Great things are happening on Florida’s Historic Coast this week. The final nights of the 2022-23 version of Nights of Lights are today and tomorrow. The rest of the week celebrates art, music, history and more at venues and locations through the destinations. Her are this week’s events.
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.
Daily Events, January 30 – February 5
Contemporary Chronicles of St. Augustine at Lightner Museum
Contemporary Chronicles of St. Augustine explores the urban fabric of St. Augustine through large-format photographs, hand drawn maps, and interactive photographic flip books. The project seeks to define St. Augustine through the residential streets and neighborhoods that have long been inhabited by the people that help support the city as a premier tourist destination. Through interactive sequential images, visitors to the exhibition will uncover the overlooked aspects of everyday life in America’s oldest 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. 75 King St., St. Augustine. 904-824-2874 www.lightnermuseum.org
St. Augustine Through the Lens of William Henry Jackson at Lightner Museum
In the decades following the Civil War, the photographer William Henry Jackson (1843-1942) played a major role in shaping public perception of the American landscape. In the 1890s, Jackson was commissioned by Henry Flagler’s East Coast Railroad to produce a set of images to promote St. Augustine as a tourist destination. Today, Jackson’s photographs remain a remarkable record of turn-of-the-century life in this historic city, offering a striking portrait of Gilded Age St. Augustine. 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. 75 King St., St. Augustine. 904-824-2874 www.lightnermuseum.org
Monday & Tuesday, January 30 & 31
29th Annual Nights of Lights with Tours and More
During this festival of lights, downtown St. Augustine glows with holiday magic – from the ground to the rooftops. St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights features millions of tiny white lights that create a magical atmosphere in the Nation’s Oldest City, and it’s free of charge. From electric cart tours or a horse drawn buggy to a sightseeing train or a sailing vessel on the Bay, there are dozens of ways to enjoy a fun tour of celebrating this special time of year in Historic St. Augustine. Nights of Lights continues through January 31, 2023. Learn more here: www.floridashistoriccoast.com/blog/nights-of-lights-by-land-or-by-sea
Monday-Friday, January 30 – February 3
Art in Public Spaces Exhibition: From River to Ocean Plein Air
The St. Johns Cultural Council presents an Art in Public Spaces exhibition featuring the beauty of St. Johns County through the eyes of twenty-eight artists painting en plein air. Free and appropriate for all ages. The Rotunda Gallery is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except on public holidays. St. Johns County Administration Building, 500 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine. 904-808-7330 www.historiccoastculture.com
Monday – Saturday, January 30 – February 4
Crisp-Ellert Art Museum Presents Timothy Stanley: Ursula
Crisp-Ellert Art Museum welcomes multidisciplinary artist Timothy Stanley with the exhibition Ursula, featuring the ongoing body of sculpture by the same name, in addition to a site-specific and interactive installation. Stanley uses a combination of mediums including sculpture, prose, and video game development in order to explore the boundaries of literary narrative, with the aim of uncovering new techniques in storytelling. Admission is free. This exhibit will be on display through February 23. Open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 48 Sevilla St., St. Augustine. 904-826-8530 www.flagler.edu/information-for/community-members/arts–culture/crisp-ellert-art-museum
Tuesday, January 31
Walk on the Wildside
This volunteer led walk starts out on the beautiful shoreline, continues up through the sand dunes, and travels along the boardwalk over the salt marsh. The walk will continue along Salt Run, our estuarine habitat, and through the maritime hammock. Participants will discover an assortment of flora and fauna that populate the several ecosystems of Anastasia. Suggested items to bring are binoculars, comfortable walking shoes, a camera, a reusable water bottle, bug spray, and sunscreen. The free walk is 10-11:30 a.m.
Meet in the beach parking lot in front of the Island Beach Shop & Grill. This event is weather permitting and subject to cancellation. Regular park admission fee. ($8.00 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle. $4.00 per single-occupant vehicle. 300 Anastasia Park Rd., St. Augustine. 904-461-2033 www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia
Ancient City Brunch Bar Cooking Experience
Enjoy a three course dinner and cooking demonstration by Lauren Titus, Editor, Edible Northeast Florida. Lauren will be demonstrating recipes from the magazine at 4 and 6 p.m. Each demonstration includes a three course meal with a wine pairing. Tickets are $85 per person with limited seating. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Ancient City Brunch Bar by 2 p.m. on the 31st, or call 904-484-6516 to purchase by phone. Ancient City Brunch Bar, 210 St. George St., St. Augustine. www.ancientcitycooking.com
Wednesday, February 1
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
Fishing 101
Learn the ins and outs of saltwater fishing in Florida. Please note that all participants must have a Saltwater Shoreline License. These St. Johns County Parks led sessions take place each Wednesday through March 15 at Usina Boat Ramp or Surfside Park at 9 a.m. This week’s session is about rules and regulations. Each session is $12 per person. Register for one or all of the classes here. For more info, contact Kelly Ussia at kussia@sjcfl.us or 904-209-0335.
Ancient City Brunch Bar Cooking Experience
Enjoy a three course dinner and cooking demonstration by the team at Ancient City Brunch Bar. They will demonstrate recipes from that feature local favorites at 4 and 6:30 p.m. Each demonstration includes a three course meal with a wine pairing. Tickets are $85 per person with limited seating. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Ancient City Brunch Bar by 2 p.m. on January 31, or call 904-484-6516 to purchase by phone. Ancient City Brunch Bar, 210 St. George St., St. Augustine. www.ancientcitycooking.com
Improv Night at Colonial Oak Music Park
A fun night at St. Augustine’s most unique venue The 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 family friendly show is from 7:30-8:30 p.m. and improvisers play smart to ensure the show is always clean and never mean! Tickets are Pay-What-You-Will. 21 St. George St., St. Augustine. www.thecolonialoakmusicpark.com
Wednesday & Sunday, February 1 & 5
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, February 2
Words and Music: Britton Henry & the Oyster Bed Outlaws
Presented by EMMA Concert Series, Words and Music is an exploration of cultural connections through song, story and dance, suitable for the entire family.
Join Britt Corry, Stephen Carpenter, Mike Elliot and Pete Arnold, AKA Britton Henry and the Oyster Bed Outlaws as they entertain with some of Johnny Cash’s most memorable hits through the years along with commentary on what was certainly a notable American life. This free event takes place from 1-2 p.m. at The Waterworks, 184 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine. www.emmaconcerts.com
Six Pack Sam at Colonial Oak Music Park
Catch Six Pack Sam at the Oak from 7-10 p.m. Free admission and family friendly. Food and drink available for purchase. 21 St. George St., St. Augustine. www.thecolonialoakmusicpark.com
Fayuca Performs at Cafe Eleven
Don’t miss Fayuca with special guests Jason DeVore & Intracoastals at 8 p.m. at The Original Café Eleven. Tickets are $20 advance / $25 day of show. 501 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach. www.originalcafe11.com
Community Open House at Lightner Museum
Lightner Museum invites St. Augustine residents and museum members to a Community Open House from 6-8 p.m. for a first look at two new exhibitions, 75 for 75: Diamond Anniversary Exhibition and Ride On! Historic Bicycles from the Keith Pariani Collection.
75 for 75: Diamond Anniversary Exhibition: The Lightner has been an important part of the St. Augustine community since it was first built as the Hotel Alcazar in 1888. The building opened as a museum in January 1948.
Ride On! Historic Bicycles from the Keith Pariani Collection: Drawn from the collection of St. Augustine bicycle aficionado Keith Pariani, this exhibition will feature bicycles chosen by Pariani as examples of pivotal moments in late 19th and early 20th century bicycle design.
Admission to the event is free. 75 King St., St. Augustine. 904-824-2874 www.lightnermuseum.org
Thursday-Saturday, February 2 – 5
Flight to Freedom
Flight to Freedom tells the story of the journey of freedom seekers beginning from 1687 through 1763. Learn about Spanish, African and Native American food traditions and culture from guest speakers and demonstrators. Musket and cannon demonstrations by the Fort Mose militia. There will be tours and military and culinary demonstrations from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. daily. Event admission is free. 15 Fort Mose Trail, St. Augustine. 904-823-2232 www.fortmose.org/flight-to-freedom
I Lived Here, As Well – Together
The museum’s latest installment of the series combines the 2022 and 2021 programs into a single performance entitled: “I Lived Here, As Well – Together”. In the past two years, the series has presented, individually, the perspective of a male enslaved person and a female enslaved person, but never together. 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 on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. The tour is open to the public, led by costumed historical actors, and lasts approximately 60 minutes. Admission is $22.00 per person and must be purchased in advance. 20 Aviles St., St. Augustine. 904-829-3575 www.ximenezfatiohouse.org/ILHAW
Friday, February 3
First Friday Garden Walk at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
Join a Ranger on 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. 6400 N. Oceanshore Blvd., Palm Coast. 386-446-6783 www.washingtonoaks.org
First Friday Art Walk Classical Concerts at Cathedral Basilica
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine is proud to host free monthly concerts on the first Friday of the month. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The performance begins at 6 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
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.*
Tour maps are available at participating galleries or online. 904-824-2310 www.staaa.org/art-galleries-of-st-augustine
Freedom Trail Trolley Tours with Renowned Historian David Nolan
Renowned historian and author, David Nolan, with the Accord Freedom Trail Organization, conducts Freedom Trail Trolley Tours. Tours start at 5- 8:30 p.m. from the Willie Galimore Center, 399 S. Riberia St., St. Augustine. Visit the sites that played major roles in the civil rights demonstrations of 1964 including churches, meeting locations, homes of key local civil rights leaders and places where non-violent protesters were attacked. These tours will be limited by the size of the trolley and reservations are required. For reservations and cost, call 904-347-1382. www.accordfreedomtrail.org
Architect’s Tour of the St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine
St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine in St. Augustine makes harmony of oppositions. It breaks open the box, as one of architect Ted Pappas’s sayings has it, then makes of it a frame for interior arches. An Architect’s Tour of the Shrine and a reading of Tim Gilmore’s book, Broken Open: The Architecture of Ted Pappas, and reception will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine, 41 St. George St., St. Augustine. www.stphotios.org
Friday & Saturday, February 3 & 4
The Near Disaster of Jasper & Casper at Limelight Theatre Written and Performed by Jason Woods
Jasper is looking for his true family and discovers a blunt witch, a mysterious, articulate dragon, and a purpose he never expected. As Jasper gets closer to the truth, he confronts his own fears, a vicious queen, his brother Casper’s self-obsession, and a heartbreaking path to his own destiny.
Award-winning actor Jason Woods morphs into each character with rapid-fire dexterity and heartfelt authenticity on a fantastical adventure for the child in everyone. Ghosts, Magic, and Deadly Cows abound in The Near-Disaster of Jasper & Casper!
Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $40. Limelight Theatre, 11 Old Mission Ave., St. Augustine. www.limelight-theatre.org
Quackery: The Dark Side of Medicine
Join the tour that focuses on a time in history when the most outrageous, ridiculous, and downright deadly treatments were preformed, all in the name of medicine. Tour times 7 and 8:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday nights only. This tour is not for the squeamish or faint of heart. Adults only 18 and older. Reservations are required. Tickets are $24.95 per person. Space is limited so book your tickets in advance . 3 Aviles St., St. Augustine. 904-342-7730 www.smhmuseum.com
Friday-Sunday, February 3 – 5
First Coast Opera Presents Opera Mystique at The Waterworks
Opera and the Supernatural combine at The Waterworks. Featuring staged performances – with orchestra – of Menotti’s séance-filled “The Medium” and Holst’s “Sāvitri”, based on an episode from the Sanskrit epic Mahābhārata. Friday and Saturday performances at 7:30 p.m., Sunday performance at 2 p.m. General admission tickets are $40, students $10. 184 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine. 904-417-5555 www.firstcoastopera.com
Ride On! Historic Bicycles At Lightner Museum
In the 1890s the bicycle took over the hearts and minds of Americans. Swept up in the craze for cycling, our historic building, the Hotel Alcazar, offered its own bicycle academy, allowing its guests to tour Gilded Age St. Augustine on two wheels. Drawn from the collection of St. Augustine bicycle aficionado Keith Pariani, this exhibition will feature bicycles chosen by Pariani as examples of pivotal moments in late 19th and early 20th century bicycle design. 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. 75 King St., St. Augustine. 904-824-2874 www.lightnermuseum.org
75 for 75: Diamond Anniversary Exhibition
The Lightner has been an important part of the St. Augustine community since it was first built as the Hotel Alcazar in 1888. The building opened as a museum in January 1948. In celebration of our 75th diamond anniversary in 2023, 75 for 75 presents a compelling selection of artwork and objects from the museum’s permanent collection and celebrates the incredible legacy that Otto Lightner left to the people of St. Augustine. 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. 75 King St., St. Augustine. 904-824-2874 www.lightnermuseum.org
Faces and Figures Exhibition at St. Augustine Art Association
Expressions of the human form bring personality to this exhibit. Be invigorated by the human visage in the form of various drawing studies, formal portraits, daily life and other figurative works. Each work of art is rendered and presented in 2D and 3D media and done by local and regional artists. Gallery Hours are Tuesdays through Sundays 1 to 4 p.m. 22 Marine St., St. Augustine The Faces and Figures exhibit can be viewed in person and online at www.staaa.org.
Saturday, February 4
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 S., St. Augustine. 904-315-9252 www.theamp.com/farmers-market
Guided Exploration Hike of the GTM Research Reserve Beach
On the first Saturday of the month 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. 904-380-8600 www.gtmnerr.org
Drum Runner Series Barrel Racing at St. Johns County Fairgrounds
Saddle up and head over to the St. Johns County Fairgrounds for monthly barrel, pole and other timed speed horse events at 1 p.m. Admission is free for spectators. 5840 S.R. 207, Elkton 904-588-8017 www.sjchc.org
Dewey Via at The Colonial Oak Music Park
Catch Dewey Via at the Oak from 7-10 p.m. Free admission and family friendly. Food and drink available for purchase. 21 St. George St., St. Augustine. www.thecolonialoakmusicpark.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 on Aviles Street. Interpreters answer questions related to St. Augustine’s history and pose for pictures. The saunter is made possible by St. Johns Cultural Council and the Tourist Development Council. For more information, contact Historic Florida Militia at ribob2000@aol.com
Emma Concert Series Presents Ocala Symphony Orchestra
Presented by the EMMA Concert Association, featuring Matthew Wardell Music Director and Conductor leading the Ocala Symphony Orchestra at Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College at 7:30 p.m. General admission is $50. 14 Granada St., St. Augustine. 904-797-2800 www.emmaconcerts.com
Roosevelt Collier Performs at Cafe Eleven
Don’t miss Roosevelt Collier with special guests Sauce Pocket performing from 8-10:30 p.m. at The Original Café Eleven. Tickets are $15 advance/$20 day of show. 501 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach. 904-460-9311 www.originalcafe11.com
Sunday, February 5
Sports Sunday at The Colonial Oak Music Park
Sunday is Sports day at the Colonial Oak Music Park! Join us for sports all Sunday long on our 128″ video wall at the Oak! Football season, it’s NFL football. Baseball Season, it’s MLB. Premier League Soccer matches, Basketball too. Admission is free, food and drink available for purchase. 21 St. George St., St. Augustine. www.thecolonialoakmusicpark.com
Tom Rush Performs at Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
Tom Rush’s impact on the American music scene has been profound. He helped shape the folk revival in the ’60s, the folk-rock movement of the ‘70s, and then the renaissance of the ’80s and ’90s, his music having left its stamp on generations of artists. Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $35-$41. 1050 A1A N., Ponte Vedra Beach. 904-209-0399 www.pvconcerthall.com
Crystal Bowersox Performs at Cafe Eleven
Don’t miss Crystal Bowersox from 8-10:30 p.m. at The Original Café Eleven in St. Augustine Beach. General admission seated show tickets are $30 in advance/ $40 day of show. 501 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach. 904-460-9311 www.originalcafe11.com
Upcoming Events!
Highlights of Happenings on Florida’s Historic Coast:
February 6: James Mason at Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
February 7: Archeological Lecture Series
February 9-14: The Woman Behind Frederick Douglass: Anna Murray Douglass
February 10: Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Series: Mavis Staples
February 11: Family Seining at the GTM Research Reserve
February 11: Tour the Accord Civil Rights Museum
February 12: Totally Awesome 80’s 5K and 10K at Nocatee
For more information and accompanying images contact:
Barbara Golden 904-669-8142
Located midway between Daytona Beach and Jacksonville, Florida’s Historic Coast includes historic St. Augustine, the outstanding golf and seaside elegance of Ponte Vedra, and 42 miles of pristine Atlantic beaches. For information call 1-800-653-2489 or go to the Visitors and Convention Bureau website at www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com.
Social Links:
Twitter: @FlHistoricCoast
Instagram: @FloridasHistoricCoast & @ViajaSanAgustin
Facebook: Facebook.com/OfficialStAugustine & Facebook.com/ViajaSanAgustin.
TikTok: @floridashistoriccoast
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