Verified: January 8, 2026

2026 Event Calendar

The definitive guide to Amelia Island's signature festivals. Verified dates, schedule changes, and local insider tips.

2026 Travel Alert: The Amelia (Concours)

Major Schedule Flip: The main Concours d'Elegance has moved to Saturday, March 7.
Cars & Caffeine is now Sunday, March 8. Do not book your travel based on old patterns.

Critical Update
JAN 16 Starts Fri
Booking Now Culinary

Amelia Island Restaurant Week

The island's most anticipated culinary event. Prix-fixe menus ($35/$55) at 24+ top-tier restaurants including Salt, Burlingame, and POGO's.

Insider Tip: The Opening Dinner is Jan 15 at Nonna Mia (Omni). Weekend reservations for the top spots are 90% full—book a Tuesday night for better service.

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Signature Events

February
28
8.0

Amelia Island Book Festival

Theme: Hollywood Nights

Renowned authors and workshops. Headliner: Kate Quinn. The Gala (Feb 27) features a live auction.

Insider Intel
The Saturday Expo at the Middle School is free and excellent for families. For the Gala, buy the "Author Table" tier to sit with a writer.
March
05-08
10

The Amelia

Flipped Schedule

Automotive Week

The "Pebble Beach of the East." Rare vehicles, auctions, and luxury. Honoree: Dario Franchitti.

Critical Tip
Don't mix this up: The Concours (Sunday tradition) is now SATURDAY. Sunday is "Cars & Caffeine" (Kid friendly).
April
09-12
9.0

Songwriters Festival

Live Music / Storytelling

Intimate acoustic shows in historic venues. Modeled after The Bluebird Cafe. Headliners: Leslie Satcher, Thomm Jutz.

Insider Intel
Skip the main stage—the shows at the Boat House venue are the rowdiest and most authentic.
April
16-19
9.5

Fish to Fork

10th Anniversary

Elite chefs compete in a dock-to-dish challenge at the Omni Resort. High-end, foodie heaven.

Insider Intel
Don't buy the full hotel package. Just get the Saturday Night "Main Event" ticket (~$175) to taste the dishes.
May
01-03
10

Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival

Diamond Jubilee (60th)

The big one. Parade (Apr 30), Pirates, Arts & Crafts, and Shrimp prepared every way imaginable.

Insider Intel
Pro Strategy: Go Friday Night (May 1). Food booths open at 3PM, Fireworks at 9:30PM. Crowds are 50% lighter than Saturday.
November
13-15
9.0

Pétanque Open

Returns!

International Tournament

The largest Pétanque tournament in the Americas returns to the newly renovated waterfront park.

Insider Intel
Go Saturday afternoon. It’s an authentic European atmosphere with pop-up wine bars and high-stakes games.
December
10-13
10

Dickens on Centre

Victorian Holiday

Victorian London takes over downtown. Snow machines, costumed characters, and Saint Nick.

Insider Intel
The Impossible Ticket: "Dickens After Dark" (21+ Party) goes on sale in July and sells out instantly. Set an alarm.

Recurring Local Favorites

Fernandina Beach Market Place

Saturdays, 9 AM - 1 PM (N. 7th St)

Sounds on Centre

First Fridays (Apr-Oct). Free.