April 3, 6:00–8:00 PM Fernandina Beach Sounds on Centre
Centre Street, Downtown Fernandina Beach
Monthly free outdoor live music — bring lawn chairs or stroll downtown while enjoying local performances. Enjoy a mix of genres from jazz to folk as local musicians take the stage under the historic oak trees.
Admission: Free
facebook.com/SoundsOnCentre
April 4, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM JaxParks Riverfront Palooza
Riverfront Plaza, Jacksonville 2 West Independent Dr, Jacksonville
Outdoor festival featuring egg hunts, games, activities, and community fun in a scenic plaza by the river. Family friendly and perfect for a morning walk, sunshine, and community connection.
Admission: Free
jacksonville.gov/ and search Palooza
April 4–5, All Day Mandarin Art Festival
12447 Mandarin Road, Jacksonville
A classic local fine art and craft festival featuring hundreds of artists, live entertainment, and food vendors. Perfect for a leisurely stroll to browse paintings, pottery, jewelry, and handmade crafts while enjoying live performances.
Admission: Free (optional donation)
mandarinartfestival.org
April 6, 8:00 PM Leonid & Friends Tribute to Chicago
Florida Theatre, 128 East Forsyth St, Jacksonville
Enjoy classic rock hits performed with precision by this popular tribute band celebrating the music of Chicago.
Tickets: $30–$60
floridatheatre.com
April 10–11, All Day / Varies Fernandina Beach Songwriters Festival
Amelia Island: Various venues
Downtown Fernandina Beach & Amelia Island Free songwriter showcases with performances, meet-and-greets, and an optional themed boat cruise event. Enjoy intimate performances and behind-the scenes stories about your favorite songs from talented local and national artists.
Admission: Varies by performance; many free shows
fernandinasongwritersfestival.org
April 10 –12, All Day Springing the Blues Festival
Seawalk Pavilion & Latham Plaza, 75 1st St N, Jacksonville Beach
Annual beachfront blues festival featuring several stages of live music, food vendors, artisan markets, and kids activities.
Admission: Free (VIP seating available)
springingtheblues.com
April 11–12, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM St. Augustine Beach Art & Craft Festival
350 A1A Beach Blvd, St. Augustine Beach
A seaside weekend art show featuring jewelry, woodcraft, stained glass, pottery, and more. Stroll along the beachside promenade while meeting the artists and seeing live demonstrations of their craft.
Admission: Free
visitstaugustine.com/event/arts-and-crafts-festival-pier
April 11, 11:00 AM–4:00 PM 29th Annual Taste of St. Augustine
St. Augustine Amphitheatre 1340C A1A South, St. Augustine, FL 32080
Local restaurants serve sample tastings. Includes children’s crafts and music. Savor small bites from dozens of eateries while enjoying live performances and family activities.
Admission: $10 per person; kids 12 & under free; tasting tickets sold separately
epicbh.org/taste-of-st-augustine
April 11–18, Various Times St. Augustine Race Week
St. Augustine Municipal Marina 1 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine
Spring sailing series with yacht races, socials, and waterfront parties. Spectators can watch thrilling sailing competitions from the shore or enjoy onshore festivities with food and music.
Admission: Free to watch from shore
staugustineraceweek.com
April 16, 5:00–8:00 PM Third Thursday Sip & Stroll
Southbank Riverwalk, 101 W Bay St, Jacksonville
Riverwalk social event with live music, food trucks, and downtown vibes. Enjoy a casual evening exploring local vendors, riverside views, and live entertainment in a festive community atmosphere.
Admission: Free
dtjax.com/sipandstroll
April 4 and every Saturday, 8:30 AM–12:30 PM
St. Augustine Amphitheatre 1340C A1A South, St. Augustine
Local artists, produce vendors, and live music at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. Shop artisan goods and fresh local produce while enjoying live performances in an outdoor setting.
Admission: Free
theAmp.com and click on the Community tab
April 22–26, All Day Florida’s Birding & Photo Fest
St. Johns County & Surroundings Various locations across St. Johns County
One of the most respected birding and photography gatherings in the Southeast — classes, guided tours, photo clinics, and nature walks. Perfect for nature enthusiasts and photographers to see and capture rare birds and wildlife in scenic habitats.
Admission: $50 registration (includes commemorative
festival t-shirt); workshops have additional fees
floridasphotofest.com
April 24–26, Various Times 10th Annual St. Augustine Plein Air Paint Out
St. Augustine Art Association 22 Marine Street, St. Augustine
Live painting event across historic settings; watch artists at work and enjoy finished pieces. A visual delight for art lovers to see professional painters create works inspired by historic landmarks.
Admission: Free
visitstaugustine.com/event/plein-air-paint-out
April 25–26, All Day 3rd Annual Cabbage, Potato & Bacon Festival
6195 S US Highway 1, Hastings
Family-friendly weekend celebrating local agriculture, including races, cooking demos, artisan market, Miss Potato Queen Beauty Pageant and live music. A fun community event showcasing rural traditions, local food, and entertainment for all ages.
Admission: Free (some ticketed special events)
hastingsfl.org Click on Things To Do
May 1 – May 3, All Day Isles of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival
Downtown Fernandina Beach 101 Centre Street, Fernandina Beach
This signature spring fest features the Red, White & Shrimp Parade, shrimp run, seafood booths, live music, arts & crafts, and more. Celebrate the area’s shrimping heritage with local seafood, craft vendors, and a lively parade that draws visitors from across the region.
Admission: Free parade; festival area events may have costs.
shrimpfestival.com
