Things To Do

Happenings in and around St Augustine, St. John's County and Northeast Florida Below are some events that I have found that might be of interest. Two references that provide information on upcoming events are COMPASS, published by the St. Augustine Record and the website, www.getaway4florida.org. If interested in attending any of these events, recommend you double check websites or phone numbers for information. St. Augustine residents with a valid ID get free admission to several historic attractions, including The Fountain of Youth (829-3168), The Government House museum (825-5079), the Colonial Spanish Quarter Museum (825-6830) and The Lightner Museum (824-2874). For information, call the phone numbers listed. Check it out! Last Saturday of each Month through Saturday, Nov. 27, 2010 – Jacksonville Pipes & Drums – website: www.culhanesirishpub.com – Phone: 904-249-9595 A 10 piece band, the brilliant "Jacksonville Pipes & Drums" perform the last Saturday of each month. If you like Celtic, Irish and Scottish music, you must not miss this fun event. Bring the kids. All ages welcome. Location: Culhane's Irish Pub and Restaurant, 967 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach, FL 32233 Time: 7:30 p.m. Admission: Free Friday, Apr. 17 – Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009 – Coral Reel Adventure at the World Golf Hall of Fame IMAX Theatre – Website: http://www.wgv.com Explore the undersea on the six story-high IMAX screen at the World Golf Hall of Fame. This film follows the real-life expedition of ocean explorers and underwater film makers through the islands and sun-drenched waters of the South Pacific to document the health and beauty of coral reefs. From the dazzling underwater seascapes of Australia's Great Barrier Reef and the mysterious deep ocean corals of Fiji to the azure skies above Tahiti and shark-filled canyons off isolated Rangiroa, the film takes viewers on an adventure deep below the ocean's surface to visit flourishing reefs and their inhabitants. Location: World Golf Hall of Fame IMAX Theatre, Exit 323 off I-95 Saturday, Apr. 18 – Saturday, May 2, 2009 – World Golf Hall of Fame Putting Championship – Local Phone: 904-940-4118 Put your putt to the challenge when the World Golf Hall of Fame at World Golf Village hosts its sixth-annual Putting Championship on the Hall of Fame's 18-hole, natural-grass putting course. Open to all amateur golfers in northeast Florida, the championship will continue for three weekends with the top 16 finalists competing on May 2 for the title of "World Golf Hall of Fame Putting Champion" and the opportunity to win more than $10,000 in prizes. Participants should register in advance. Day-of registrants will be subject to availability. Location: World Golf Village, Exit 323 off I-95 Thursday, Apr. 23 – Sunday, Apr. 26, 2009 – 7th Annual Florida's Birding & Fotofest – Local Phone: 904-829-1711, Other Phone: 800-418-7529 – Website: http://getaway4nature.com Mark your calendars for the 2009 Florida's Birding & FotoFest! This year's event is headquartered at the Guana Environmental Education Center located in South Ponte Vedra Beach. It offers more in-the-field photography workshops led by nationally recognized speakers, digital darkroom programs, portfolio reviews and much more! Discover the region's phenomenal bird life and the abundant natural habitats that sustain them with bird walks and boat, kayak trips to undisturbed areas. Location: GTM Research Reserve Environmental Education Center Friday, Apr. 24 – Saturday, Apr. 25, 2009 – Murray Bros. Caddyshack Charity Golf Tournament – Website: http://www.wgv.com Look forward to "A Good Time for a Great Cause" when the ninth-annual charity golf tournament returns with all the Murray brothers and their celebrity friends to benefit The Guardian Catholic Schools. The event will kick off Thursday with a pairings party and silent auction at Murray Bros. Caddyshack Restaurant at World Golf Village and continue Friday with the charity golf tournament, an awards ceremony and post party. The tournament will consist of morning and afternoon flights on both of World Golf Village's championship golf courses, Slammer & Squire and King & Bear. Location: World Golf Village, Exit 323 off I-95 Friday, Apr. 24, 2009 – The Beach Boys in Concert – St. Augustine Amphitheatre – Local Phone: 904-471-1965 – Website: http://www.staugamphitheatre.com Enjoy a live performance by America's first "best rock band", the Beach Boys, at St. Augustine's Amphitheatre. The group has had thirty-six U.S. Top 40 hits (the most of any U.S. rock band) and fifty-six Hot 100 hits, including four number one singles. Rolling Stone magazine listed The Beach Boys as one of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time". According to Billboard, in terms of singles and album sales, The Beach Boys are the No. 1 selling American band of all time. Location: 1340 A1A South, St. Augustine, FL Time: Gates open at 6:30 P.M. and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. Admission: Visit www.ticketmaster.com for ticket prices Saturday, Apr. 25, 2009 – Uptown Saturday Night – Local Phone: 904-824-3152 Experience a favorite end-of-the-month event -- the galleries, antique stores and unique shops between Ripley's Museum and the Mission of Nombre de Dios in St. Augustine's Uptown San Marco Shopping District remain open during this special evening. Meet-the-artists, book signings, live music, refreshments and other events contribute to the party-like atmosphere – plus, great food provided by the St. Augustine Independent Restaurant Association. The Mission of Nombre de Dios provides FREE PARKING for the event. The event is sponsored by the San Marco Avenue Merchants Association. Location: San Marco Avenue Time: 5 to 9 p.m. Admission: Free Sunday, Apr. 26, 2009 – Out of Bounds Gallery Show – Local Phone: 904-824-2310 – Website: http://www.staaa.org Explore St. Augustine Art Association's showing of open media works that pushes the boundaries of ideas, concepts and materials and are unusual or out of the ordinary. Location: St. Augustine Art Association Gallery, 22 Marine Street, St. Augustine, FL Time: 2 to 5 p.m. Admission: Free Sunday, Apr. 26, 2009 – A Taste of St. Augustine & The Birth of the Blues Music Festival – St. Augustine Amphitheatre – Local Phone: 904-829-3295 – Website: http://www.epiccommunityservices.org Savor the unique tastes of St. Augustine during this flavorful event that showcases more than 30 area restaurant's signature dishes accompanied by live blues musical performances. All the fun takes place at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, which will be transformed into a culinary marketplace offering the participating restaurant's "signature tastes" as well as cookbooks, cooking equipment and other specialty food items. Throughout the afternoon and evening restaurants are judged for the "best of" 'upscale dining', 'ethnic tastes', 'family dining', 'desserts', and 'The People's Choice Award'. Location: 1340 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine, FL Admission: Admission to the Taste of St. Augustine is $3 and taste tickets are $1 each with restaurants charging between 1 and 5 tickets per taste. Sunday, Apr. 26, 2009 – Bella Voce Cabaret – Emma Concerts – Local Phone: 904-797- 2800 – Website: http://emmaconcerts.com Enjoy a cast of professional vocal artists who perform musical classics ranging from Neapolitan songs to opera arias to standards of Broadway hits, all in cabaret style. Bella Voce is an entertainment experience like no other! Location: Flagler College Auditorium Time: 2 p.m. Admission: Free Sunday, April 26, 2009 – Castillo de San Marcos – Local Phone: 904-829-6506 – Website: http://www.nps.gov.casa Come experience a re-creation of the territorial period of Florida history concentrating on the Second Seminole War years (1835-1842). Living history displays of U.S. Army, militia, civilian frontier life and Seminole Indian culture will be represented with displays and demonstrations of 19th century weapons will take place at the Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine. Location: Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine, FL Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission: $6 for adults and Free to children 15 and under Sunday, April 26 – Saturday, May 23, 2009 – A Breath of Springtime Collage Exhibit – Local Phone: 904-826-4116 – Website: http://www.stjohnsculture.com Enjoy this exciting exhibit by the Society of Collage Artists at the Art Advocate. The collage artist works on display offers the viewer a new visual art medium for the twentieth century. Location: Art Advocate Gallery, 76B San Marco Avenue, St. Augustine Hours: Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission: Free Friday, May 1, 2009 – James Taylor – St. Augustine Amphitheatre – Local Phone: 904- 471-1965 – Website: http://www.staugamphitheatre.com When people use the term "singer/songwriter" in praise or in criticism, they're often thinking of James Taylor. In the early '70's, when he appeared with his introspective songs, acoustic guitar, and calm, understated singing style, he mirrored a generation's emotional exhaustion after tumultuous times. Location: 1340 A1A South, St. Augustine, FL Time: Gates open at 6:30 p.m. and show begins at 8:00 p.m. Admission: Visit www.ticketmaster.com for ticket prices Friday, May 1 – Saturday, May 2, 2009 – First Coast Opera: Romanza: Songs of Love – St Johns County Agricultural Center – Local Phone: 904-417-5555 – Website: http://www.firstcoastopera.com Celebrate music with a loved one with an evening of favorite love songs, from opera arias to twentieth century standards. Romanza will feature a talented cast of professional singers, along with a full chorus, ballroom dancing and more, including time for the audience to dance. Roses, champagne and other romantic temptations will be available. There will also be a silent auction of romantic gift baskets and other items fitting the theme of the event. Location: 3125 Agricultural Center Drive, St Augustine, FL Directions: Just west of I-95 off of State Road 16 Hours: 8 p.m. Admission: $17 in advance, $20 at the door Friday, May 1 – Sunday, May 3, 2009 – 14th Annual Gamble Rogers Festival – St. Johns County Fairgrounds – Local Phone: 904-794-4163 – Website: http://gamblefest.com Enjoy the very best in folk music at this annual three-day celebration of the music, stories and dance that made Gamble Rogers famous. There will be six stages of continuous acts and a special Saturday night performances include Gatorbone; Willy Caflin "Sorry is as Sorry Does – Gamble Rogers tribute; Jesse Winchester; and Missy Raines and the New Hip. Location: St. Johns County Fairgrounds, Elkton, FL 32033 Admission: Friday night admission is $25. An all-day and night Saturday pass is $40. A dayonly Saturday pass (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) is $25 and a Saturday evening pass is $25. Admission for Sunday (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) is $25. A full weekend pass is $60 in advance and $75 at the door. Children under 12 are free with a paid adult (excluding Saturday night's performance, when admission for children is $10). Check website for more complete information. Friday, May 1 – Sunday, May 31, 2009 – Free Lesson Month at World Golf Village – Local Phone: 904-940-6088 – Website: http://www.wgv.com Take advantage of free golf lessons by the working pros at World Golf Village King and Bear and Slammer and Squire golf courses through the month of May. Participating professional instructors will offer free, 10-minute lessons from participating throughout the month. Free Lesson Month is ideal for a variety of golfers, giving beginners an easy and casual program for a quick introduction to the game and offering avid golfers professional instruction on fine-tuning their game. Location: World Golf Village, Exit 323 off I-95 Saturday, May 2, 2009 – Changing of Flags at Castillo de San Marcos – Local Phone: 904- 829-6506 – Website: www.nps.gov/casa Step back in time at this re-creation of the Change of Flags ceremony that formally transferred Florida from Spanish to English rule at the end of the French and Indian Wars. Re-enactors dressed in both British and Spanish uniforms of the period will recreate the formal ceremony. Presentations and demonstrations of period military equipment and arms, and the 18th century soldier's experience will be involved. Location: Castillo de San Marcos – located on St. Augustine Bayfront Hours: 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Admission: $6 for adults and Free to children 15 and under Saturday, May 2, 2009 – Living History Day at Fort Matanzas – Local Phone: 904-471- 0116 – Website: http://www.nps.gov/foma Take the National Park Service's ferry to Rattlesnake Island and experience daily military life at Fort Matanzas – the 18th century Spanish fort that guarded the southern approach to St. Augustine. From 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., authentically clad reenactors will demonstrate Spanish muskets and cannons at the fort. Location: Fort Matanzas National Monument – located on A1A at the south end of Anastasia Island approximately 15 miles south of St. Augustine. Hours: 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Admission: Free Sunday, May 3 – Saturday, May 30, 2009 – St. Augustine Art Association Spring Member Show – Local Phone: 904-824-2310 – Website: http://www.staaa.org Enjoy the works of the many talented members of the St. Augustine Art Association. The show includes works of all subjects and media. The St. Augustine Art Association Gallery, located at 22 Marine Street in St. Augustine is open 12 to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 2 to 5 p.m. on Sundays. The Opening Reception takes place from 2 to 5 p.m. on May 3. Location: 22 Marine Street, St. Augustine, FL Hours: 12 to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 2 to 5 p.m. on Sundays. The Opening Reception takes place from 2 to 5 p.m. on May 3. Admission: Free Monday, May 4, 2009 – Kings of Leon & The Walkmen – St. Augustine Amphitheatre – Local Phone: 904-471-1965 – Website: http://www.staugamphitheatre.com Since the entrée into the rock world in 2003, Kings of Leon have received a stunning amount of accolades from the media around the globe. The band's fabled story and mysterious, authentic and infectious brand of rock remains fascinating to the music cognoscenti. The NY Times said "the band occupies real estate somewhere between William Faulkner and the Allman Brothers, and its members have a Waltons-gone-bad back story. Location: 1340 A1A South, St. Augustine, FL Time: Gates open at 6:30 P.M. and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. Admission: Visit www.ticketmaster.com for ticket prices Monday, May 4 – Sunday, May 10, 2009 – The Players Championship – Local Phone: 904- 285-PUTT, Toll Free U.S.: 800-741-3161 – Website: http://PGATour.com Come see your favorite golf pro play on the famous and newly-renovated Stadium Course at TPC at Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach. THE PLAYERS Championship is recognized by PGA TOUR members as "their" championship tournament. It is one of the most coveted titles in professional golf and features the strongest field. Previous winners of THE PLAYERS Championship include Sergio Garcia – 2008, Phil Mickelson – 2007, Stephen Ames – 2006, Fred Funk – 2005, Davis Love III – 2003 and several of golf's other greatest players since 1974. Location: TPC, Sawgrass – Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 Wednesday, May 6 – Monday, May 18, 2009 – Nina and Pinta – Website: http://www.thenina.com Step aboard two of Columbus' ships when detailed replicas of the Nina and Pinta dock at the St. Augustine City Marina. This Nina was built by hand just as was the 15th century original. The larger Pinta is a detailed replica of the caravel that sailed with Columbus on his discovery of the New World. Location: St. Augustine Municipal Marina Hours: Both ships daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for self-guided walking tours. Admission: $7 for adults; $6 for seniors and $5 for children. A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales will go to the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum. Wednesday, May 6, 2009 – Sunset/Full Moon River Cruise – Cap's Restaurant – Local Phone: 904-819-8190 Take a cruise on an old fishing boat on the Intracoastal Waterway for a spectacular view of the sunset and moon rise from the water. Cap's on the Water provides this tour during the full moon of each month. Location: Departs from Cap's Restaurant, 4325 Myrtle Street, St. Augustine, FL Directions: approximately 5 miles north of Vilano Beach, off A1A Hours: Departs promptly at 7 p.m. Admission: Tickets are $10 per person. Tickets go on sale at 5:30 p.m. and are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Friday, May 8 – Saturday, May 9, 2009 – Ancient City Crawfish Boil – Other Phone: 800- 745-3000 – Website: http://www.ancientcitycrawfishboil.com Spice things up with a weekend filled with hot music and tasty crawdads in St. Augustine. Thousands of pounds of crawfish and musical performances by 3 Doors Down, Snoop Dogg, G. Love and Hinder plus Flyleaf, Candlebox, Saving Abel, Corey Smith, buzzing newcomer K'Naan and many others will make this inaugural event one to remember. The fun all takes place at Francis Field, located behind the St. Augustine Downtown Historic Parking Facility. Advance general admission tickets are only $29.50 per day and $49.50 for a weekend pass. Advance VIP tickets, which include free crawfish, private restrooms and beverage stations and a private, raised viewing deck are $75 per day or $140 for a weekend pass. For more information, visit www.ancientcitycrawfishboil.com Location: Francis Field, Castillo Drive, St. Augustine, FL Directions: Behind St. Augustine Historic Downtown Parking Facility Admission: Advance general admission tickets are only $29.50 per day and $49.50 for a weekend pass. Available through www.Ticketmaster.com Friday, May 8 – Sunday, May 31, 2009 – Limelight Theatre: The Tempest – Local Phone: 904-825-1164 – Website: http://www.limelight-theatre.org Experience a Shakespeare production in St. Augustine. This classic romance mixes magic, betrayal, attempted murder, fairies and monsters on a castaway island. Location: Limelight Theatre, 11 Old Mission Road, St. Augustine, FL Hours: Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Admission: $25 Adults, $22 Seniors and $20 for students and military Friday, May 8, 2009 – St. Augustine Community Orchestra – Local Phone: 904-471-3026 – Website: http://saco-fl.awardspace.com Enjoy a free performance "The American West". This final season performance by some of St. Augustine's finest musicians. Location: Lightner Museum, 25 Granada Street, St. Augustine, FL Hours: 8 p.m. Admission: Free Friday, May 8, 2009 – Sunset/Moonrise Tour – St. Augustine Lighthouse – Local Phone: 904-829-0745 Be a guest of the St. Augustine Lighthouse and enjoy viewing the sunset and moonrise from the most unique perspective in all of St. Augustine! This special event includes a champagne toast, provided by San Sebastian Winery, atop the tower and an informative overview of the history of the St. Augustine Light Station. Location: St. Augustine Lighthouse, 81 Lighthouse Avenue, St. Augustine, FL Hours: 7:30 to 9 p.m. – Reservations required Admission: $25 for non-museum members and $20 for members Saturday, May 9, 2009 – St. Augustine Cool Jazz Music Series – Flagler College Auditorium – Website: http://www.sanmarproductions.com Productions of St. Augustine will host a cool jazz music series through the summer. The first concert in the series will feature vocalist and guitarist Steve Oliver with special guest the Blake Gaines Quartet. Location: 14 Granada Street, St. Augustine, FL Time: 7:30 p.m. Admission: $35 per person, general admission. Wednesday, May 13, 2009 – Music By the Sea Concert – Local Phone: 904-347-8007 – Website: http://www.staugbchcivicassoc.com Bring your chair and enjoy a live musical performance by St. Augustine High School Jazz Ambassadors. Location: St. Augustine Beach Pier Pavilion on A1A Beach Blvd. Hours: 7 to 9 p.m. Admission: Free and feature dinners from Café Eleven are available for under $10 Friday, May 15, 2009 – Night Owl Cinema Series: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone – Local Phone: 904-471-1965 – Website: http://StAugAmphitheatre.com Enjoy a night with the family in the open air while watching the movie on the big screen at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, Florida's newest outdoor arts and cultural venue. Location: St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 1340 A1A South, St. Augustine, FL 32080 Hours: 8 p.m. Admission: Free Saturday, May 16, 2009 – 25th Annual Car Show – Local Phone: 904-461-9111 – Website: http://local.aaca.org/ancientcity/ Rev up your day at the 25th Annual Ancient City Auto Club Annual Antique and Collector Car Show. More than 100 antique cars and trucks will be on exhibit. Location: Francis Field, located west of St. Augustine Historic Downtown Parking Facility on Castillo Drive & U.S. 1 North Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission: Free – Auto Registration is $20 per vehicle Saturday, May 16, 2009 – Changing of the Guards - Local Phone: 904-829-6506 – Website: www.nps.gov/casa Experience living history as park rangers & volunteers re-create the 18th century Spanish Changing of the Guards ceremony that took place each day at the St Augustine City Gates during the period of military hostilities between colonial Spain and Britain in America. Location: Castillo de San Marcos and City Gate, Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine, FL Admission: Event is free- admission to Castillo is $6 adults and children 15 and under are free Saturday, May 16, 2009 – Junkanoo Festival – Local Phone: 904-312-1194 – Website: http://www.junkanoofest.com Be a part of St. Augustine's celebration of their Abaco, Bahamas ties during an authentic Junkanoo Parade and Island Musical Festival. The history of Abaco and St. Augustine is an exciting story of Loyal British families leaving St. Augustine in 1783 when England ceded St. Augustine back to the Spanish. Descendants of the original British Loyalists will be participating in the festivities. The Plaza de la Constitucion will be alive with exciting island music- including the Bahamian band De Lions of Jah. There will also be plenty of dancing, Abaco crafts and food from 1 to 7 p.m. At 2:30 p.m. join in the Junkanoo parade from the Plaza heading north on St. George Street. Location: Plaza de La Constitucion Hours: 1 to 7 p.m. Music and Market, 2:30 p.m. Parade Admission: Free Saturday, May 16, 2009 – Montoya Brower Beaches Fine Art Triathlon Series – Local Phone: 904-247-6570 – Website: http://www.altavistasports.com/events.html Run, bike or swim in support of the arts during this 23rd Annual Triathlon at Ponte Vedra Beach to support community physical fitness, the arts and educational outreach. This event is one in a series of event s that take place at Mickler Landing in Ponte Vedra Beach. Other dates include June 13 and July 11. Location: Mickler Landing, Beach Park Off A1A, Mickler Boulevard, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL Saturday, May 16 – Sunday, May 17, 2009 – Sawgrass Art Festival – Local Phone: 904- 509-9234 – Website: http://sawgrassvillagepvg.com/events.htm Enjoy a day at Sawgrass attending a juried art show featuring works of some of the finest artists in the south. This year the event will include family fun-filled activities and top quality artists. Bring the whole family to view and purchase wonderful artwork, enjoy various entertainment exhibits, visit the Kids Kreation Korner with craft work and face painting and view a special exhibit of locally-produced student art. Location: Sawgrass Village, 1100 Sawgrass Village Drive, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL Directions: Off A1A and PGA Boulevard Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: Free Saturday, May 16, 2009 – Tenth Annual Concours D'Elegance – Website: http://www.ridingintohistory.org Join in the annual celebration of vintage motorcycles as the Atlantic Beach Vintage Motorcycle Club presents the 10th-annual "Riding into History: Concours d'Elegance" at World Golf Village. Hundreds of antique, vintage, custom-designed, and racing bikes, including the legendary motorcycles of Germany, are on display. The event also features motorcycle dealers, vendors, food, and entertainment. Location: World Golf Village, International Golf Parkway, St. Augustine, FL, Exit 323 off I-95 Admission: $10 per person donation to the Buddy Check 12 breast cancer charity Sunday, May 17, 2009 – St. Augustine Community Chorus Masterworks Concert – Local Phone: 904-829-9859 – Website: http://www.staugustinecommunitychorus.org Enjoy the annual Masterworks Concert, A German Requiem by JOHANNES BRAHMS, preformed by St. Augustine Community Chorus. Location: Ancient City Baptist Church Hours: 3:30 p.m. Admission: Free Sunday, May 17, 2009 – Taste of the Beach – Local Phone: 904-347-8007 – Website: http:// www.staugbchcivicassoc.com Take a nibble from the signature dishes for the finest restaurants in St. Augustine Beach at this annual 'taste-fest". The crowd and judges get to pick the coveted "Best of the Beach" restaurant at the end of the evening. Performing artist Kenya will entertain the crowd with an interactive performance with a variety of musical instruments. Admission is free and taste tickets sell for $1 each. Sample the signature dishes of more than 20 of the beaches restaurants. Location: St. Augustine Beach Pier Park, A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach, FL Hours: Noon to 6 p.m. Admission: Free – Taste tickets sell for $1 each Monday, May 18 – Sunday, May 24, 2009 – Florida's First Coast Art Festival – Local Phone: 352-273-0501 – Website: http://floridasfirstcoastartsfestival.com Come experience multiple performances of quality theatre, musical and visual arts in a series of musical production performances. This University of Florida College of Fine Arts, School of Theatre and Dance will be presenting four different productions throughout the week as well as showcasing award-winning sculpture on the grounds of the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. Experience a theatrical production of Jane Austin's romantic masterpiece, Pride and Prejudice at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, 7 p.m. on Friday and 5 p.m. on Sunday. On Thursday at 8 p.m. relax and enjoy a Night at the Opera, featuring outstanding performances from some of the most popular operas of all time and on Friday at 7 p.m. The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra will perform a special American Pops musical presentation. Then laugh till your heart's content while witnessing The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged, a hilarious, fast-paced, Monty Python-type romp through Shakespeare's plays at 8 p.m. on Tuesday and 7 p.m. on Sunday. Location: St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 1340 A1A South in St. Augustine. Admission: $20 - $25 Wednesday, May 20, 2009 – Music By the Sea Concert – Local Phone: 904-347-8007 – Website: http://www.staugbchcivicassoc.com Bring your chair and enjoy a live musical performance by Jimmy Parrish & the Ocean Waves Band. Location: St. Augustine Beach Pier Pavilion on A1A Beach Blvd. Hours: 7 to 9 p.m. Admission: Free and feature dinners from FA Café are available for under $10 Saturday, May 23, 2009 – Changing of the Guards - Local Phone: 904-829-6506 – Website: www.nps.gov/casa Experience living history as park rangers & volunteers re-create the 18th century Spanish Changing of the Guards ceremony that took place each day at the St Augustine City Gates during the period of military hostilities between colonial Spain and Britain in America. Location: Castillo de San Marcos and City Gate, Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine, FL Admission: Event is free- admission to Castillo is $6 adults and children 15 and under are free Saturday, May 23, 2009 – Fort Matanzas Nature Explorations – Local Phone: 904-461- 0116 – Website: http://www.nps.gov/foma Be a part of this National Parks Service Nature Series at Fort Matanzas National Monument. These ranger-led walks are part of a series of excursions, each exploring a different habitat or ecosystem at Fort Matanzas. Location: Fort Matanzas National Monument, located on A1A at the sound end of Anastasia Island approximately 15 miles south of St. Augustine. Hours: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Admission: Free Monday, May 25, 2009 – Memorial Day Summer Concerts in the Plaza – Local Phone: 904-825-1004 – Website: http://www.plazaconcerts.com Enjoy a return to those warm summer evenings of yesteryear when the bandstand in the plaza was where everyone gathered to enjoy music. This exciting performance by the St. Augustine Jazz Society takes place in St. Augustine's historic Plaza de la Constitucion. Get comfortable by bringing a lawn chair or blanket. Location: Plaza de La Constitucion, Cathedral Place, St. Augustine, FL Hours: 1 to 5 p.m. Admission: Free Wednesday, May 27, 2009 – Music By the Sea Concert – Local Phone: 904-347-8007 – Website: http://www.staugbchcivicassoc.com Bring your chair and enjoy a live musical performance by the Navy Jazz Ensemble. Location: St. Augustine Beach Pier Pavilion on A1A Beach Blvd. Hours: 7 to 9 p.m. Admission: Free and feature dinners from Amici's Restaurant are available for under $10 Saturday, May 30, 2009 – Bob Hope Postage Stamp Unveiling – World Golf Hall of Fame – Website: http://www.wgv.com Witness an historic presentation when The United States Postal Service will hold a second-day stamp unveiling honoring Bob Hope at the World Golf Hall of Fame. The unveiling ceremony will feature special speakers, the official stamp unveiling by USPS representatives and a birthday cake for Hope, whose 106th birthday would have been May 29, 2009. The ceremony will be free and open to the public and attendees will have the opportunity to purchase commemorative cachets with the newly released stamp on site. All attending guests to the event can enjoy the special exhibit, "Bob Hope: Shanks for the Memory," complimentary in the World Golf Hall of Fame until noon. Location: World Golf Hall of Fame, Exit 323 off I-95 Hours: 10 a.m. to Noon Admission: Free Saturday, May 30, 2009 – Changing of the Guards - Local Phone: 904-829-6506 – Website: www.nps.gov/casa Experience living history as park rangers & volunteers re-create the 18th century Spanish Changing of the Guards ceremony that took place each day at the St Augustine City Gates during the period of military hostilities between colonial Spain and Britain in America. Location: Castillo de San Marcos and City Gate, Avenida Menendez and Orange Street, St. Augustine, FL Admission: Event is free- admission to Castillo is $6 adults and children 15 and under are free Saturday, May 30, 2009 – Nature Workshop at St. Augustine Lighthouse – Local Phone: 904-829-0745 – Website: http://www.staugustinelighthouse.com Come learn basic identification of Florida spiders on an exploration of the woods around the Lighthouse. Gail Compton, Nature and Natural History Educator for the Lighthouse will lead this group on this exploration for spiders from 9 to 11 a.m. Location: St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum, 81 Lighthouse Avenue, St. Augustine, FL Hours: 9 to 11 a.m. Admission: Workshop is Free, and regular admission is required to climb the Lighthouse and visit the Museum. Saturday, May 30, 2009 – Uptown Saturday Night – Local Phone: 904-824-3152 Experience a favorite end-of-the-month event -- Uptown Saturday Night! From 5 to 9 p.m., the galleries, antique stores and unique shops between Ripley's Museum and the Mission of Nombre de Dios in St. Augustine's Uptown San Marco Shopping District remain open during this special evening. Meet-the-artists, book signings, live music, refreshments and other events contribute to the party-like atmosphere – plus, great food provided by the St. Augustine Independent Restaurant Association. The Mission of Nombre de Dios provides FREE PARKING for the event. The event is sponsored by the San Marco Avenue Merchants Association. Location: San Marco Avenue, St. Augustine, FL 32084 Hours: 5 to 9 p.m. Admission: Free