Exciting Amelia Island Events & Festivals to Enjoy on Your Next Trip
Year-Round Fun at the Best Amelia Island Events
n absolutely every season of the year, Amelia Island is a vibrant vacation destination for travelers to discover. Whether you arrive from near or far, you’ll quickly find that Amelia Island is a place that comes with a robust annual calendar of events and festivals to enjoy while you’re here. Whether you have a passion for indulging in local flavors or you can’t wait to celebrate heritage and culture at its best, it’s easy to see that Amelia Island events are designed to inspire! From enchanting holiday home tours and insightful book festivals to nature-focused celebrations and the whimsical Shrimp Days of Summer, there’s truly an event for every visitor to enjoy when Amelia Island is your vacation destination of choice.
No matter when you arrive on Amelia Island, how long you can stay, or how many others you’re traveling alongside, you’re going to want to request a copy of our comprehensive and Free Vacation Guide ahead of time. Inside, you’ll find a collection of activities and attractions to add to your itinerary that will pair perfectly with all those Amelia Island events ahead.
Featured Events on Amelia Island
Do Some Planning Ahead to Ensure Your Event Experience Is Seamless and Successful
The key to making the most of the many amazing Amelia Island events on the calendar each year is to plan ahead for a seamless and successful experience. Visitors will often find that destination vibes here shift with the seasons, giving you great options on how to approach your event lineup when you arrive.
For example, spring is a season that tends to be rather festival-heavy but might see fewer crowds. Alternatively, summer is a busy time filled with families on vacation and often defined by a high-energy atmosphere. While winter is a relatively calm time of year to include as many events on your lineup as possible, fall comes with truly great weather that’s ideal for outdoor gatherings. Keeping this in mind, you can pick and choose events that fit your preferences, travel style, and needs along the way.
Fernandina Beach Market Place Farmers Market
If you love to shop local when you’re on vacation, you’ll find the Fernandina Beach Marketplace Farmers Market might just end up being your favorite Amelia Island event of them all! This exciting experience is made up of not one, but four markets with the primary stop located along North 7th Street in historic downtown Fernandina. This inviting market is open on Saturdays from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm and is located just a block from The Addison on Amelia Island.
There’s no better way to support Amelia Island’s local artists than with a visit to the Artrageous Art Walk while you’re here. This inspiring Amelia Island event takes place on the second Saturday of each month at participating galleries within walking distance of The Addison on Amelia Island in historic downtown Fernandina.
When you’re looking for an Amelia Island event to attend on your next trip that’s undeniably palate-pleasing, we highly recommend enjoying an intimate, Southern-inspired farm-to-table dinner at The Sprouting Project. Guests will tour Amelia Island Plantation’s state-of-the-art aquaponic greenhouse, expansive organic garden, and a large collection of beehives before enjoying a plated dinner that incorporates items harvested directly from The Sprouting Project. This monthly event takes place on a chosen Saturday evening at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort.
Egan’s Creek Greenway Walking Tours
Discover the natural beauty of Amelia Island with an Egan’s Creek Greenway Walking Tour. The Parks & Recreation Department offers free leisurely walking tours that explore the flora and fauna of the Egan’s Creek Greenway, a protected area of more than 300 acres that runs north to south along Egan’s Creek. The walks are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Pre-register for nature walks at least two days in advance by calling 904-310-3350, ext 1. It’s a scenic addition to your list of Amelia Island events that you won’t soon forget!
Winter
Amelia Island Museum of History Holiday Home Tour │ December
When you add this Amelia Island event to your itinerary, you’ll set your sights on a variety of impressive holiday homes. That’s because this tour visits no less than five Victorian residences in the downtown historic district of Fernandina Beach, all within walking distance of The Addison on Amelia Island. These tastefully decorated properties are the perfect pairing for your festive holiday season celebration!
Dickens on Centre │ December
Travel back in time this December, when you attend the annual Dickens on Centre festival in historic downtown Fernandina Beach, Florida, on beautiful Amelia Island. This Amelia Island event is free to the public, and a Victorian holiday festival that’s sure to enliven your Christmas spirit. Throughout the weekend, attendees are invited to feel the spirit of the holidays with Victorian-inspired entertainment showcased on two stages. Families will enjoy a plethora of fun, including Tiny Tim’s Kids Zone, visits with St. Nick, holiday entertainment and shopping, festive food and drink, costumed characters, holiday movies, and plenty of Christmas inspiration.
Fernandina Beach Lighted Christmas Parade | December
This highly anticipated Christmas celebration is located in historic downtown Fernandina Beach. It’s an Amelia Island event that includes a parade with live music and entertainment that’s enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. The big guy Santa Claus himself even makes an appearance, so be sure to have your camera ready to go.
New Year’s Eve Shrimp Drop | December
Ring in the New Year along Centre Street with a celebration that includes food vendors, live music, family-friendly games, fireworks, and more!
Amelia Island Restaurant Week | January
Taste local flavors with Amelia Island Restaurant Week! This Amelia Island event features 10 days of delicious menus at participating restaurants.
Amelia Island Book Festival │ February
Amelia Island Book Festival engages adults and young people in the joy of reading and writing through a series of public events featuring New York Times best-selling authors, independent publishers and authors, awards programs, and workshops.
The Amelia Concours | February & March
The Amelia Concours delights car enthusiasts each year when it comes to town. Enjoy ride and drive options, themed parties, films, seminars, and more! This is your opportunity to get up close to hundreds of stunning vehicles. An automotive legend is honored each year.
Spring
Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival | March & April
Enjoy performances by world-class musicians at various locations across Amelia Island.
Amelia Island Wellness Festival | April
Chat with local wellness experts and explore different ways of maintaining personal wellness in mind, body, and spirit.
Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival | May
This thematic weekend-long event includes a parade, music at the waterfront, fireworks, food vendors, antique and vintage dealers, and artisans along Centre Street and 2nd Street through 7th Street.
Wild Amelia | May
Learn about local ecosystems and nature during this fun festival for all ages on May 9th – 17th on Amelia Island.
The Sounds on Centre | April through October
Sounds on Centre is a family-friendly event that invites locals and visitors alike to make their way to 102 Centre Street in Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach for free Friday concerts! Shows start at 6:00pm and there are Sounds on Centre t-shirts to purchase and raffles to enter full of prizes donated by local businesses. Come as you are, bring a lawn chair, and get ready for a Friday evening of fun!
Summer
Shrimp Days of Summer | August
Enjoy learning about Amelia Island’s maritime history and culture at the Shrimp Days of Summer. Visit the shrimping museum, take an eco-tour, embark on a ka
Endless Summer Watermelon Ride | September
Bike race across Amelia Island!
Amelia Island Dining Month | September
AI Dance Festival | September
Sam Varela Digital Portrait Workshop | September
Saturday Artwalk| September
Robin Popp Workshop | September
Recovery Glow Up Festival | September
Shelley Jean Workshop | September
Fall
Fall is a fantastic time of year for local festivals and Amelia Island events. If you head this way in September, you’ll be right on time to check out the Endless Summer Watermelon Ride, and also take part in the delicious Amelia Island Dining Month experience alongside your family and friends. The AI Dance Festival is hosted each September, and there are opportunities to be a part of the Sam Varela Digital Portrait Workshop as well. Visitors can participate in a Saturday Artwalk or head over to an inspiring Robin Popp Workshop during their getaway. Whether you attend the Recovery Glow Up Festival or set aside time for the Shelley Jean Workshop this year, it’s fair to say September is packed with possibilities.
College Football | September – December
Celebrate your favorite college football team when you watch the game at one of our many Amelia Island bars, craft breweries, and restaurants. We invite all football fans, but here at The Addison on Amelia Island we bleed orange and purple! Go Clemson Tigers!!
Amelia Island Jazz Festival | October
Enjoy the classic sounds of jazz music at various events that feature live music, wine tastings, dancing, and more!
Zooma Amelia Island | October
Amelia Island’s premier 5K, 12K, and half marathon. Enjoy live music, food, and drinks, and pampering at the post-race party. You deserve it!
Island Hop Craft Beer Fest | October
Join the fun this year with an extensive selection of craft beer, wine, and spirits – all paired with an array of food trucks at Central Park. You won’t want to miss it!
Hispanic Heritage Festival | October
Experience this year’s festival to savor the delicious cuisine, learn more about the culture, browse artisan goods, and enjoy live music. You won’t want to miss this family-friendly event!
Night of Spirts Sip & Shop | October
Right Whale Week Window Painting | October
Bartram Garden Club Monarch Migration | October
8 Flags Car Show | October
She Nailed it! (Nassau Habitat for Humanity) | October
Night of Spirits Sip & Shop | October
Walk for Water | October
Walk to help bring clean water to those in need October 25th at 9AM in Central Park, Fernandina Beach.
Hotbrau Amelia Oktoberfest | October
Right Whale Week | November 1st – 2nd
Come learn and honor the North Atlantic Right Whales who return to the Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island area on an annual basis. The festivities are located at Main Beach, Fernandina Beach, Florida and you can learn more here.
St. Michael’s Pickleball Tournament | November
Petanque Tournament | November
Black Friday Pajama Party | November
Stay Near the Fun at The Addison on Amelia Island
When travel plans bring you to sunny and scenic Amelia Island in the pursuit of incredible local events and festivals to attend, The Addison on Amelia Island is the place to be for stunning accommodations to match. Reach out today to learn more about our sophisticated guest rooms that each boast unique charm and appeal. We can’t wait to welcome you to Amelia Island soon.
Take a virtual tour of The Addison on Amelia Island or check our availability to start planning your trip. We can’t wait to show you around!
