Events & Festivals
What's happening on Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach, and the surrounding area: festivals, concerts, community events, and more.
For the year-round rhythm of signature weekends, read the annual events calendar. Fall highlights include the Hispanic Heritage Music and Food Festival and the sporting clays series at Amelia Shotgun Sports (October, November, December). Looking farther ahead: Amelia Island Book Festival 2027 and the Wild Amelia Nature Festival 2027.
61 upcoming events
October 2026
Fernandina Beach Farmers Market
The “friendliest farmers market in Florida”, the Fernandina Beach Market Place, is an inclusive space for you to join your family, neighbors and friends at this weekly event .
Fernandina Beach Arts Market
Join us Saturday mornings in historic downtown for the Fernandina Beach Arts Market. This will be the market’s new location at 508 Centre Street, between Peppers Cocina Restaurant and Tequila Bar, and Century 21 Realty.
KFHB Open House & Master Plan Update
The City of Fernandina Beach and the local aviation community invite residents and visitors to provide feedback on the long-term initiatives of the ongoing Airport Master Plan Update and to explore the people, aircraft, and services of Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport during the KFHB Airport…
39th Taste of Amelia 2026
The Rotary Club of Fernandina Beach's 39th Taste of Amelia is a culinary crawl through historic downtown Fernandina Beach on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from noon to 3 p.m., at the center of a weekend of food and drink events.
Taste of Amelia – Evening of Napa Excellence
Elevate your evening with an exclusive ZD Wines Premium Tasting on a downtown rooftop. Enjoy exceptional Napa Valley wines paired with an abundant artisan charcuterie display and chef-inspired gourmet bites, thoughtfully selected to complement each wine.
Taste of Amelia Special Brunch
Savor the final bit of the Taste of Amelia weekend with a mouthwatering brunch at the Amelia Island Museum of History. Enjoy the professionally narrated stories of Amelia Island’s past, from docents dressed in historical costumes going back to the Gilded Age.
Amelia Island Dance Series
Join us on select Sundays in 2026 for an evening of live music & dancing in Fernandina Beach! Perfect for dancing or just enjoying the sounds of a classic big band with a modern flair, you’ll enjoy over 100 years of music from the 1920’s through present day.
Amelia Island Museum of History Pub Crawl
A wealth of historical information about downtown Fernandina and a good time for all! Make a reservation to tour a few of our small town’s most popular, notorious or otherwise historic pubs and bars.
Ladies Morning at Amelia Shotgun Sports
Ladies Morning at Amelia Shotgun Sports is a fun, welcoming way for visitors and locals to start their Thursday. Enjoy complimentary coffee and conversation from 9–10 AM, then take part in optional course time from 10–12, with beginner-friendly instruction or shooting opportunities for experienced…
Trick or Treat on Centre Street 2026
Fernandina Beach Main Street hosts Halloween trick-or-treating downtown on Friday, October 30, 2026, from 10 a.m. to noon, with local shops along Centre Street handing out treats. Free.
An Evening with Madeline Martin
Join New York Times bestselling author Madeline for an engaging conversation and hear the story behind her newest novel, A Time of Witches. Appetizers will be served. The event will be moderated by Maurie Dugger.
November 2026
Market at Golf Pub Social
Swing into Summer at Golf Pub Social! Join us for the Swing into Summer Market at Golf Pub Social! Enjoy live music on the G Pub stage while you explore over 25 local vendors featuring handmade jewelry, art, crafts, fresh produce, and more.
Beer Yoga at PJD’s
Join Kim on the first and third Wednesday’s of every month at PJD’s for Beer Yoga! Build strength, plus challenge your balance and drinking abilities in this fun class where we incorporate our beverage into our poses. Laughs are free!
Frozen: The Musical
Experience the magic of Disney’s Frozen live on stage! Follow sisters Anna and Elsa on an unforgettable journey filled with adventure, friendship, family, and beloved songs like “Let It Go.”
Always…Patsy Cline
Some friendships are unforgettable. Some songs are timeless. And some stories stay with you long after the music ends. Based on a true story, Blue Fire Theatre is bringing the unforgettable friendship of Patsy Cline and Louise Seger to the stage in Always… Patsy Cline!
9th Annual November Nectarous Sporting Clays Competition
Join us for the 9th Annual November Nectarous NSCA at Amelia Shotgun Sports. Enjoy free breakfast & lunch for qualifying shooters, plus cold water at every other station. NEW 2-Day Format: Two separate 100-target Sporting Clays events, Green Course and Orange Course, available over two full days.
Veterans Day Parade 2026
American Legion Post 54's annual Veterans Day Parade steps off at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, lining up at Central Park and following the traditional downtown route along Ash and Centre Streets.
Jewish Comedy Night at Mocama with Joel Chasnoff
“We all need to laugh.” And Joel Chasnoff is coming to Amelia Island to help. Comedian, author, and National Jewish Book Award winner Joel Chasnoff brings an evening of Jewish humor, storytelling, and connection to Amelia Island on Thursday, November 12.
Pétanque Amelia Island Open
Amelia Island Open (AIO), the largest international petanque event in the Americas welcomes world champions, players and spectators from around the world to this Florida island.
Island Art Association Second Saturday Art Walk
Join us on the second Saturday of each month from 5:00–7:00 pm for the local gallery art walk at the Island Art Association. Enjoy meeting the featured artist, viewing great art, and socializing over light appetizers, wine, and sodas.
Island Art Association – Sundays on Second
Island Art Association hosts free Artist Encounters every third Sunday at 2:00 pm. Reservations are required. Registration will open on the third Monday of each month.
Annual Ritz-Carlton Christmas Tree Lighting
Celebrate the season as the Ritz-Carlton illuminates its 40-foot Christmas tree with thousands of sparkling lights. Enjoy live holiday music, festive performances, fresh-baked cookies, cider, Santa’s arrival, and a spectacular fireworks finale.
Santa’s Magical Dinner
Guests are invited to join Santa for a magical holiday wonderland experience, where children can share their Christmas wish lists and receive a commemorative photo. Enjoy a lavish buffet-style dinner featuring favorites for both adults and kids, along with a decadent holiday dessert buffet.
Omni Turkey Trot 5K 2026
A Thanksgiving morning 5K and kids fun run through the tree-canopied grounds of the Omni Amelia Island Resort, Thursday, November 26, 2026, starting at 8 a.m. at Racquet Park.
Annual Black Friday Pajama Party
Slip into your comfiest pajamas and kick off the holiday season with us! Let’s celebrate and support our local downtown businesses together. Enjoy live music, fabulous shopping discounts, and a special visit from Santa! Don’t miss out on the fun, mark your calendars and spread the word.
Historic Downtown Tree Lighting 2026
Downtown Fernandina Beach's holiday season starts the night after Thanksgiving, when the city lights the big tree by the river. Free, with live performances and a visit from Santa.
Holiday Lights Celebration
We invite you to kick off the season at our festive holiday lights celebration! Guests and locals will help us welcome Santa to our island paradise with the lighting of the tree at 6 p.m.
Build-A-Gingerbread House with a Ritz-Carlton Pastry Chef
Gingerbread houses are a Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island tradition featured throughout the resort during the festive season. Families look forward to experiencing the joy and magic of creating their own Gingerbread house with guidance from a pastry chef eager to share their secrets and expertise.
Nutcracker Tea
Experience the enchantment of the season with a delightful Nutcracker Tea and performance by The Florida Ballet. Enjoy an afternoon tea amidst holiday cheer and festive treats, including an exquisite presentation of tea sandwiches, pastries, holiday cookies, and savory bites.
December 2026
Holidays on Amelia Island
Lights, decorations, a historic downtown, and the warmth of Southern hospitality combine to make the holidays especially enchanting on Amelia Island. From the night before Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve, here’s a sampling of holiday happenings that will banish even the strongest case of the “Bah…
Amelia Island Holiday Home Tour 2026
The Amelia Island Museum of History's 20th annual tour of decorated historic homes, December 4 and 5, 2026, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with docents in each home to walk you through its history and architecture.
Scrooge! The Musical
It’s time for AMP’s annual Christmas musical Scrooge! Come experience Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey with the Spirits of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Yet to Come, based on the book by Charles Dickens.
9th Annual December Dynamo Sporting Clays Competition
Join us for the 9th Annual December Dynamo NSCA at Amelia Shotgun Sports. Enjoy free breakfast & lunch for qualifying shooters, plus cold water at every other station. NEW 2-Day Format: Two separate 100-target Sporting Clays events, Green Course and Orange Course, available over two full days.
Breakfast with Santa
Children of all ages will delight in sharing their holiday wishes with Santa Claus while the whole family enjoys an extravagant breakfast buffet decorated with magical gingerbread and holiday creations. Held in the Lobby Lounge.
Santa’s Storybook Tea
Celebrate the season with a storybook reading by Santa and afternoon tea in a magical space adorned with holiday décor and gingerbread creations. A buffet of pastries, candies, cakes, finger sandwiches, and a keepsake photo with Santa Claus are sure to delight the entire family.
Lighted Christmas Parade 2026
Lighted floats, bands, and dancers roll through downtown Fernandina Beach on Saturday, December 5, 2026, stepping off at 6 p.m. from near Central Park. Free to watch.
Hanukkah Menorah Lighting
Join the community for the annual outdoor Menorah lighting in downtown Fernandina Beach. Enjoy festive music, delicious latkes and Chanukah doughnuts, chocolate gelt, crafts for the kids, and the lighting of the giant Menorah, joined by local dignitaries.
Tidings and Twinkle – A Community Holiday Celebration
Start a new holiday tradition! Gather at Amelia River Waterfront Park for a festive holiday gathering bringing the community together through storytelling, music, performances, a community marketplace, and seasonal food offerings.
Dickens on Centre 2026
A free Victorian Christmas market and holiday festival in downtown Fernandina Beach, December 11 to 13, 2026: costumed characters, entertainment on two stages, holiday shopping, food, Tiny Tim's Kid Zone, and visits with St. Nick.
Dickens on Centre Fezziwig’s Courtyard Lounge
Inspired by the warmth and merriment of Dickens’ beloved holiday celebrations, Fezziwig’s Courtyard invites you to slow down, savor the season, and celebrate together.
Dickens on Centre Enchanted Village Snow Globe Experience
Step into a magical holiday escape unlike anything you’ve experienced before. Gather family and friends inside one of just ten beautifully themed Christmas snow globes, each uniquely decorated to capture the wonder of the season.
Run Like the Dickens
Hold on to your bonnets and top hats, gather the family, and dash into the holiday spirit at this merry one-mile fun run along the beautiful shores of Amelia Island Main Beach.
Parade of Paws at Dickens on Centre
Amelia Island’s most dapper dogs and pets parade through the heart of Dickens on Centre in their holiday finest. Marvel at costumes, wagging tails, and festive flair as participants compete for Best Victorian, Most Original, Looks Most Like Owner, and Top Three Overall.
Dickens After Dark: Marley’s Masquerade
When the church bells toll and the spirits of Christmas awaken, don your finest Victorian attire and mask for the most enchanting soirée of the holiday season, Marley’s Masquerade.
Sounds of the Season: Nicole Zuratis
Sounds of the Season featuring Nicole Zuraitis 7:00 PM performance | Artist dinner at Salt immediately after (dinner tickets sold separately from concert tickets) Two-time GRAMMY winner Nicole Zuraitis brings her quartet to Amelia Island for a festive outdoor concert beneath the Ritz-Carlton’s…
New Year's Eve Shrimp Drop 2026
Fernandina Beach drops a giant LED-lit shrimp at 7 p.m. on December 31: a free downtown waterfront party from 5 to 8 p.m. with fireworks after the drop, timed so families can be home early.
16th Annual New Year’s Eve Black & White Gala
Make it a night to remember, welcoming the New Year at the Sixteenth Annual Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island Black and White New Year’s Eve Gala. Enjoy extravagant food and an array of scrumptious desserts in the beautiful Ritz-Carlton ballroom.
January 2027
Chamber Music: A New Year’s Celebration
Celebrate the new year with music that dances. This festive program features Vivaldi’s dazzling “Winter” from The Four Seasons, Dvořák’s spirited Slavonic Dances, Piazzolla’s passionate tangos, Schoenfield’s jazz-inspired Café Music, and a spectacular finale with Strauss’s beloved Blue Danube…
Amelia Island Restaurant Week 2027
2027 dates not announced yet. Estimated January 15 to 24, 2027, based on the usual pattern of ten days from the third Friday of January (2026 ran January 16 to 25). Around two dozen island restaurants feature signature dishes and specials.
Chamber Music: Anderson and Roe, piano duo
Anderson & Roe (Greg Anderson and Elizabeth Joy Roe) turn the piano duo into a high-wire act of wit and virtuosity. Called “the very model of complete 21st-century musicians” by the Washington Post, they fuse classical fire with pop instinct in performances that crackle with chemistry.
February 2027
Masterclass: Aristo Sham, piano
Step inside the artistic process as internationally acclaimed pianist Aristo Sham works one-on-one with talented young pianists in this free public masterclass.
Chamber Music: Dover Quartet
Once regular Festival performers, the Dover Quartet have become one of the world’s most acclaimed string quartets. Their long-awaited return reunites them with the Amelia Island audience that has cheered them on from the beginning.
Chamber Music: An Evening with Audra McDonald
A Juilliard-trained soprano and Emmy, Grammy, and six-time Tony Award winner, Audra McDonald is the only performer in history to win in all four Tony acting categories.
Amelia Island Book Festival 2027
The island's annual literary festival returns with its main author day on Saturday, February 27, 2027: dozens of authors for presentations, signings, and an author expo in Fernandina Beach.
March 2027
Chamber Music: Johannes Moser, cello and Marc-André Hamelin, piano
2027 marks 200 years since Beethoven’s death, and pianist Marc-André Hamelin, back in Amelia Island after last season’s appearance with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, marks the occasion with cellist Johannes Moser in a program spanning four of Beethoven’s five cello sonatas. From the early Op.
The Amelia Concours d'Elegance 2027
The Amelia Concours d'Elegance returns to The Golf Club of Amelia Island March 4 to 7, 2027: a week of collector-car auctions, tours, seminars and judged show fields, closing with Sunday's Cars & Caffeine.
Chamber Music: Balsam Range
Two-time IBMA Entertainer of the Year, Balsam Range brings twenty years of road-tested bluegrass- mountain music, played by mountain musicians, for an audience ready to stomp along. Parking: A $15 valet parking fee applies at the Ritz-Carlton and is not included in your ticket price.
Chamber Music: Curtis on Tour featuring Nicholas Canellakis, cello
Curtis on Tour is the global touring initiative of America’s most selective conservatory, the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. Cellist Nicholas Canellakis leads this program centered around the Dohnányi Sextet for the unique combination of piano, violin, viola, cello, clarinet, and horn.
The Insider
The week's best events, every Friday
A handful of things worth getting out for, with the weekend's weather and tides, in a short letter from Ryan and Sarah every Friday morning.