Tour 30-plus historic properties in St. Augustine from May 7 to 11 during the St. Augustine History Festival — many of which will showcase special events. See event details and locations at staugustinehistoryfestival.com
The St. Augustine History Festival was created by the University of Florida Historic St. Augustine Inc. and the Lastinger Family Foundation to showcase the history of America’s oldest city.
The goal is to showcase every era of St. Augustine’s long and storied past, from the founding in 1565 to the most advanced technology available to study history in 2025.
The St. Augustine History Festival takes place during National Historic Preservation Month, with 55 properties through St. Augustine and St. Johns County on the National Register of Historic Places.
“My favorite part of the event is two-fold: piecing together the History Festival each year is a tremendous rush for me, as I see our historic sites and venues coming together as one community,” explained Roger Smith, director of the St. Augustine History Festival, adjunct professor at Flagler College and membership and outreach coordinator with the St. Augustine Historical Society.
“The best part, however, is attending as many programs and venues as humanly possible during the five-day festival and listening to the comments of those in attendance. It’s amazing how many people have said things like, ‘We don’t get downtown much because of the crowds, but this really piqued our interest!’”
Forty-plus tours, lectures, family-friendly events, workshops and other happenings are on the schedule. In addition to historic attractions, the 2025 event will also feature historic houses of worship and historic gardens.
Sample of Events
- At the Colonial Quarter living history museum, festival participants can experience ongoing screenings of the PBS documentary “America’s Untold Story” on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, May 7-9.
- On Saturday, May 10, guests can enjoy free colonial demonstrations, storytelling and colonial music. In addition, visitors can enjoy free tours of the Gallegos House at 21 St. George St., with a focus on historic preservation and colonial life.
- The Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States, will feature “Blast from the Past” on Saturday and Sunday, May 10-11, with historic weapons demonstrations at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
- St. Augustine Historical Society events include Dr. Christine Miller of the UF College of Medicine, speaking about Spanish Colonial Medical Practices on Friday, May 9, from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Oldest House Museum Complex, 14 St. Francis St.
- The Woman’s Exchange of St. Augustine will host two free talks on Thursday, May 8, at the historic Peña-Peck House that include “Whatever A Woman’s Capable of Doing: The Extraordinary History of the Sisters of St. Joseph” and “Through the Eyes of Constance Fenimore Woolson.”
- Fort Mose Historic State Park will hold multiple free events on Friday and Saturday, May 9-10, including self-guided tours of the grounds, visitors center and exhibits, Fort Mose Militia re-enactments, African drummer performances and a free lecture by historian David Nolan.
Find all events and locations at staugustinehistoryfestival.com
“When you think of a festival in St. Augustine, big tents, music and kiddie rides at Francis Field come to mind,” Smith said. “The St. Augustine History Festival is completely different. Historic sites and venues in town will provide additional programs, events, discounts and special talks to their normal routines.”
Participating Venues
- Catholic Diocese of St. Augustine / Mission Nombre de Dios
- City of St. Augustine and Historic Preservation
- Father Miguel O’Reilly House Museum
- Flagler College (Ponce de Leon Hotel)
- Florida National Guard Historic Barracks/Museum and National Cemetery
- Fort Mose Historic State Park and Museum
- Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
- Governor's House Cultural Center and Museum
- Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center
- Marineland Dolphin Adventure
- Spanish Military Hospital
- St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
- St. Augustine Historical Society / Oldest House Museum Complex
- St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
- The Treasure Chest Interactive Museum by See America Tours
- UF Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience
- Ximenez-Fatio House Museum
Historic Houses of Worship
- Ancient City Baptist Church
- Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine
- First Congregation Sons of Israel
- National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche
- St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine
- St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church
Historic Gardens
- Father Miguel O’Reilly House Garden
- Flagler College Historic Gardens
- Fountain of Youth Historic Gardens
- Mission Nombre de Dios Historic Grounds and Gardens
- Pena-Peck House Historic Gardens
- Spanish Military Hospital Apothecary Garden
