Friday: May 6
FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK
Enjoy the latest exhibits, music, entertainment and refreshments at more than 20 St. Augustine art galleries. Park for free at the San Sebastian Winery, 157 King Street, where sightseeing trains and trolleys offer free round-trips to the heart of the art district – or go on your own self-guided art walk. Galleries are open from 5 to 9 p.m. For more information, call 904.829.0065 or visit www.artgalleriesofstaugustine.com.

GLOBAL LATITUDES AT ST. AUGUSTINE ART ASSOCIATION
Enjoy this juried art show of works that have an artistic spin from around the world. The opening takes place at 7 p.m. during First Friday Art Walk and the exhibit will be on display through May 29. The St. Augustine Art Association Gallery, located at 22 Marine Street in St. Augustine is open Tuesday through Saturday noon to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 904.824.2310 or visit www.staaa.org.

ANASTASIA STATE PARK CAMPFIRE PROGRAMS
Sit around the campfire and enjoy a natural/cultural program about the park’s environment. The program takes place at 7 p.m. on the first Friday of each month. Anastasia State Park is located on A1A on Anastasia Island in St. Augustine. Admission to the park is $8 per vehicle up to 8 people, and $2 per additional passengers. Pedestrian and bicyclist admission is $2. For more information, call 904.461.2033 or visit http://www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia.

Saturday: May 7
TIM TEBOW FOUNDATION CELEBRITY GOLF CLASSIC
THE PLAYERS Foundation and the Tim Tebow Foundation have joined forces to host a Celebrity tournament to benefit Tim Tebow Foundation and The First Tee. Celebrities from the world of sports and entertainment will compete in a shotgun start golf tournament on Dye’s Valley Course at TPC Sawgrass. The tournament begins at 9 a.m. and the awards ceremony is at 2:30 p.m. Among the celebrities expected to be in attendance are NFL running back Adrian Peterson, former University of Florida head football coach Urban Meyer, former NFL head coach and current ESPN NFL analyst Jon Gruden, current University of Florida Head Coach Will Muschamp, ESPN personalities Scott Van Pelt and Kirk Herbstreit and host of the NFL RedZone, Scott Hanson. Tickets are only $12.50. For more information, visit http://www.timtebowfoundation.org.

HASTINGS POTATO AND CABBAGE FESTIVAL
Come help celebrate this year’s harvest season as this annual event returns to St. Johns County. Known as the Potato Capital of Florida, the town of Hastings will host a fun-filled day with entertainment of all kinds, kids’ activities, art and history exhibits and a Farmer’s Market. It all takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Hastings Recreational Field, 150 Main Street off SR 207 Admission is free. For more information, call 904.471.0909, or email rotaryclubhastings@gmail.com.

ORCHIDS FOR MOTHER’S DAY
Get Mom a beautiful orchid, be entertained and support a great cause at this fundraiser conducted by the Junior Service League to benefit the Bailey Family Center for Caring of Community Hospice of Northeast Florida. A vast assortment of blooming award-winning orchids will be made available through a silent auction from 10 a.m.-noon at the Yacht Club, 442 Ocean Vista Avenue (Lighthouse Park), St. Augustine. Orchid experts will be on hand to offer advice on the care and growing of orchids, light hors d’oeuvres will be served and the band Mood will perform. Admission is free.

Saturday and Sunday: May 7-8
SAWGRASS VILLAGE ART FESTIVAL
Come explore and shop for the perfect work of art at one of the South’s most exciting art shows at the Sawgrass Village in Ponte Vedra Beach. The festival features works of art in watercolors, oils, acrylics, pastels, drawings, clay, photography, wood, glass, fiber, graphics, metal, jewelry, paper and mixed media fine arts, great food, fun and children’s activities. The Festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Admission is free. Sawgrass Village is located at 1300 Sawgrass Village Drive in Ponte Vedra Beach. For more information call 904.509.9234

Sunday: May 8
MUSIC FOR MARLEE
Celebrate Mother’s Day with seaside music from four live bands, beverages, hot dogs, raffle, silent auction and much more – all for a good cause. Music for Marlee and Friends is sponsored by Haven Horse Ranch and raises funds for local children affected by autism and epilepsy. The event is from noon to 6 p.m. at the St. Augustine Beach Pier. Admission is free. For more information, call 904.813.5710.

FAMILY FUN AT BIRD ISLAND
Enjoy an afternoon of entertainment on the second Sunday of each month at Bird Island Park in Ponte Vedra Beach. This Sunday, the Ponte Vedra High School Drama Troupe, under the direction of Randall Adkison, will perform “School of Rock,” a musical stage adaptation of the movie. The program begins at 2 p.m. Parking and admission are free; seating is open; hats and sunwear are recommended. Bird Island Park is located at 101 Library Boulevard in Ponte Vedra Beach. For more information, call 904.471.9980.

ST. AUGUSTINE COMMUNITY BALLET: PETER AND THE WOLF
Enjoy a Mother’s Day performance of this splendid tale performed by more than 35 of the area’s finest ballet dancers. Set to music by Sergei Prokofiev and directed by Luis Abella, Peter and the Wolf is a story of a young boy and his animal friends as they come face to face with a dangerous wolf. This St. Augustine Community Ballet performance takes place at 2 p.m. at the Kirk Memorial Auditorium located on the beautiful campus of The Florida School for the Deaf and Blind, 207 San Marco Avenue in St. Augustine. General admission is $20, $15 for Mothers attended by a regular ticket holder, and $15 for children under 15. For more information, call 904.810.5670 or visit www.saintaugustinecommunityballet.com

MOTHER’S DAY DOO-WOP MUSICAL PERFORMANCE
Treat Mom to an exciting musical salute to The Platters, The Coasters, The Drifters and the Temptations at Fort Menendez at the Old Florida Museum. Performed by Myles Savage, former lead singer from The Platters, this special Mothers Day performance features the all-time classic songs of these immortal groups. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. and the show begins at 3 p.m. Free flowers for the first 50 Moms! Tickets are $40 (limited time, buy one-get one free!) Reservations are required. To purchase tickets, call Fort Menendez at Old Florida Museum at 904-824-8874 or visit www.oldfloridamuseum.com for more information. Fort Menendez is located at 259 San Marco Avenue St Augustine, Florida.

NOTE:St. Johns County residents with a valid ID are always admitted free of charge to the Lightner Museum, the Fountain of Youth (special events excluded), the Ximenez-Fatio House, the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, and the Spanish Military Hospital Museum. The daily tours and wine tastings at the San Sebastian Winery are free to everyone. Also, admission is free to everyone at the Authentic Old Drug Store, Fort Matanzas National Monument, St. Photios Chapel, the Pena-Peck House, the Father Miguel O’Reilly Museum and the Mission Nombre de Dios Museum (donations are welcomed).

For more information on events and activities in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches, go to the Visitors and Convention Bureau website at www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com or call 1.800.653.2489.

Friday: November 6

FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK
Enjoy the latest exhibits, music, entertainment and refreshments at over 20 participating galleries. Tours begin at Rembrandtz American Craft Gallery, 131 King Street. Galleries are open from 5 to 9 p.m. St. Augustine Sightseeing Trains and Old Town Trolleys offer attendees a complimentary shuttle service to most of the galleries. Shuttles run on a continuous loop every 30 minutes. At 6 p.m., Rodney Cleveland, organist and choirmaster of Lakewood Presbyterian Church will present a free organ recital at the Cathedral Basilica. For more information about the Art Walk, call 904.829.0065 or visit www.artgalleriesofstaugustine.com.

Friday, Saturday & Sunday: November 6-8

8TH ANNUAL PONTE VEDRA FOOD AND WINEFEST
Experience the transformation of Ponte Vedra Beach into a Wine Country of world-class distinction. This three-day celebration of food and wine offers unparalleled opportunities to taste hundreds of wines from around the world and to savor dishes prepared by some of the area’s finest chefs and restaurants. Friday’s Una Noche Especial takes place from 6:30-10:30 p.m. (tickets $95 each); Saturday features the Grand Tasting from 3-6 p.m. (tickets $45); and the Sunday Champagne Brunch is from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (tickets $65). A special combo ticket for all three events is available for $175. All events take place at the Sawgrass Golf Resort and Spa, A Marriott Resort in Ponte Vedra Beach. For tickets and more information, call 904.285.2004 or visit www.pontevedrawinefest.com.

LINCOLNVILLE FESTIVAL
Celebrate St. Augustine’s rich African-American heritage at this festive event! Live musical entertainment (Gospel, Jazz and Blues), food, arts & crafts and narrated tours of the historic Lincolnville district are featured. Not only was Lincolnville the setting for momentous Civil Rights events in the 1960′s, more than half of its buildings date from a black community established in the late 19thcentury. Funds raised from the festival will be used for exhibits at the Fort Mose Museum. Lincolnville Festival is free to the public and takes place Friday 5 to 10 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday noon to 6 p.m. at Francis Field on Castillo Drive in St. Augustine. For more information, call 904.501.8299.

Friday & Saturday: November 6-7

Other Words: A Conference of Literary Magazines, Independent Publishers, and Writers
Be a part of the literary scene during this conference for writers and publishers. On Friday, Michael Waters and University of Tampa Press writers: Jordan Smith, Jenny Browne, and Peter Meinke will lead a panel discussion. On Saturday, Jud Mitcham and Diana Abu-Jaber will present. The presentations and discussions take place each night at 7 p.m. in the Flagler Room at Ponce Hall, Flagler College Main building located at 74 King Street in St. Augustine. For more information, call 904.819.6339 or visit www.Flagler.edu/writers.

Saturday: November 7

ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH 50TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
Bring the family to enjoy a day of seaside fun. Participate in the day-long Sand Sculpture Contest then spend the evening filled with fun, food, music, dancing in the streets, volley ball, pirates and more during this festive atmosphere as the City Celebrate 50 years of family fun. It all takes place at the St. Augustine Beach Pier Park, located on A1A at St. Augustine Beach. For more information, call 904.501.1253 or visit www.50thBeachBirthday.com.

EMMA CONCERT – DIE FLEDERMAUS (THE BAT)
Enjoy a performance of Jacksonville Lyric Opera’s production of this lighthearted 19th century operetta based on the comedy, Das Gefangnis (The Prison) about misunderstandings and comical revenge. A cast of leading artists from the Metropolitan Opera, New York City Opera, Covent Garden, and La Scala, among other international opera companies, will perform in Die Fledermaus at 8 p.m. in the Flagler College Auditorium, located at 14 Granada Street in St. Augustine. Tickets are $30 per person. For more information, call 904.797.2800 or visit www.EmmaConcerts.com.

TRANSFORMERS AT THE AMPHITHEATRE
See the blockbuster movie Transformers at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre -for free! Sponsored by Summerset Apartments as part of the Amphitheatre’s popular Night Owl Cinema series, the movie begins at 8 p.m. For more information, go to: www.staugamphitheatre.com.

HISTORIC WEAPONS FIRING DEMONSTRATION
Take the National Park Service’s ferry to Rattlesnake Island and experience daily military life at Fort Matanzas – the 18thcentury Spanish fort that guarded the southern approach to St. Augustine. From 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., authentically clad re-enactors will demonstrate Spanish muskets and cannons at the fort. Admission is free. Fort Matanzas National Monument is located on A1A at the south end of Anastasia Island approximately 15 miles south of St. Augustine. For more information, call 904.471.0116 or visit www.nps.gov/foma.

FORT MOSE GUIDED TOURS
Come learn about some of America’s most important cultural history in a fascinating setting on a ranger-led guided tour of Fort Mose. The tour begins with a short film on the history of Fort Mose and a tour the exhibits. Then, experience the history of Fort Mose, learn about the archaeology of the site, see remnants of daily life in Colonial Spanish Florida, and stroll along the boardwalk through a pristine salt water marsh. The tour begins at 11 a.m. and ends at noon. The guided tour takes place every Saturday in November and is free. However, park admission is $4 per vehicle (up to 8 passengers) and $2 for pedestrians and bicyclists. For more information call 904.823.2232 or visit http://www.floridastateparks.org/fortmose.

Sunday: November 8

A VETERANS CELEBRATION
Celebrate America’s Veterans at the viewing of the locally produced documentary, “Korea: Forgotten War, Remembered Heroes” featuring the stories of five local First Coast Korean War Veterans. This entertaining event will also have patriotic singing, dancing, comedy and the stories of our local veteran heroes. The Veterans Celebration takes place beginning at 3 p.m. at Flagler College Auditorium, 14 Granada Street in St. Augustine. Admission is free and a free shuttle from the Historic Downtown Parking Facility to Flagler College Auditorium will be provided by Old Town Trolley Tours. For more information, call Michael Rothfeld at904.829.0381.

SCARECROW CREATIONS
Create your own scarecrow from free straw and supplies provided by Vilano Town Center businesses. Bring your own scarecrow attire – all of the creations will be photographed and entered in a contest with a grand prize winner to be announced on November 29. Scarecrows can be crafted from noon to 4 p.m. each Sunday in November at the Sunday Market at the Vilano Beach Pier. The Market features fresh produce, refreshments, music and art. For more information, call 904.540.8797 or go to: www.thesundaymarket.com.

NOTE:St. Johns County residents with a valid ID are always admitted free of charge to Government House Museum, the Lightner Museum, the Colonial Spanish Quarter Museum, the Fountain of Youth, the Ximenez-Fatio House, the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, the Spanish Military Hospital Museum and the Father Miguel O’Reilly Museum. The daily tours and wine tastings at the San Sebastian Winery are free to everyone. Also, admission is free to everyone at the Authentic Old Drug Store, Fort Matanzas National Monument, St. Photios Chapel, the Peña-Peck House and the Father Miguel O’Reilly Museum. (donations are welcomed).

For more information on events and activities in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches, go to the Visitors and Convention Bureau website at www.Getaway4Florida.com or call 1.800.653.2489.

St. Augustine Ponte Vedra & The Beaches has a vibrant arts community that provides year-round art shows, festivals, exhibits and opportunities to expand one’s talents. October is a special time here – the sky takes on a deep blue hue and both the Atlantic and the St. Johns River sparkle in the bright autumn sun.  It’s  the perfect setting for artistic pursuits and the fact that October is National Arts and Humanities Month means there’s no better time for artists, photographers and art lovers to visit this beautiful part of Old Florida. Art-seeking visitors will find more than 50 great galleries to explore, plein air events perfect for capturing the great outdoors on canvas, and workshops that help painters and photographers take their art to the next level. For a detailed list of events and Lodging deals in October, visit www.Getaway4Florida.com/Art. 

Here’s a sample of what can be found on the palette for this special, Artful October:

October 2:  First Friday Art Walk
From 5-9 p.m., more than 20 of St. Augustine’s finest galleries open their doors to strolling art aficionados who not only get to see the latest exhibits, they can also partake of free food, refreshments — even live music!  For more information, call 904.829.0065 or visit www.artgalleriesofstaugustine.com.
 
October 4-28: St. Augustine Art Association 8th Annual Tactile Art Show
This juried exhibit of touchable artwork includes sculptures, textured wall hangings, textiles and other mixed media and interactive art that appeals to all the senses, particularly the blind and visually impaired. For more information, visit www.staaa.org or call 904.824.2310.
 
October 6-10:  Painting the Region: The Bartram Trail
Nearly 250 years ago, famed naturalist William Bartram first described the incredible beauty, colorful flora and fascinating fauna that continue to exist today along a trail that bears his name. The river, the trail, the trees and the October sky combine to create the perfect setting for this 5-day juried Plein Air event for landscape artists.  Mother Nature provides the inspiration – it’s up to each artist to capture it in a way that satisfies his or her inner need for expression – and creates a painting worthy of special recognition by an outstanding panel of judges.  For more information, go to:   www.PaintingTheRegion.com.
 
October 12 & 13:  St. Augustine Scapes Photography Workshop
This exciting two-day workshop blends two perfect elements – outstanding locations and a world class instructor.   The instructor, Rick Sammon, one of America’s favorite outdoor photographers, provides direction and tips at these workshops that are sure to enhance the skills of outdoor photographers-no matter how experienced they might be.  From the city’s Mediterranean-style architecture and Old World charm to the surrounding lush countryside and pristine beaches, the settings for these workshops will inspire all.  For more information or to register, visit www.Getaway4Nature.com.

October 19: Exploring Art History Lecture, 20th Century Sculpture
This enlightening slide show and discussion about 20th Century sculpture will be led by former museum educator, Jay Wright. The lecture takes place at The Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach, 50 Executive Way, Ponte Vedra Beach. For more information, visit www.ccpvb.org.
 
October 24-31:  Crescent Beach Paint Out
Each year, this annual event gets more attention from artists who want to capture the seaside beauty of Crescent Beach – a small, beach town located on Anastasia Island approximately seven miles south of St. Augustine.  The sand, the surf, shorebirds, shrimp boats – they’re all here waiting to be captured by artists working in the October sun.  This year’s Paint Out features 3-day workshops led by artists Romel de la Torre, Larry Moore, Steve Rogers, and Christophe Cardot. Completed works are juried for prizes and exhibited at various locations throughout the year. For more information, call Island Fine Arts, 904.471.5808 or visit www.crescentbeachpaintout.com.             
 
October 31: Uptown Saturday Night
A full-month of artistry comes to an end at this special last-Saturday-night-of-the-month event.  Uptown Saturday Night creates a street party atmosphere along San Marco Avenue in the heart of St. Augustine’s art and antique district.  For more information, call 904.824.3152.
     For more information and lodging deals during these artful celebrations, visit www.Getaway4Florida.com\Art.  

 
      For more information on vacation opportunities and year-round performing arts, fine arts and special events in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches, go to the Visitors and Convention Bureau’s website www.Getaway4Florida.com or call 1.800.653.2498

October is a special time in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches – the sky takes on a deep blue hue and both the Atlantic and the St. Johns River sparkle in the bright autumn sun.  It’s  the perfect setting for artistic pursuits and the fact that October is National Arts and Humanities Month means there’s no better time for artists, photographers and art lovers to visit this beautiful part of Old Florida.

Art-seeking visitors will find more than 50 great galleries to explore, plein air events perfect for capturing the great outdoors on canvas, and workshops that help painters and photographers take their art to the next level.  Here’s what can be found on the palette for this special, Artful October:
 
October 2:  First Friday Art Walk
From 5-9 p.m., more than 20 of St. Augustine’s finest galleries open their doors to strolling art aficionados who not only get to see the latest exhibits, they can also partake of free food, refreshments — even live music!  For more information, call 904.829.0065 or visit www.artgalleriesofstaugustine.com
 
October 4–28: St. Augustine Art Association 8th Annual Tactile Art Show
This juried exhibit of touchable artwork includes sculptures, textured wall hangings, textiles and other mixed media and interactive art that appeals to all the senses, particularly the blind and visually impaired. The exhibit at the St. Augustine Art Association Gallery located at 22 Marine Street is free and open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. and from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit www.staaa.org or call 904.824.2310.
 
October 4–21: St. Augustine Art Association Photography Exhibit: The Poetics of Space
Enjoy this special exhibit that features works by photographers whose view of the world interprets space, our perception of and relationship to it. The exhibit at the St. Augustine Art Association Gallery located at 22 Marine Street in St. Augustine is free and open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. and from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday. For more information call 904.824.2310 or visit www.saaa.org.
 
October 6-10:  Painting the Region: The Bartram Trail
Nearly 250 years ago, famed naturalist William Bartram first described the incredible beauty, colorful flora and fascinating fauna that continue to exist today along a trail that bears his name. The river, the trail, the trees and the October sky combine to create the perfect setting for this 5-day juried Plein Air event for landscape artists.  Mother Nature provides the inspiration – it’s up to each artist to capture it in a way that satisfies his or her inner need for expression – and creates a painting worthy of special recognition by an outstanding panel of judges.  For more information, go to:   www.PaintingTheRegion.com .
 
October 10: The Amsterdam Cello Octet Featuring Soprano Pilar Jurado
EMMA Concerts presents a very unique musical interpretation by this internationally-acclaimed group of cellists.  For more information, call 904.797.2800 or visit www.emmaconcerts.com 
 
October 12 & 13:  St. Augustine Scapes Photography Workshop
This exciting two-day workshop blends two perfect elements – outstanding locations and a world class instructor.   The instructor, Rick Sammon, one of America’s favorite outdoor photographers, provides direction and tips at these workshops that are sure to enhance the skills of outdoor photographers—no matter how experienced they might be.  From the city’s Mediterranean-style architecture and Old World charm to the surrounding lush countryside and pristine beaches, the settings for these workshops will inspire all.
 
October 19: Exploring Art History Lecture, 20th Century Sculpture
This enlightening slide show and discussion about 20th Century sculpture will be led by former museum educator, Jay Wright. The lecture takes place at The Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach, 50 Executive Way, Ponte Vedra Beach. For more information, visit www.ccpvb.org.
 
October 22–25: First Coast Opera- Master Class
Enjoy a spectacular performance by the area’s finest musical performers during a presentation of Master Class, a play by Terrence McNally. Musical highlights include works by Verdi, Puccini and Bellini.  For more information, call 904.417.5555 or visit www.FirstCoastOpera.com.
 
October 24-31:  Crescent Beach Paint Out
Each year, this annual event gets more attention from artists who want to capture the seaside beauty of Crescent Beach – a small, beach town located on Anastasia Island approximately seven miles south of St. Augustine.  The sand, the surf, shorebirds, shrimp boats – they’re all here waiting to be captured by artists working in the October sun.  This year’s Paint Out features 3-day workshops led by artists Romel de la Torre, Larry Moore, Steve Rogers, and Christophe Cardot. Completed works are juried for prizes and exhibited at various locations throughout the year. For more information, call Island Fine Arts, 904.471.5808 or visit www.crescentbeachpaintout.com.            
 
October 31: Uptown Saturday Night
A full-month of artistry comes to an end at this special last-Saturday-night-of–the-month event.  Uptown Saturday Night creates a street party atmosphere along San Marco Avenue in the heart of St. Augustine’s art and antique district.  For more information, call 904.824.3152.
 
For more information and hotel deals available during these artful celebrations, visit www.Getaway4Florida.com/Arts. 
 
For more information on vacation opportunities and year-round performing arts, fine arts and special events in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches, go to the Visitors and Convention Bureau’s website www.Getaway4Florida.com or call 1.800.418.7529.