The Ultimate Guide to Amelia Island’s Best Festivals and 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.
13 of Amelia Island’s Best 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!
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!
Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance
As with most things on Amelia Island, the Concours d’Elegance boasts a laid-back vibe, which sets it apart from other Florida car shows such as Pebble Beach. 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.
Katie Ride for Life
Katie Ride for Life began in 2005 as a fundraiser to raise awareness for organ donation and support the Katie Caples Foundation’s nationally recognized organ donor education program. Now, the event takes place every year and features routes of 100 miles, 63 miles, 34 miles, 18 miles as well as an off-road ride through Fort Clinch.
Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival
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!
Wild Amelia Nature Festival
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. Here are some of our favorites:
Rendezvous Film Festival
The annual Rendezvous Film and Music Festival on Amelia Island draws artists and filmmakers from across the country to our beautiful slice of paradise off the coast of Florida. Participate in tours of filming locations. Attend screenings, workshops, script readings, and more! This fun-filled weekend is something you won’t want to miss!
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.
Pétanque Amelia Island Open
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.
Amelia Island Jazz Festival
Lose yourself in the music at the 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.
In the Winter
You might not suspect it, but Amelia Island is a true wonderland in the winter!
Holiday Home Tours
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!
Dickens on Centre
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!
New Years Eve Shrimp Drop
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 New Years Eve Shrimp Drop.
Restaurant Week
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!
Amelia Chamber Music Festival
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! It’s, without a doubt, a lively time of year to be on Amelia Island.
Amelia Island Book Festival
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.
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?
Book your stay today!