Flagler University

Events Celebrating 500 Years Plus Much More!

Monday through Sunday: April 1 – 7

Picasso: Art & Arena Exhibit – An exhibition featuring dozens of Picasso originals, including many that have never been seen previously in the United States. Both famous and rare, these pieces were produced in different styles, techniques and media; providing unique insights into one of Picasso’s main themes: bullfighting.  The exhibition is at the Visitor Information Center,10 Castillo Dr. in St. Augustine. Admission: Adults $10; Seniors $8; Kids 6 & Under – Free; Kids 7 – 12 – $5; Family of 4 – $20; Military in Uniform – Free; Flagler College Student with ID – Free. The Picasso Exhibit is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Daily. www.picassoartandarena.com   904-825-1000
Edwin Augustus Moore Special Exhibit at the Lightner Museum – The private collection of Edwin Augustus Moore paintings are featured as a special exhibit at The Lightner Museum through May 1. Moore was an American painter, traveler, journalist, photographer and composer who used St. Augustine for many of his landscape watercolor subjects. He visited the ancient city in 1895 along with other members of his artistic and eccentric family. The Lightner Museum, located at 75 King Street, is open daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is adults $10; Active military with ID $6; College students and young people 12-18 $5; Children under 12 (with adult) free; St. John’s County residents are free. 904-824-2874  

Monday – Friday: April 1 – 5
What Could Be Exhibition – Artist Anna von Mertens’ What Could Be exhibition is on display at the Crisp-Ellert Art Museum, 48 Sevilla St., in St. Augustine. The artist meticulously translates empirical data about subjects as far ranging as energy in nuclear explosions to auras in historical paintings into paintings, hand-dyed and hand-stitched fabrics. The gallery will host the exhibition through April 12. Admission is free. Gallery hours are Mon. thru Fri. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sundays noon to 4 p.m. www.flagler.edu/crispellert
Tuesday: April 2
Spring Women’s Exchange Luncheon – Enjoy a very special luncheon prepared by members of the St. Augustine Women’s Exchange in the Gardens of the historic Pena-Peck House. Doors to the gift shop open at 10:30 a.m., and the luncheon is served at noon. Tickets are $25 and include $5 fun money for shopping. The Pena-Peck House is located at 143 St. George Street in St. Augustine. http://www.PenaPeckHouse.com  904-829-5064

Dedication of GTM NERR Ponce de Leon 30 and 8 Historical Site – Celebrate Ponce de Leon’s naming of La Florida from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at the GTM Research Reserve North Beach Parking Access on A1A in Ponte Vedra Beach. Located between St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach, this permanent addition to the visitor experience recognizes the only known navigational reading recorded on Ponce de Leon’s “Journey of Discovery,” taken at noon, April 2, 1513 the day prior to his landing when he claimed La Florida for Spain.   From 11:30 to 1:30, Ponce and his men will be portrayed by the Men of Menendez, a local historic reenactment group. They will take a navigational reading at the approximate position of 30 degrees 8 minutes north latitude. Then local and state dignitaries will unveil a 15′ statue of Ponce de Leon, an official historical marker and interpretive signage.   904-823-4500 http://gtmnerr308ponce.eventbrite.com
                                                                      
St. Augustine Archaeological Association – Local archaeologists share results of local digs and news of upcoming archaeological events. The event begins at 7 p.m. in the Flagler Room, Flagler College, 74 King St., St. Augustine. Admission is free.  http://saaa.shutterfly.com

Wednesday: April 3
Commemorative Reenactment of the Landing of Juan Ponce de Leon – Colorful re-enactment ceremonies throughout the day along St. Augustine’s bayfront commemorate the 500th anniversary of Ponce de Leon’s April 3, 1513, landing on the shores of La Florida.   The commemorative landing takes place at 9 a.m. on the bayfront at the base of the Bridge of Lions. At 10 a.m., a ceremonial wreath laying featuring the mayor of Santervas, Spain (birthplace of Ponce) will take place at the Ponce statue. A commemorative mass takes place at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral and at 12:30 p.m. a commemorative U.S postage stamp will be unveiled by the U.S. Postal Service at Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College. www.Ponce500.com

Juan Ponce de Leon Commemorative Mass and Baptismal Font Dedication – A special mass at St. Augustine’s Cathedral Basilica,38 Cathedral Place will include the dedication of an exact replica of the baptismal font in which Ponce was baptized. www.staugustine-450.com

United States Postal Service La Florida Stamp Unveiling– The United States Postal Service will unveil the 2013 La Florida Forever Stamp at Lewis Auditorium on the campus of St. Augustine’s Flagler College. Presenters include Florida Secretary of State Kenneth Detzner; Flagler College President Dr. William Abare; and Florida Senator Bill Nelson. The cermony takes place at 12:30 p.m. Admission is free. www.Ponce500.com

First Wednesdays Lightner Museum Tours – Lightner Museum curat
or provides an exclusive encounter with some of the museum’s eclectic relics. The themed interactive tours are changed monthly and are designed to give participants an opportunity to talk with the curator and see acquisitions in operation rather than just as static displays.   Tours begin at 10 a.m. on the second floor of the museum located at 75 King Street in St. Augustine. The tour is included in the regular admission price of $10 adults; active duty military $6; $5 college students and young people ages 12-18; free for under 12. Donations welcomed. 904-824-2874 www.lightnermuseum.org

Thursday: April 4 
Marineland Beach Walk – The GTM Research Reserve presents a free, guided walk along the beach at Marineland. The hike focuses on birdlife, habitats and the unusual geology of the shore. The 90-minute hike begins at 9 a.m. Watch for the temporary event sign posted on the west side of A1A at the south end of Marineland. 904-823-4500

Learn to Kayak – Guided 2-hour tour that is great for beginners or experienced paddlers. Safe loading from a stable floating dock system and kayak rudders that allow for even greater maneuverability. Gain a new perspective of the salt marsh habitat, spy interesting shorebirds, and maybe even see a dolphin. Your guide will ensure a safe and informative tour. The tour departs at 10 a.m. from the St. Augustine City Marina, 111 Avenida Menendez, and costs $35/paddler. 904-377-7245 www.staugustineecotours.com

Friday: April 5
Spring Women’s Exchange Luncheons – Enjoy a very special luncheon prepared by members of the St. Augustine Women’s Exchange in the gardens of the historic Pena-Peck House. Doors to the gift shop open at 10:30 a.m., and lunch is served at noon.  Tickets are $25 and include $5 fun money for shopping. The Pena-Peck House is located at 143 St. George Street in St. Augustine. http://www.PenaPeckHouse.com  904-829-5064

First Friday Art Walk – Experience one of St. Augustine’s most popular cultural events from 5 to 9 p.m. on the first Friday of every month. Enjoy the latest exhibits, music, entertainment and refreshments at over 20 participating galleries. Tours begin at San Sebastian Winery, 157 King St. St. Augustine Sightseeing Trains and Old Town Trolleys offer attendees a complimentary shuttle service to most of the galleries. Shuttles run on a continuous loop every 30 minutes. 904-829-0065 www.artgalleriesofstaugustine.com

Friday – Sunday: April 5 – 7
Spring Member Show at St. Augustine Art Association Gallery – Outstanding exhibition of association members’ art juried for awards. The gallery is located at 22 Marine St. and is open Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. Admission is free. http://www.staaa.org 904-824-2310

What Flows From Spain Exhibit – In recognition of Florida’s quincentennial, the St. Augustine Art Association will feature a special exhibit of the works of Cuban-American artist Elio Beltran. The exhibit, titled What Flows From Spain, includes several large-scale narrative paintings emphasizing Florida’s ties to Spain. The artist will be at the gallery from 5-9 p.m. for First Friday Art Walk (April 5). Admission to the gallery is free. On April 18, a Spanish-inspired reception, “Viva Espana,” will take place from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and will feature Dennis Fermin on guitar, flamenco dancing and sangria. Admission for this event is $5. The St. Augustine Art Association is located at 22 Marine Street. 904-824-2310 http://www.staaa.org

“Deeper-New Works Art Exhibit to Benefit Rikki” – Space:Eight Gallery exhibit opens with all new works by Chip Southworth produced for benefit of Rikke Southworth to aid in her ongoing battle with breast cancer. The exhibit and opening party take place on April 5 from 5-11 p.m. at Space Eight Gallery, 228 W. King St., in St. Augustine. The show will run through May 24 with all proceeds from art sales presented to Rikki. www.spaceeight.com
 904-829-2838

Jurassic Park: An IMAX 3D Experience – The IMAX release of Jurassic Park digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of an IMAX 3D Experience! Jurassic Park will be showing at the IMAX Theatre, at 1:00, 4:25, 7:00 and 9:30 p.m. at One World Golf Place, St. Augustine. E-Tickets are $14.50 Adults and $11.50 Children 3-12. 904-940-4133 www.worldgolfimax.com

Events Celebrating 500 Years Plus Much More! 3 logo+(1) St. Francis Inn St. Augustine Bed and Breakfast

18TH Annual Rhythm & Ribs Festival – Non-stop music and award-winning scrumptious barbecue all weekend long, plus a Saturday night performance by JJ Grey and Mofro. Rhythm & Ribs takes place at Francis Field, located behind the Historic Downtown Parking Facility on West Castillo Dr. in St. Augustine. The festival hours are Friday 5 to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $2 per person, except Saturday evening, when it is $5. Kids 12 and under are free. www.rhythmandribs.net
 904-417-8470

Saturday: April 6
Living History Day at Fort Matanzas National Monument – From 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., authentically clad re-enactors will demonstrate Spanish cannons at this fortress that guarded the southern approach to St. Augustine. Admission is free including the ferry ride to and from Rattlesnake Island. Fort Matanzas National Monument is located at 8635 A1A at the south end of Anastasia Island approximately 15 miles south of St. Augustine.www.nps.gov/foma  904-471-0116

Nature Hike at Faver-Dykes – Park Services specialist Dennis Pope leads a hike along the Pine Loop Trail at Faver-Dykes State Park. The hike features flora and fauna, timber harvesting and prescribed fires. The hike is from 10 to 11 a.m. and departs from the ranger station.   The hike is included in the regular admission ($5 per vehicle) to the park located at 1000 Faver-Dykes Road, St. Augustine. 904-794-0997 www.floridastateparks.org/faverdykes

Garden + History Tour of Washington Oaks Gardens – Washington Oaks Gardens State Park Ranger Dixon will share a stroll through the formal gardens and provide the history of the Washington Oaks Historic District from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Ranger Dixon will share her passion about the various flowers, plants, and butterfly species that the park has to offer. Admission to the park is $5 per vehicle and $2 for pedestrians or bicyclists. The park is located at 6400 North Oceanshore Blvd., Palm Coast, FL. www.FloridaStateParks.org

Vilano Beach Sunset Celebration – Features a spectacular sunset across the bay — plus, dozens of market vendors, live music, local arts and crafts and more can be found on the pier! Activities are from 3 p.m. – dusk. Admission is free. Located at 115 Vilano Rd., St. Augustine. 904-540-0402 www.vilanobeachfl.com

Evening Nature Program at Anastasia State Park – Park rangers or volunteers present programs on various topics ranging from sea turtles to star gazing. Programs take place at open-air pavilions with one of the most beautiful scenic backdrops in Northeast Florida as inspiration. Program included in regular admission of $8 per vehicle. 1340 A1A, St. Augustine. Times vary throughout year. 904-461-2035 http://www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia 

Saturday & Saturday: April 6 & 7
Ponce de Leon Celebration: La Fiesta de la Florida – Weekend-long revival of St. Augustine’s Ponce de Leon celebration that began in 1883. The festivities begin at 10 a.m. on April 6 with a re-enactment on the bayfront of Ponce de Leon’s 1513 discovery and naming of La Florida. A ceremony will follow at the Ponce de Leon statue at the east end of the Plaza de la Constitucion. Re-enactors representing 500 years of Florida history will appear during festivities continuing until 10 p.m. The celebrations on both days will take place at the Ribera House, 22 St. George Street and Arrivas House, 46 St. George Street. Latin food, historic military demonstrations by the Historic Florida Militia, folkloric dancers from Hispanic countries and other live entertainment will be featured. On April 7, the festivities begin on St. George Street at 11 a.m. with a performance of “Dancing With the Sun” by the pre-Columbian dancers Xochitalpan.   The day’s entertainment includes Lucero Bernal with traditional Mariachi-style music; Latin American folkloric groups Raices de Colombia, Fuego Flamenco; Raices de mi Tierra Puerto Rico; San Patricio Mexican Dancers and Belly Flamenco Dancers; “Taste of the Fuego Flamenco”; Blue Lotus belly dancing; guitar performances and special appearances by Don Juan Ponce de Leon (portrayed by Fr. Gilbert Medina) and Miss Ponce de Leon (portrayed by Raisa La Rosa, the reigning Miss Mundo Latina). Free admission to all events. 904-460-2741 www.facebook.com/PonceDeLeonCelebration
Sunday: April 7
Chicago Concert – Chicago, one of the longest running and most successful pop/rock ‘n’ roll groups in history, performs at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. (gates open at 6:30 p.m.) at the Amphitheatre, 1340 A1A South. Tickets $67, $52 & $47. www.staugamphitheatre.com 904-209-0367

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