AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. (May 19, 2011) – Northeast Florida’s Amelia Island hosts a variety of popular events each year, entertaining residents and visitors with family, musical and historical happenings. Figuring prominently on the event calendar this summer and fall is an annual BBQ cook-off, jazz festival, blues festival and arts festival. Visitors can take advantage of special rates and offers to come enjoy these exciting events, as well as the island’s award-winning restaurants, world-class accommodations and stunning natural beauty.
Upcoming events include:
Sounds on Centre
(July 1, August 5, September 2, September 30)
The Historic Fernandina Business Association proudly presents Sounds on Centre, a free community concert held the First Friday of each month (March – October) in historic downtown Fernandina. Taking place on Centre Street between 2nd & Front from 6 to 8 p.m., each free concert is another chance for friends to bring their chairs and their dancing shoes to enjoy a wide variety of local bands. The July 1 date is a special event featuring a Fernandinaville Parrot Head Mania theme with Jimmy Parish and the Ocean Waves creating a Margaritaville vibe on Centre Street. For more information, visit www.downtownfernandina.com.
Union Garrison at Fort Clinch State Park
(July 2-3, August 6-7, September 3-4, October 1-2)
The Union Garrison takes place the first weekend of every month, featuring living history interpreters who bring Fort Clinch to life, giving visitors a chance to see how the soldiers lived during the Civil War. Activities may include powder artillery demonstrations, medical demonstrations and soldier drills. Additionally, soldiers and civilians offer a glimpse into garrison life by taking up duty in the laundry, infirmary, barracks and kitchen. Saturday events are held from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., and Sunday events are offered from 9 a.m. until noon. For details, call (904) 277-7274 or visit www.floridastateparks.org/fortclinch.
Stars & Stripes Freedom Festival
(July 4)
Celebrate Independence Day on Amelia Island with the Stars & Stripes Freedom Festival at Central Park in Fernandina Beach, Monday, July 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The festival will be followed by a patriotic Parade on Centre Street at 7 p.m., a Concert of Americana music at 8:30 p.m. in front of the Depot, and Fireworks at the Fernandina Harbor Marina at approximately 9:30 p.m. Musical entertainment will be provided throughout the festival on the Freedom Stage. Other activities include a Parent-Child Look-A-Like Contest, an All American Apple Pie Contest, teamwork games, Fun for the Kids playground, plus food and arts and crafts vendors. More information, concert agenda and applications for the contests can be found at www.shinybadgesball.com.
Artrageous Artwalks
(July 9, August 13, September 10, October 8)
Every second Saturday, Artrageous Artwalks give visitors a chance to explore 12 different art galleries on the island, each featuring a variety of works, including photography, pottery, copper, metal, stained glass, watercolors, acrylics and more. Visitors can peruse more than a dozen galleries in downtown Fernandina, and the Plantation Artists’ Guild and Gallery located at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation. Artrageous Artwalks are free to the public and take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.AmeliaIsland.com/artwalk .
3rd on 3rd at the Amelia Island Museum of History
(July 15, August 19, Sept. 16, Oct. 21)
Each month, the Amelia Island Museum of History offers a presentation on the third Friday of the month. The presentations are on a variety of topics showcasing the intriguing history of the island. The event takes place at 6 p.m. at Baker Hall in the museum. For non-members, admission is $5. Visit www.ameliamuseum.org for more information about the museum.
Wine Tasting
(July 19, August 16, September 20, October 18)
O’Kanes Irish Pub and Eatery is offering a wine tasting on the third Tuesday of each month. Sample 10 different wines while listening to live music in a festive atmosphere. Wine will be accompanied by an assortment of cheeses. The wine tasting starts at 6:30 p.m. and the cost is $10 per person. Visit www.okanes.com for more information.
Children’s Etiquette Class at Salt
(July 23)
Salt, the fine dining restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, is hosting a Children’s Etiquette Class on July 23. The two-hour class includes a three-course meal and instruction on manners for handshakes, introductions, dining etiquette and other basic life skills. The class is designed to instill confidence in children and help them become well-behaved little ladies and gentlemen. The recommended age is 6-12. For information and reservations, call (904) 277-1100.
The Cocktail Hour
(August 4-20)
The Amelia Community Theatre presents a performance of “The Cocktail Hour”, a poignant comedy by A. R. Gurney. Performances are scheduled for August 4-6, 11-14, 18-20 at the new theater at 207 Cedar Street. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (904) 261-6749 or visit www.AmeliaCommunityTheatre.org.
Amelia Island SunSplash
(August 6-7)
The SunSplash Music Festival is the ultimate beach music festival, featuring rock, jazz, reggae, funk, blues, and more – all for free! Spend the day on Amelia Island's beautiful beaches, grooving to great live music, with food, games and drinks. For more information, visit www.aisunsplash.com.
Great Southern Tailgate Cook-Off
(August 26-27)
Join us for Amelia Island’s second Annual Great Southern Tailgate Cook-Off, Friday, August 26 and Saturday, August 27. Barbeque cooking teams from across the country will compete for cash and prizes – and, of course, bragging rights! The event, sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society, is held at Main Beach on Amelia Island, “where the beach meats the brisket.” Visit www.gstailgatecookoff.com for more information.
Evening of Story & Song with Tricia Walker
(September 3)
From 8 to 10:30 p.m., Mississippi native Tricia Walker will take the stage at Burns Hall at St. Peter’s Parish to charm and delight with her gorgeous voice and original songs about life, love, and living in the South. The cost is $15 for adults. Additional information is available by calling (904) 277-2664.
Amelia Island Blues Festival
(September 16-17)
With the shimmering Atlantic Ocean as the backdrop, the inaugural Amelia Island Blues Festival will include two days of outstanding music, great food, drinks and more. The all-star lineup features great blues artists such as Willie "Big Eyes" Smith; Albert Castiglia; David Gerald Band; Roger “Hurricane” Wilson; Blistur; Conrad Oberg; 6th Street Rhythm & Blues Review and many more. Visit www.ameliaislandbluesfest.com for the latest information.
Spanish American War Event at Fort Clinch State Park
(September 17-18)
Fort Clinch State Park will commemorate the Spanish American War with uniformed interpreters and exhibits of the armament and period military equipment. The event will take place on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to noon. For details call (904) 277-7274, or visit www.floridastateparks.org/fortclinch.
Women's Tennis Championships
(September 24-October 2)
Qualifying rounds of the Women's Tennis Championships at Omni Amelia Island Plantation Racquet Park are September 24 through 26, with the main draw matches September 27 through 30. Tickets are free for matches on September 25 through 30, and are $10 per adult or $5 per child for final matches on October 1 and 2. Ticket sales on the final two days benefit the Fernandina Beach Rotary Club. For more information, contact the Tennis Pro Shop at Omni Amelia Island Plantation at (904) 277-5145 or visit www.aipfl.com.
The Seven Year Itch
(September 29 - October 15)
The Amelia Community Theatre presents “The Seven Year Itch,” a comedy by George Axelrod about a man questioning his marriage. Performances are scheduled for September 29 and 30, October 1, 6-9, and 13-15 at the new theater at 207 Cedar Street. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (904) 261-6749 or visit www.AmeliaCommunityTheatre.org.
Amelia Island Jazz Festival
(October 2-9)
The Amelia Island Jazz Festival will once again light up the island with a week-long series of events celebrating the diverse all-American art form of jazz. Under the creative direction of renowned jazz drummer and bandleader Les DeMerle, the festival will feature world-class jazz artists in a wide variety of styles, including Dixieland, Smooth Jazz, Bebop, Big Band, Blues, Latin and more. The 2011 headliners are multiple GRAMMY Award winner Buckwheat Zydeco and internationally acclaimed sultry songstress Nicole Henry. Concerts will take place at St. Peter's Church Courtyard and several other charming venues around the island. Visit www.ameliaislandjazzfestival.com for more information.
Confederate Garrisons
(October 8-9)
The Confederate Garrison takes place twice each year and features living history interpreters who bring Fort Clinch to life, giving visitors a chance to see how the soldiers lived during the Civil War. Activities may include powder artillery demonstrations, medical demonstrations and soldier drills. Additionally, soldiers and civilians offer a glimpse into garrison life by taking up duty in the laundry, infirmary, barracks and kitchen. Saturday events are held from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., and Sunday events are offered from 9 a.m. until noon. For details, call (904) 277-7274 or visit www.floridastateparks.org/fortclinch.
Amelia Island Autumn Festival: Fine Arts and Creative Crafts Show
(October 8-9)
On October 8 and 9, Amelia Island: Autumn Festival & Fine Arts and Creative Crafts Show will feature artisans in historic, downtown Fernandina Beach. The Fine Arts juried showcase will be featured in the street festival with Creative Crafts in adjacent areas. Creative Crafts will also be juried to ensure that all craftsmanship is original and handmade. Additional information is available at www.islandart.org.
Murder Mystery Dinner Package
(October 28-30)
The Hoyt House is offering a Murder Mystery Dinner package that includes a ghost tour, three-course dinner and murder mystery performance on Halloween Eve. On Friday, October 28, guests will enjoy a private ghost tour through the Historic District, followed by dinner at one of Amelia Island’s incredible restaurants. Saturday will offer a murder mystery, as well as a dinner to die for, including crab bisque; salad with edible flowers, cranberries goat cheese and walnuts with a French vinaigrette; chicken wellington and a homemade very berry torte. The Murder Mystery Dinner package is available for $225 per couple, plus the cost of room selection. Visit www.hoythouse.com for additional information.
Georgia/Florida Weekend
(October 28-30)
Amelia Island is an ideal home base for visitors looking to experience the annual clash between the football powerhouses of the University of Florida Gators and University of Georgia Bulldogs. Each year a variety of events are offered at various properties and throughout Amelia Island. Make sure to visit www.ameliaisland.com in October for additional details.
Additional events are available online at www.ameliaisland.com/events.
-Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau-
About Amelia Island
Northeast Florida’s coastal treasure, Amelia Island is a barrier island rich in colorful history and breath-taking natural beauty. Consistently ranked in the top 10 North American Islands by the readers on Conde Nast Traveler, Amelia Island offers long, beautiful beaches, abundant wildlife, and pristine waters. Upscale resorts with world-class spas, championship golf and exclusive dining blend effortlessly with a captivating collection of bed and breakfast inns and historic districts. The island is home to Fernandina Beach, once a vibrant Victorian seaport village, and now a charming downtown district of eclectic shops, attractions and eateries. Forget the everyday getaway; Come make memories on Amelia Island. For visitor information and online planning, visit www.ameliaisland.com.
