonial kitchen, gardens and grounds. More details at www.ximenezfatiohouse.org
St. Augustine Amphitheatre Farmers Market
Every Saturday: Find fresh produce, plants, bread, cheese, handmade products, fine art and crafts from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 1340 A1A South, just south of the lighthouse. Also at the market, art classes and live music. Free parking and admission. Stay updated at facebook.com/staugampmarket/
Kayaking St. Augustine
Daily: Experience the beautiful aquatic landscape of St Augustine! Kayaking St. Augustine provides Eco and History Kayak Tours and Stand Up Paddle tours. SUP lessons and kayak/SUP rentals also are available and can be delivered to any boat ramp in the St Augustine area. Delivery fees may apply. Reservations are required. Guides are CPR certified and all equipment is Coast Guard certified. Call 904-315-8442 or visit kayakingstaugustine.com
Madness + Malice True Crime Tour
St. Augustine Scavenger Hunts
Thursday-Sunday each week: Search for clues and solve puzzles with your very own group of family and/or friends on a St. Augustine Scavenger Hunt with The 13 Keys Scavenger and Mystery — and find 13 locations throughout the nation’s oldest city. Choose from a History Hunt, Haunted Hunt, or a Lovely Hunt and have a blast learning more about St. Augustine while exploring. Details at the13keys.com
Candle-Making at WhichCraft Candle Parlor
Thursday-Sunday each week: The WhichCraft Candle Parlor, located at 76 Spanish Street in downtown St. Augustine, offers soy wax candle-making sessions, complete with participants creating their own custom-fragranced candles, and learning to wick and pour the wax. Book online at whichcraftcandlebars.com
Ghost Walks & Paranormal Investigations
Thursday-Sunday each week: Real haunts. Real history. Real paranormal. A Night Among Ghosts is a fully investigative experience combining a captivating mix of deep rooted, researched histories and amazing haunted locations in St. Augustine, Florida. Group will reach beyond the history, as they attempt to communicate with those on the other side — utilizing intuitive techniques, Victorian Spiritualism practices, and modern paranormal equipment. Details at anightamongghosts.com
Oldest House Museum Complex
Daily: Tour the oldest house in Florida and other historic buildings at the Oldest House Museum Complex, 14 St. Francis Street, downtown St. Augustine. This museum and grounds is maintained by the St. Augustine Historical Society. Visit staughs.com to learn more.
Old Town Cycle Cruise
Thursday-Sunday each week: See St. Augustine from the water on this boat cruise that allows passengers to cycle their way from Vilano Beach to the historic downtown bayfront and beyond. For those who don’t want to cycle, just choose your favorite songs and BYOB! This cycle cruise becomes for adults only at night and is the perfect way to see Nights of Lights. Details at oldtowncyclecruise.com
Classic Movie Night at Lions & Lanterns
Every Friday: Classic Movie Nights are held at 8:30 p.m. every Friday in the beautiful garden at Lions and Lanterns, a bed and breakfast inn located at 34 Saragossa Street, in downtown St. Augustine. Beer and popcorn is available. Please bring chairs for seating. Visit lionsandlanterns.com
Live music at O.C. White’s Seafood & Spirits
Every Monday and Wednedsay-Sunday: O.C. White’s Seafood & Spirits, 118 Avenida Menendez, features a great lineup of talented local musicians each week, performing on the beautiful outdoor patio area! Free parking is available in a lot across the street while you dine.
2023 Festivals & Events
- January 5-March: Steve Poltz & A huge lineup of musicians at Cafe Eleven
- January 7-8: St. Augustine Art & Craft Festival at St. Augustine Beach Pier
- January 12-15: St. Augustine Film Festival
- January 14: Paranormal Investigation at the Ximenez-Fatio House
- January 19-February 25: I Lived Here, As Well: Together at Ximenez-Fatio House Museum
- January 21: Vilano Beach Market
- January 22: Jax Symphony hosted by EMMA Concert Association
- February 3-12: Opera Mystique by First Coast Opera
- February 4: Ocala Symphony Orchestra hosted by EMMA Concert Association
- February 10-19: The Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Series
- February 18: Lighthouse 5K & Fun Run
- February 23-25: St. Augustine Spanish Food & Wine Festival
- February 24-26: 38th annual Cathedral Festival
- February 25: The 904 Beer Run .5K
- March 5: 3K Raptor Run at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm
- March 11-12: Celtic Fest – Francis Field
- March 24-25: Lions Spring Festival – Francis Field
- March 25-26: 27th Annual Flower & Garden Expo – Sykes Family Farm
- April 1-2: Old Town Art Show – Francis Field
- April 1-2: Florida Ma’am Music Festival – Colonial Oak Music Park
- April 8: St. Augustine Easter Parade
- April 14-15: PoetFest 2023 – Flagler College
- April 14-16: Gamble Rogers Folk Festival at St. Johns County Fairgrounds
- April 22: Lullaby of the Rivers – Vilano Beach
- April 19-23: Florida’s Birding & Photo Fest
- April 28-30: The Trailblazer Country Music Festival – St. Johns County Fairgrounds
- April 29: The Trailblazer Craft Beer Festival – St. Johns County Fairgrounds
- April 29: Family Fun Fest by Alpha Omega – Francis Field
- April 30: 26th Annual Taste of St. Augustine – St. Augustine Amphitheatre
- April 30: 13th Annual Race to the Taste 5K -S t. Augustine Amphitheatre
- April 28-May 14: Romanza Festivale
- May 3-7, 2023: St. Augustine Food + Wine Festival — World Golf Village
- May 13: Snow White by Saint Augustine Ballet
- May 13-14: Tomato Festival at Wesley Wells Farm
- May 6: Unidos En La Musica: A Latin American Festival — Francis Field
- May 6: St. Augustine Brewers’ Festival — Fountain of Youth
- May 11-14: St. Augustine History Festival – Multiple venues/attractions
- May 20: As If! The 90s Fest with headliners Vanilla Ice & Spin Doctors at Francis Field
