St. Augustine History Fest, 2025

The St. Augustine History Festival celebrates the "Nation's Oldest City" with activities at historical sites throughout the town.

Created by the University of Florida, Historic St. Augustine Inc., and the Lastinger Family Foundation, the festival showcases every era of St. Augustine's long and storied past through special events and tours of historic venues. The activities include tours, presentations, book signings, a re-enactment, and a special concert featuring music by Black composers. 

We have a partial list of the events for that week and will continue to update it as we learn more.

Go here, to learn which churches and gardens will be open for tours during the 2025 St. Augustine History Fest.

Special Events, Free Entry

These events are listed in date and time order.

Butler Beach 

What: St. Johns County Parks and Recreation guide, Will Pate, leads a walk and discussion about the history of Butler Beach. Purchased by a Black man, Frank B. Butler, in 1927, when other beaches in St. Augustine were for "whites only," Butler Beach became one of the St. Augustine focal points of the 1964 struggle for Civil Rights. 
When: Wednesday, May 7, 2025, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Butler Beach, 5860 A1A on Anastasia Island

Flagler College and Minorcan History

What: Dr. Darien Andreu, a professor in Flagler's Department of English, is the director of the Minorcan Studies Project, which serves to create awareness of the richness of the 250-year-old Minorcan heritage community. She will discuss the connections between Flagler College and the Minorcan community in St. Augustine, particularly those with the Dr. Andrew Anderson Family, Stephen Vincent Benét, and the Mindorcan Well. After her talk, Flager will host a reception with refreshment. This event is free and open to anyone aged 18 and older.
When: Thursday, May 8, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Gamache Theatre, at the Ringhaver Student Center, 50 Sevilla Street, St. Augustine

Marineland and Flagler College: Lifelong Learning

What: A lively presentation about Marineland's groundbreaking impact on several fields, including marine science, literature, archeticture, tourism, and film. When Marineland opened in 1938, it was the world's first oceanarium and underwater film studio.
When: Friday, May 9, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Pollard Hall at Flagler College, 31 Cordova Street, St. Augustine

St. Augustine National Cemetery

What: Dr. Amy Larner Giroux, UCF, "No Longer Unknown: Native American POWs, Civil War soldiers, and Second Seminole War casualties."
When: May 10, 2025, from 10:30 to11:30 a.m.
Where: St. Augustine National Cemetery, 104 Marine Street, St. Augustine

Duel on Aviles Street

What: Two men threaten to duel on the nation's oldest street. Fortunately, they acting on their quarrel outside the Spanish Military Hosptial. Can the surgeon save the man's life?
When: Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Where: Near 3 Aviles Street, St. Augustine

Drake's Raid Reenactment

What: Drake's Raid Reenactment. Reenactors representing Spanish and English troops march from the Oldest House Musem Complex to Governor's House and then to the Orange Street redoubt, where they will engage in a battle to commemorate Drake's 1586 raid on St. Augustine.
When: Sunday, May 11, 2025, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Where: Troops will march from the Oldest House Museum to Orange Street. The battle takes place at the redoubt on Orange Street.