Verified: March 23, 2026

2026 Event Calendar

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

Upcoming Alert: Spring Event Season

Sounds on Centre Kickoff: The free outdoor concert series returns to Centre Street on Friday, April 3. Following this, the Songwriters Festival takes over the island April 10-11!

Local Event

APR 10 Starts Fri

Next Up Music

Amelia Island Songwriters Festival

Nashville comes to the coast! Experience acoustic rounds at intimate local venues, featuring top songwriters sharing the stories behind the hits.

Local Tip: Season kickoff for Sounds on Centre is Friday, April 3. Catch the free concert on Centre Street a week before the festival begins.

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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 successfully moved to Saturday for 2026.

2026 Event Concluded

Thank you to all who attended! Dates for the 2027 Concours d'Elegance will be announced soon.

April

10-11

9.0

Songwriters Festival

Historic Downtown

Nashville comes to the coast. Acoustic rounds at local venues bringing intimate performances and behind-the-scenes stories.

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 kicks off the festivities (Apr 30), followed by pirates, art, 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 in one of America's largest Pétanque events.

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, holiday markets, 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.