The Ximenez Fatio House Museum, 20 Aviles St. in historic St. Augustine, will be busy this fall season with multiple events planned, including the Aviles Street Festival, the St. Augustine Book Festival, Mortality & Mourning Candlelight Tours and the annual Halloween Trick or Treat Festival.
The museum was recently awarded the TripAdvisor 2024 Travelers' Choice Award, placing the house museum among the top 10% of businesses worldwide and recognizing the museum as the top “Thing To Do” in St. Augustine.
“This incredible recognition is a testament to the dedication, passion and love that our visitors have shown us,” said Payson Tilden, executive director of Ximenez-Fatio House Museum. “A special thank you to the Tourist Development Council, St Johns Cultural Council, Institute of Museums and Library Services, Americana Corner and the Jessie Ball duPont Foundation for their unwavering support.”
Aviles Street Festival
Noon to 9 p.m. Sept. 8
The City of St. Augustine will celebrate its 459th anniversary on Sept. 8. In addition, the Aviles Street Festival celebrates the 100th anniversary of its sister-city relationship with Aviles, Spain. The bond began in 1924 when St. Augustine citizens returned the remains of its founder, Pedro Menendez, to Aviles.
Experience a vibrant street party with strolling musicians, artists, re-enactors, dancers and unique food and drink offerings. The street will be adorned with flags, flowers and decor. Rediscover the charm of Aviles Street and explore its rich history and cultural heritage.
Visit landmarks like the newly reopened Father O’Reilly’s garden, the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum, the Kirby-Smith House and the Spanish Hospital. Enjoy local specialties at the many restaurants located on this historic street and explore the art galleries and shops.
“The Aviles Street Festival will not only honor the 100th anniversary of our sister-city relationship with Aviles, Spain, but we also hope to bring awareness to the fact that Aviles Street here in St. Augustine, Florida, is the oldest platted street in the continental United States,” said Tilden. “The street is quaint, historic and filled with wonderful galleries, boutiques, restaurants and museums. It is worth a visit.”
St. Augustine Book Festival
Sept. 21
The second annual St. Augustine Book Festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21 on the grounds of the museum with Florida and St. Augustine-based authors. Books will be available for purchase from each author. Admission is free. In addition, historic house tours will be available throughout the day at regular price.
Authors include Andres Fattino, Gaston (Trey) King, Karen Harvey, Mariou Matthews, Robin Hamman, Steve Sweeney, Jane Hartenstern, Allen Balough, Bruce Fox, Michael Urban, Caitlin Coppola, Marisa Carbone, Ann Masters Browning, Linda Brandt, Elizabeth Randall, Rosamond Parrish, JE Mooney and others.
Mortality & Mourning Candlelight Tours
Sept. 27-Oct. 26
Enjoy a guided candlelight tour through the 226-year-old historic house and learn about the ways that St. Augustine townsfolk of the 1800s practiced mourning rituals and cultural practices — from St. Augustine's Second Spanish Colonial Era through its Victorian Era. Mourning & Mortality: A Century of Death Candlelight Tours will be held at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. every Friday and Saturday from Sept. 27 through Oct. 26. This spooky, yet family-friendly tour will get you into the Halloween spirit. Tickets are available in advance. Go to ximenezfatiohousemuseum.ticketspice.com/mortality-and-mourning.
Halloween Trick-Or-Treat Festival
Oct. 26
This annual event is a free and family-friendly afternoon of trick-or-treating and fun activities — from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26. This special community event is eagerly anticipated by both locals and visitors each year. Trick-or-treaters can get candy in every doorway of this three-story historic house and play games and win prizes. Guests of all ages are invited to wear spooky or not-so-spooky costumes. All donation proceeds go to the museum’s "Save Our Coquina Fund" for the restoration and preservation of this unique, more than 226-year-old coquina house museum.
Daily Tours & Gift Shop
The Ximenez-Fatio House Museum is an original coquina structure in historic St. Augustine. Self-guided audio tours and guided tours are available Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last tour leaves at 3:45 p.m.). The Fig Tree Gift Shop features a variety of items, including museum merch, fig jam from the historic fig tree on the property, books by local and Florida authors and a variety of souvenirs that make great gifts. Learn more at ximenezfatiohouse.org.
