Ladies and gentlemen, get out those new 2015 calendars. You are invited to enjoy an exciting array of special events for the entire family, from colorful art festivals to a full week of automotive fun. Here are a few events – available only on Amelia Island - that will make for great memories, all year long. Start planning your trip...
- Amelia Island Book Festival (Feb. 19-21) incorporates the written word into a number of events, including an opening concert, workshops, a Kidz Corner, teen fest and more. The 2015 Festival features Carolyn Curry, author of “Suffer and Grow Strong,” and former NFL player and coach Bill Curry.
- Amelia Concours Week (Mar. 12-15) includes seven top automotive events: Bonham’s Auction at the Fernandina Beach Golf Club (March 12), the Gooding & Company Auction (March 13), Festivals of Speed (March 13-14) at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation, duPont Registry Live Aeroport Reception (March 13) at Fernandina Beach Airport, the RM Auction at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island (March 14), Cars & Coffee at the Concours (March 14) and the 20th Annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance on the greens of the Golf Club of Amelia Island (March 13-15).
- Katie Ride for Life (Apr. 18) The Katie Ride encourages everyone to ‘donate life’ through organ donation, The Katie Ride is a cycling event with courses fully supported courses of 7 to 100 miles, suitable for riders of all levels. The Katie Walk offers a chance to enjoy the shade and natural beauty with a (stroller-friendly) 5K and 10K course winding through Fort Clinch State Park.
- Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival (May 1-3) offers a celebration of our favorite crustacean and the rich shrimping history of Amelia Island. The popular event features a nationally-recognized juried fine arts and crafts show, antiques, live entertainment, kids’ activities, contests, pirates, and more than 25 food booths serving up the tastiest shrimp you can find.
- Wild Amelia Nature Festival (May 15-17) focuses on the natural assets of Amelia Island. The event features an EcoExpo and kids’ activities as well as ecotours. The celebration is family friendly and includes a sea turtle release.
- Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival (Season runs from January 31-May 31) showcases world-renowned artists performing a variety of music styles in intimate and historic settings on Amelia Island. The 2015 Festival will include the Dover Quartet, pianist Daria Rabotkina, Eroica Trio and more.
- Rendezvous Festival (June 5-14) is a new event that is all about entertainment, bringing artists and the community together for a nine-day celebration of film, music, and gaming.
- Great Southern Tailgate Classic (August 21-22) closes out summer in a celebration of tailgating, football, and beachside fun. Enjoy live entertainment, kids’ activities, and the tastes of great tailgating.
- Amelia Island Jazz Festival (Oct. 8-11) has featured headliners such as David Sanborn, Ramsey Lewis, Spyro Gyra and Mindi Abair. The 2015 festival is set to offer world-class jazz at venues throughout Amelia Island.
- Pétanque America Open (November 14-15) Amelia Island is the venue for the international community of Pétanque. Players compete at the downtown marina, surrounded by plenty of cafes, restaurants and shops -much like the French Mediterranean coast, where Pétanque started in 1907.
- Holiday Home Tour (Dec. 4-5) offers guests the opportunity to tour several of Amelia Island’s loveliest private homes in Fernandina Beach’s historic district, organized by the Amelia Island Museum of History.
- Holiday Cookie Tour of Inns (Dec. 12) is presented by Amelia Island's historic Bed and Breakfast Inns and welcomes visitors with sweet treats and gorgeous holiday decor.