One of the many wonderful things about St. Augustine is that there is always something to do – and this upcoming weekend is no exception…..
Thursday, March 30
Last Thursday – Lightner After Hours
Kick off the weekend in style in the Lightner Museum’s Grand Ballroom Gallery for this monthly social. The Lightner Museum hosts evening socials the last Thursday of the month from 5:30-7:30 p.m. This month’s event features music by The Raisin Cake Orchestra, a jazz quartet that specializes in unique renditions of jazz classics with an emphasis on the sounds of New Orleans jazz from the Dixieland and Prohibition eras. This event is free and open to the public. Donations for beverages are requested. 75 King St., St. Augustine 904-824-2874 www.lightnermuseum.org
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
Celebrating its Golden Anniversary together, the iconic and profoundly influential Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, often cited as a catalyst for an entire movement in Country Rock and American Roots Music, continues to add to its legendary status. With multi-platinum and gold records, strings of top 10 hits, and multiple GRAMMY, IBMA, CMA Awards and nominations, the band’s accolades continue to accumulate. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; performance at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $73 and $53.
1050 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach 904-209-0367 www.pvconcerthall.com
Thursday – Sunday, March 30 – April 2
ANA Inspiration Weekend at the Hall of Fame
Catch all the action from the women’s first Major Championship of the 2017 season, the ANA Inspiration, at the World Golf Hall of Fame. Visit the museum to see memorabilia from past tournaments, including Amy Alcott’s famous robe she wore after jumping into Poppie’s Pond when she won the tournament for the third time in 1991. The museum is open Thursday to Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Sunday noon-6 p.m. General admission is $20.95. One World Golf Pl., St. Augustine 904-940-4133 www.worldgolfhalloffame.org
Ghost in the Shell, IMAX Hollywood Film at the World Golf IMAX Theatre
Directed by Ruper Sanders, Ghost in the Shell features a cyborg, played by Scarlett Johansson, who leads an elite task force to battle dangerous criminals and extremists. Visit the website for show times and admission. One World Golf Pl., St. Augustine 904-940-4123 www.worldgolfimax.com
The Mystery of Irma Vep at the Limelight Theatre
This is a comedy that has everything from a sympathetic werewolf, a vampire and an Egyptian princess. All of the roles are played by only two actors. Performance times are 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $26 general admission; $24 seniors; $20 students and military. 11 Old Mission Ave., St. Augustine. 904-825-1164 www.limelight-theatre.org
Friday, March 31
Jacksonville Chapter of the American Guild of Organists Spring Program
The music department of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine is pleased to announce that it is hosting the Jacksonville Chapter of the American Guild of Organists Spring Program with a 45-minute recital by organist Jonathan Easter. The recital begins at 6 p.m. in the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine and is followed by the Cathedral Basilica’s weekly Lenten celebration of the Stations of the Cross, which begins at 7 p.m.; doors open at 5:30 p.m. The concert is open to the public with a free-will offering. 38 Cathedral Pl., St. Augustine 904-824-2806 www.thefirstparish.org
Music at Grace Presents the Newark Boys Chorus
A special concert performed by the Newark Boys Chorus is presented by Grace United Methodist Church at 7:30 p.m. Founded in 1966, the renowned chorus has performed throughout the world and presents traditional classical music, spirituals, folk music and jazz. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for youth. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the church office. 8 Carrera St., St. Augustine 904-829-8272 www.gracestaugustine.org
Ready.Set.Glow 5K
This event, which benefits Mill Creek Elementary School, Wards Creek Elementary School and Pacetti Bay Middle School, features a 5K and Fun Run. The event takes place at Ring Power. The Fun Run begins at 7:45 p.m., and the 5K begins at 8:05 p.m. Registration for the Fun Run is $10. Registration for the 5K ranges from $30-$15. The 5K will be chip timed. 500 World Commerce Pkwy., St. Augustine 904-710-2458 www.ultimateracinginc.com
Friday & Saturday, March 31 & April 1
Art of Healing Exhibition
This exhibition is hosted by The Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach and features body painting portraits by Heather Aguilera, youth works from Art with a Heart in Healthcare, and portrait photography by Pablo Rivera of the center’s music therapy program youth. Admission is free. The gallery is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 50 Executive Way, Ponte Vedra Beach 904-280-0614 www.ccpvb.org
Glass and Serigraphs Exhibition
This exhibition is hosted by The Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach and features works by Thomas Kite and Daryl Bunn. Kite’s glass installations are abstracts of rich primary colors. Bunn’s work features bold black lines and contrasting yellow and red geometric shapes. Admission is free. The gallery is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 50 Executive Way, Ponte Vedra Beach 904-280-0614 www.ccpvb.org
Fool’s Paradise at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre
Fool’s Paradise is a two-day extravaganza at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre that features two explosive sets from New York funk masters Lettuce, along with premier Grateful Dead tribute band Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, electro-funk duo The Floozies, a special Manic Science set featuring Manic Focus & Break Science, contemporary funk ragers The Main Squeeze, LA-based groove masters Organ Freeman, and Dead & Company bassist Oteil Burbridge. Several cross-collaborations among bands are to be expected. On Friday, doors open at 3 p.m.; performance at 4 p.m. On Saturday, doors open at 2 p.m.; performance at 3 p.m. Admission ranges from $225-$65. 1340 A1A South, St. Augustine 904-209-0367 www.staugamphitheatre.com
Friday – Sunday, March 31 – April 2
Rhythm and Ribs Festival
Non-stop music and award-winning barbecue all weekend is featured at St. Augustine’s Francis Field during the annual Rhythm and Ribs Festival. Friday and Saturday nights offer nationally recognized musical entertainment. Founded in 1995 by St. Augustine’s Sunshine Rotary Club, the festival has grown from a small BBQ fest to the largest festival in St. Johns County. Festival hours are Friday 5-10 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. General admission is $10 on Friday and Saturday and $5 on Sunday; youth ages 15 and under are free. 29 W. Castillo Dr., St. Augustine 904-687-9037 www.rhythmandribs.net
Saturday, April 1
Spud Run and Cabbage Crawl
The Spud Run Challenge features a 5K, half marathon and 1-mile Cabbage Crawl in Hastings. The 5K and half-marathon begin at 7:30 a.m. The Cabbage Crawl begins at 8:30 a.m. The event benefits opportunities and programs for agricultural education. Prizes are awarded for first, second and third place in numerous age classes. The cost to register on race day is $70 for the half marathon, $35 for the 5K and free for the kids fun run. The races begin at the HHS Community Building in Hastings. 6195 S. Main St., Hastings 386-747-3532 www.racesmith.com
First Saturday – GTM Research Reserve Guided Exploration Hike
The first Saturday of each month at 8:30 a.m. take a guided exploration hike that focuses on the Guana Peninsula’s 5,000 years of human history. This 1.5-mile guided walking tour departs from the Trailhead Pavilion located just west of the Guana Dam. The programs are free. There is a $3 parking fee. 505 Guana River Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach 904-823-4500 www.gtmnerr.org
First Saturday – Militia Muster and Training at Fort Mose
Visit Fort Mose on the first Saturday each month from 9-11:30 a.m. to be transported back to the 18th century. Learn from the members of the Fort Mose Militia as they practice firing drills and demonstrate how to use historic weapons and show musket firing drills. There is also a children’s militia training that uses wooden toy muskets. The park is open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission into the park is free. Admission into the Visitor Center is $2 per person. 15 Fort Mose Trail, St. Augustine 904-823-2232 www.floridastateparks.org/park/fort-mose
Art & Architecture Walking Tour
You’re invited to join an art historian for this walking tour hosted by the St. Augustine Art Association. The tour takes participants to the Plaza de la Constitución and throughout the ancient streets of St. Augustine from 10-11:30 a.m. The tour shares many unique aspects of the city’s art and architecture, such as paintings, monuments, stained glass, galleries and much more. The walk begins and ends at the St. Augustine Art Association. Sturdy shoes are required. The cost is $20. Call for reservations. 22 Marine St., St. Augustine 904-824-2310 www.staaa.org
First Saturday – Food Tour Petite
The Food Tour Petite is a 90-minute tour of three sit-down tasting stops and two to three other culinary tasting stops for a total of five to six stops as you taste your way through the history of St. Augustine. Our licensed St. Augustine expert guide will introduce you to restaurant owners and chefs, depending on your stop, and will delight you with the unique history of the city. You’ll also learn about St. Augustine’s cultural history – how the different nationalities made it to our shores giving us our diverse culinary offerings. Wine and beer pairings are available. The tour starts at the Gifted Cork at 1 p.m. Reservations are required. The cost is $36 per person. 64 Hypolita St., St. Augustine 904-392-7137
www.staugustinehistorictours.com
First Saturday – 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. The event is open to public; free for spectators. Participants must have own horse. Participation fees are $20 for St. Johns County Horse Council members and $30 for non-members. Awards will be presented for each age group in each event. The races begin at 5 p.m. at the St. Johns County Fairgrounds. 5840 S.R. 207, Elkton 904-588-8017 www.sjchc.org
An Evening with Illusionist Rick Thomas at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
Rick Thomas performs the most intriguing and innovative grand illusions in the world with a style unlike any other magical entertainer. His stage presence is unmatched as he weaves magic, music, comedy and dance into a seamless production. Disappearing acts, levitation and breathtaking illusions – all will be witnessed as part of his imaginative and unforgettable performance. Doors open at 7 p.m.; performance at 8 p.m. Admission is $52.50 and $45.50. 1050 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach 904-209-0367
www.pvconcerthall.com
Saturday & Sunday, April 1 & 2
EPIC Celebration of Spring Annual Flower & Garden Expo
Growers, educational seminars, nurseries and artisans from around the state offer gardeners everything they need to make spring bloom. The expo takes place Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the St. Johns County Agricultural Center. General admission is $5; youth admission is free. 3125 Agricultural Center Dr., St. Augustine 904-829-3295 www.epicbh.org
Sunday, April 2
136th Annual St. Ambrose Spring Fair
The entire family will enjoy this spring festival from noon-4 p.m. featuring live music by local entertainers, great food, including Minorcan clam chowder and pilau, and special fun and games for the kids at St. Ambrose Church in Elkton. Admission and parking are free. 6070 Church Rd., Elkton 904-692-1366 www.saintambrose-church.org/page9.html
Steve Miller at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre with Los Lonely Boys
Steve Miller was a mainstay of the San Francisco music scene that upended American culture in the late 1960s. Miller perfected a psychedelic blues sound that drew on the deepest sources of American roots music and simultaneously articulated a compelling vision of what music – and society – could be in the years to come. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; performance at 7 p.m. Admission ranges from $104-$54. 1340 A1A South, St. Augustine 904-209-0367 www.staugamphitheatre.com
