NORTH FLORIDA
MENORCAN HERITAGE CELEBRATION — In 1768, more than 1,400 people left the European Mediterranean for the New World — one of the largest single groups of European settlers to immigrate. Eventually, the Menorcans petitioned the governor of St. Augustine for sanctuary. The 250th anniversary celebration of the Menorcan settlement in St. Augustine includes activities like mullet-net making, storytelling, family crests, songs and more.When: March 3
Where: Llambias House, St. Augustine
Web: menorcansociety.net
30TH ANNUAL FORESTRY CONCLAVE & LUMBERJACK FESTIVAL — Channel your inner Paul Bunyan for competitive fun that includes “everyday” activities like the standing chop, log roll, axe throw, men’s or women’s cross-cut or sawing. If that’s not your thing, at least put on your best plaid flannel for a day of bluegrass music, nature and wildlife exhibits and firefighting demos.
When: March 3
Where: Pensacola State College, Milton Campus
Web: lumberjack.pensacolastate.edu
41ST BATTLE OF NATURAL BRIDGE REENACTMENT — With Civil War battles rarely occurring in Florida, the reenactment of the Battle of Natural Bridge (March 6, 1865) commemorates the successful defense of the Confederate Army’s location along the St. Marks River about 12 miles south of Tallahassee. The annual reenactment will include the skirmish, cavalry demonstrations, artillery shows and historic medical treatment examples.
When: March 3-4
Where: Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park
Web: nbhscso.com
RENAISSANCE FAIRE AND PIRATE FESTIVAL — Leave your smartphones at home and immerse yourself in the days when stories turned into legends through hard-working minstrels -- not because they went viral on social networking sites. This two-day fest features full armor jousting on horseback, gypsy dancers, fire breathers, sword swallowers, Irish dancers and plenty of medieval food, drink and games for all ages.
When: March 3-4
Where: Santa Rosa County Fairgrounds, Milton
Web: gcrf.us
CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE — As car shows go, Amelia Island’s beauty pageant for rare and lovingly-owned automobiles is one of the top five auto shows in the country. On Sunday, get a glimpse of all the hand-polished chrome parked on the Ritz-Carlton’s gorgeous golf course. Friday and Saturday feature smaller functions, which include the Porsche Driving Experience (You don’t have to be a Porsche owner to participate!), test drives, a ticketed roundtable on what’s next for electric cars and an auction by Sotheby’s.
When: March 9-11
Where: Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
Web: ameliaconcours.org
GATE RIVER RUN — Who doesn’t want to tell their friends and family that they ran in the USA 15K Championship? Yes, you too can actually run the same race on the same day as some of the world’s elite runners. Plus, finishers can claim they conquered “The Green Monster.” Not sure what that is? Don’t worry, any veteran or Jax native will be happy to clue in first-timers. The course winds through downtown over the St. Johns River and through the gorgeous waterfront historic neighborhoods of San Marco and St. Nicholas before finishing back at Everbank Field (home of the AFC South Champion Jaguars). Meanwhile, the racers aren’t the only ones enjoying the Saturday festivities; many locals set up chairs along the route and impromptu morning parties featuring adult beverages (This is the South!) spring up in front lawns.
When: March 10
Where: Jacksonville
Web: 1stplacesports.com/grr
AMALIE MOTOR OIL NHRA GATORNATIONALS — The raceway is considered one of the fastest drag racing tracks on the National Hot Rod Association circuit, and drivers have clocked top speeds of 260 to 300 miles per hour on runs. The annual at Gainesville Raceway has been the opening event for the East coast’s quarter-mile drag racers since 1970.
When: March 15-18
Where: Gainesville Raceway
Web: gainesvilleraceway.com
WEEKEND PARTY IN ST. AUGUSTINE — Shop and dine or vice versa. These two fests will keep you busy in the nation’s oldest city on St. Patrick’s Day weekend.
- St. Augustine Lions Seafood Festival (March 16-18, Francis Field): For 37 years, the annual fest has been keeping locals and lucky tourists well fed and entertained. Of course, there’s plenty of local catch to eat as well as kid’s rides, magic shows, a clown adventure and more. Music lineup is jazz on Friday and country and Americana on Saturday and Sunday. (lionsfestival.com)
- St. Augustine Art & Craft Festival (March 17-18, St. Johns County Pier Park): Take home the perfect souvenir to remember your vacation by choosing from dozens of artisans selling handmade jewelry, ceramics, stained glass, photography, soap and more. (tnteventsinc.com)
When: March 17
Where: Trenton
Web: trentonquiltfestival.com
DOWN HOME STREET FESTIVAL — Join the people of Bonifay (population: 4,000) for a relaxed event that mixes community pride with fun and family. Preceding the festival are the Miss Trailblazer Pageant (March 3) and the Trailblazer Trot 5K (March 10). In keeping with the down home theme, there will be games, crafts and family-friendly live entertainment throughout the day, as well as a chance to see the pageant winners and auto show.
When: March 17
Where: Bonifay
Web: downhomestreetfestival.com
WILD AZALEA FESTIVAL — Palatka and Ravines Gardens State Park (Florida Azalea Festival, floridazaleafest.com) is not the only north Florida location to host a party when the spring flowers are in bloom. The gorgeous flowering shrub also is plentiful along the banks of the Suwannee River in White Springs. The annual fest in the historic downtown includes regional food, live music, arts and crafts, walking tours to view the azaleas and an opportunity to purchase your own bushes.
When: March 17
Where: Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, White Springs
Web: whitesprings.org
8TH ANNUAL OSFR SONGWRITERS CONTEST — The Santa Fe River may not be as well-known as its sister river, the Suwannee, but the nonprofit organization, Our Santa Fe River, is looking to change that perception. For the past seven years, musicians and songwriters have entered the annual contest sharing original songs about the river. The 2018 showcase is on March 25, but a Songwriters’ Reunion featuring previous contestants and winners takes place on March 18. Original songs must be submitted by March 1. These events are part of RiverFest 2018.
When: March 18, 25
Where: High Springs, Fort White
Web: oursantaferiver.org
UNWINED — UNwineD is hitting the ground running for the second annual celebration. The Biscuits and Jam kickoff event, sponsored by Southern Living magazine, will feature traditional southern culinary fare with Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences by chef Matt Moore paired with Nashville singer Cale Tyson’s soulful take on Americana music. Saturday’s grand tasting includes live music and a global lineup of wine, spirits, craft beer and culinary samples from a lineup of local chefs.
When: March 23-24
Where: Aaron Bessant Park, Panama City Beach
Web: visitpanamacitybeach.com/unwined
CARRABELLE CULTURE CRAWL — Explore the small gulf coast community (pop. 3,000) at the mouth of the Carrabelle River while enjoying its music, history, food and art. More than a dozen local galleries, shops, museums and restaurants will open their doors as official stops on the tour. Also includes complimentary refreshment, food and door prizes.
When: March 24
Where: Carrabelle
Web: bit.ly/2o048Cd
