Annual Highlights & Festivals

Your guide to Amelia Island's major signature events throughout the year.

Amelia Island Restaurant Week

A culinary celebration featuring special prix-fixe menus and pricing at a wide selection of restaurants across Amelia Island.

Event Dates

2025: January 17 - 26 (Occurred)
2026: January 16 - 25

Amelia Island Book Festival

An annual literary event featuring renowned authors, book signings, workshops, and panel discussions for book lovers and aspiring writers.

Event Dates

2025: February 13-15 (Occurred)
2026: February 28

The Amelia

A prestigious automotive week showcasing rare and vintage vehicles, highlighted by the world-renowned Concours d'Elegance and exclusive auctions.

Event Dates

2025: February 27 - March 2 (Occurred)
2026: March 5 - 8

Fernandina Beach Songwriters Festival

Celebrated songwriters perform in intimate and historic venues throughout downtown Fernandina Beach, offering a mix of free and ticketed shows.

Event Dates

2025: April 10 - 12 (Occurred)
2026: Mid-April (Tentative)

Fish to Fork

A high-end culinary weekend at the Omni Amelia Island Resort, where acclaimed chefs compete in a dock-to-dish challenge with a final tasting showdown.

Event Dates

2025: May 15-18 (Occurred)
2026: April 16 - 19

Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival

The island's signature heritage event celebrating the local shrimping industry with a parade, juried arts & crafts, live music, contests, and delicious shrimp.

Event Dates

2025: May 2-4 (Occurred)
2026: May 1 - 3

Wild Amelia Nature Festival

A multi-day festival celebrating the ecological diversity of Amelia Island with nature tours, an EcoExpo, kids' activities, and exhibits.

Event Dates

2025: May 9 - 17 (Occurred)
2026: May 8 - 16

Fernandina Beach Pride Parade & Festival

A community celebration promoting diversity and inclusion, featuring a vibrant parade through downtown and a festival in Central Park.

Event Dates

2025: June 7 (Occurred)
2026: Early June (Tentative)

4th of July Fireworks & Celebration

Classic Independence Day festivities in downtown Fernandina Beach, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display over the Fernandina Harbor.

Event Dates

2025: July 4 (Occurred)
2026: July 4

Amelia Island Dance Festival

A celebration of dance with performances, workshops, and outreach programs showcasing various styles from world-class artists.

Event Dates

2025: September 4 - 7 (Occurred)
2026: Early September (Tentative)

Amelia Island Jazz Festival

A week-long celebration that brings acclaimed jazz musicians to the island for performances ranging from intimate club settings to larger stage shows.

Event Dates

2025: Sept 28 - Oct 5 (Occurred)
2026: Early October (Tentative)

Island Hop Craft Beer Fest

An annual festival in Central Park featuring a wide selection of local and regional craft breweries, complete with live music and food trucks.

Event Dates

2025: October 4 (Occurred)
2026: Early October (Tentative)

Right Whale Festival

This festival celebrates the annual return of endangered North Atlantic right whales to their calving grounds and promotes marine conservation.

Event Dates

2025: November 1 - 2
2026: Early November (Tentative)

Pétanque Amelia Island Open

One of the largest Pétanque tournaments in North America, drawing players worldwide for this classic French boules game on the downtown waterfront.

Event Dates

2025: No event in 2025 (Canceled)
2026: November 13 - 15

Dickens on Centre

A Victorian-themed holiday street festival transforming historic downtown Fernandina into a scene from Dickens' time with characters, food, and entertainment.

Event Dates

2025: December 11 - 14
2026: Mid-December (Tentative)

New Year's Eve Shrimp Drop

Fernandina Beach rings in the New Year with family-friendly festivities, culminating in the lowering of a giant, lighted shrimp.

Event Dates

2025: December 31
2026: December 31

Ongoing & Recurring Events

Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival

A world-class concert series presenting celebrated classical, jazz, and contemporary musicians in intimate venues across the island.

Schedule: October 12, 2025 - June 13, 2026 (Ongoing)

Sounds on Centre

A free outdoor concert series turning historic downtown into a lively music hall. Bring a chair and enjoy the show!

Schedule: First Friday, Apr - Oct (excl. July) (Ongoing)

Fernandina Beach Market Place

A bustling weekly farmers market with fresh produce, local goods, and baked treats. Joined by an Arts Market on 2nd and 4th Saturdays.

Schedule: Saturdays, 9 AM - 1 PM (Ongoing)

Amelia Island Museum of History Ghost Tours

Engaging (and sometimes spooky!) walking tours exploring the darker history and local legends of Fernandina Beach.

Schedule: Fridays & Select Dates Year-Round (Ongoing)