Verified: February 27, 2026

2026 Event Calendar

The definitive guide to Amelia Island's signature festivals. Updated with official 2026 schedules, insider logistics, and new community events.

2026 Travel Alert: The Amelia Schedule Swap

Major Schedule Flip: The main Concours d'Elegance is now Saturday, March 7. Cars & Caffeine has moved to Sunday. Adjust your hotel stays accordingly.

Schedule Alert

FEB 28 Main Expo

Booking Now Culture

Amelia Island Book Festival

Theme: Hollywood Nights. Featuring headliner Kate Quinn. Don't miss the free Family Expo on Saturday or the Celebrity Gala on Feb 27.

Local Tip: Before the Book Fest, catch the Mardi Gras Parade in Kingsland (Feb 7) to see the island's krewes debut their 2026 float designs.

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Signature Events

Jan - Jun

25th

Chamber Music Festival

Silver Anniversary Season

Celebrating a 25-year milestone with world-class classical, crossover, and Americana performances across intimate island venues.

Insider Intel

The grand Festival Finale on June 13 features the renowned Miró Quartet at the historic Nassau County Courthouse.

March

05-08

The Amelia

Automotive Week

Honoring Dario Franchitti. The world-class Concours d'Elegance moves to Saturday for 2026.

Logistics Change

Saturday Mar 7: Main Concours.
Sunday Mar 8: Cars & Caffeine.

April

09-12

9.0

Songwriters Festival

Historic Downtown

Nashville comes to the coast. Acoustic rounds at the Boat House and Sliders.

Insider Intel

Season kickoff for Sounds on Centre is Friday, April 3. Free concert on Centre Street.

May

01-03

Shrimp Festival

61st Annual Tradition

The island's signature event. Parade (Apr 30), pirates, and riverfront fireworks.

2026 Redesign

Kids Zone: Moved to the new Waterfront Park.
Invasion: Revamped "Choreographed Chaos" with 3 cannons and a new pirate ship.

May

08-17

9.5

Wild Amelia Nature Festival

Eco-Tourism Week

A 10-day celebration of the island's diverse ecosystems, featuring sunset cruises, ecotours, and native wildlife education.

Insider Intel

Don't miss the Beachside Eco-Expo on Saturday, May 16 at Main Beach Park alongside the Opening of the Beaches event.

October

04-11

9.0

Les DeMerle Jazz Festival

World-Class Music

Eight days of electric performances spanning contemporary, big band, Latin, and swing jazz at venues across the island.

Insider Intel

Not only is it a major cultural draw, but festival proceeds fund college scholarships for aspiring young jazz musicians.

November

07-08

9.5

Right Whale Festival

Conservation & Community

Main Beach transforms to celebrate the winter return of endangered North Atlantic right whales to their coastal calving grounds.

Insider Intel

Drawing over 15,000 visitors annually, this free event features ocean-themed activities, live music, and right whale sighting training.

November

13-15

9.0

Pétanque Open

Waterfront Tournament

International teams descend on the renovated waterfront park for high-stakes play.

Insider Intel

The atmosphere is peak European-coastal. Best viewed Saturday afternoon with a glass of wine.

December

10-13

Dickens on Centre

Victorian Christmas

Victorian London takes over downtown Fernandina with snow machines and carolers.

Insider Intel

Dickens After Dark tickets sell out months in advance. Registration typically opens in late summer.

Recurring & Community Favorites

Fernandina Market Place

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

Waterfront Park Grand Opening

Tentatively Spring 2026. New multi-use pavilion, play area, and expanded greenspace.