The Ultimate Guide to the Best Amelia Island Festivals & Events
One of the best ways to experience a new locale is by attending a local event! Whether you’re a foodie, arts enthusiast, adventurer, or a nature lover, you’ll find that any one of the following Amelia Island festivals will leave with lasting memories! Read on to learn more about our favorite events. Then, be sure to check out our Vacation Guide for even more great suggestions to include in your itinerary.
Featured Events on Amelia Island
Check Out These Amelia Island Festivals and Events
Regardless of the time of year you choose to visit Fernandina Beach, chances are you’ll find an event or festival that aligns with your interests! With amazing weather year-round and diverse culture & population, there is something for everyone. Whether you are looking for family-friendly fun or the perfect date night idea, keep reading to find a festival or event to attend during your visit.
In the Spring
As the temperatures warm up, spring ushers in an array of events to kick off the season along with perfect beach weather!
The Amelia Concours d’Elegance | March
As with most things on Amelia Island, The Amelia Concours d’Elegance boasts a luxurious but laid-back vibe, which sets it apart from other Florida car shows. The affair takes place in March each year and plays host to an array of events ranging from car previews, auctions, driving experiences, road tours, and more. It is the event for world-class vehicles, racing legends, and non-stop car love.
Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival | May
Join locals and visitors alike for the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival which takes place in May every year. Maybe you’d like to sample an array of tasty seafood dishes. Perhaps you’d prefer perusing art or enjoying live music performances. Either way, This 50-year tradition appeals to people of all kinds. It even boasts a unique historical significance! Read More on our blog.
Wild Amelia Nature Festival | May
Celebrate the natural beauty of one of Conde Nast’s Top 10 Islands in the U.S. at the Wild Amelia Nature Festival, which takes place in May each year. From ecotours and conservation exhibits to photography contests and a huge silent auction, this event captures the diverse ecology, wonderment, and charm of Amelia Island in one big weekend shindig.
In the Summer
Booze and Bites Tours, the farmers market, BYOB Cruises, theatrical performances, and art classes keep visitors busy in the summertime along with visits to the beach, of course. While there are quite a few weekly events and classes, there aren’t many festivals in the summer. When the beach is the summertime main attraction, there isn’t much need for festival or events.
Amelia Island Dance Festival | September
The Amelia Island Dance Festival is a celebration of dance, unity, and artistic expression. This cultural hotspot draws dance enthusiasts from far and wide each year in early September. Visitors can enjoy captivating performances, dynamic workshops, vibrant community engagement, and the opportunity to connect with fellow dance lovers.
In the Fall
Warm weather sets the scene for outdoor adventures, activities, and events in the fall! Continue reading for some of our favorite festivities to look forward to.
Les DeMerle Amelia Island Jazz Festival | October
Lose yourself in the music at the Les DeMerle Amelia Island Jazz Festival, which boasts various events for an entire week in October. Thumping bass, jivin’ piano, and crescendos of brass instruments paint a picture of sound, making for a lively experience celebrating this prolific genre of music.
Island Hop Craft Beer Fest | October
The Island Hop Craft Beer Fest is the perfect excuse to plan a trip to Amelia Island. This family-friendly event takes place in early October and features local and regional craft brewers. Guests can sample beers from various breweries while enjoying live music and delicious food. Children under 12 are admitted free of charge!
Amelia Island Cookout | October
If you are visiting during October, be sure to check out the Amelia Island Cookout. Hosted The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island you can enjoy a weekend of extraordinary food and libations set against the backdrop amazing ocean views. Experience top chefs, accomplished sommeliers, master mixologists, and eight curated events in one carefully curated weekend.
Pétanque Amelia Island Open | November
Are you familiar with pétanque? This unique lawn game falls into the same category of boules sports! This annual event is the largest pétanque gathering in the Americas. Register to play with people from all over, ranging from former world champions to novices! It’s also the perfect opportunity to experience the historic charm of downtown Amelia Island.
In the Winter
You might not suspect it, but Amelia Island is a true wonderland in the winter! The weather is pleasant, making it perfect for outdoor holiday fun. It is a magical season.
Holiday Home Tour | December
Explore the interiors and exteriors of Amelia Island’s eccentric Victorian homes when they’re all dressed up for the holidays! Experience the delight and splendor of tasteful decor during this kick-off affair for the season. The Amelia Island Museum of History’s Holiday Home Tour provides docents in each home, giving its history, highlighting the period architectural elements, and guiding visitors through the homes.
Dickens on Centre | December
Step back in time and enjoy the sights and sounds of Dickens on Centre. People dress up, perform, and entertain, making for a fun-filled weekend. You won’t want to miss the one weekend of the year in which Fernandina Beach transforms into a classic English village! Enjoy a Victorian Christmas market, Dickens Dining, portraits with St. Nick, a fun run, Dickens After Dark, and more.
New Year’s Eve Shrimp Drop | December
Ring in the New Year in Fernandina Beach for an experience unlike any other! While millions of people wait for the ball to drop in NYC, you can celebrate the start of something new at the Amelia Island New Year’s Eve Shrimp Drop. The shrimp will drop at 7:00 pm (the Greenwich Mean Time stroke of midnight) and is immediately followed by the fireworks show.
Restaurant Week | January
Attention all foodies: Restaurant Week on Amelia Island is the perfect opportunity to get a taste of the region by experiencing the culinary feats of renowned chefs and local eateries. In addition to pre-fixe menus at reasonable prices, you can also include a variety of events, tours, and tastings to your food-focused itinerary! Read more in the blog.
Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival | January-June
Witness some of the most talented musicians from various backgrounds in chamber music concerts of classical and alternative genres at the Amelia Chamber Music Festival! This concert series is, without a doubt, an excellent way to experience Amelia Island and the arts. Read more in our blog.
Amelia Island Book Festival | January
Meet your favorite authors, attend readings, and participate in various workshops at the Amelia Island Book Festival! The goal of the event is to encourage the promotion of literacy by involving the community. Read more in our blog.
Stay Downtown at Fairbanks House
Fairbanks House sits conveniently in the heart of Fernandina Beach, near all of the best things to do on Amelia Island. Maybe you’re planning your trip around one of the many Amelia Island festivals and events that take place each year. Perhaps you’d prefer to wing it and book a last-minute romantic getaway.
Either way, you can’t ask for a better place to call home while you’re on vacation. Our comfortable accommodations, top-tier amenities, and high-quality service set us apart from your average hotel experience. We hope to help you make your dream vacation come true. What are you waiting for?