Amelia Island Shrimp Festival & Other Events

The annual Amelia Island shrimp festival is a popular draw on the Island. Find out when this fun festival takes place and learn about other exciting events that will get you into the spirit and culture of this unique Island!

From the Amelia Island shrimp festival, to car shows, to live music shows, and much more – there's always something happening on Amelia Island.

Find of what Amelia Island events occur at different times of the year so you can plan to attend them during your vacation – or plan your vacation around them if you're looking for a little more peace and quiet during your stay.

Here are a few popular Amelia Island festivals and events:

• Regularly: "Sounds on Centre" brings live music to Centre Street in downtown Fernandina on the first Friday of each month from March through October. Enjoy the festive outdoor celebration and dance in the streets!

Photo by R.P. Piper

• March (annually): Concours d'Elegance – This famed vintage car show features 275 unique automobiles on display at the Golf Club of Amelia at the Ritz-Carlton hotel. The event is held in early to mid-March every year and is very popular, so be sure to reserve your hotel room early! A portion of the proceeds from this event benefit the Hospice Foundation for Caring. Visit the website (http://www.ameliaconcours.org/) for more details and to purchase tickets online.

• April 29 - May 2, 2010: Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival – The famed Amelia Island shrimp festival attracts over 100,000 people over the course of the weekend every year.

  Photo by JavaJoba

  The annual Amelia Island shrimp festival parade, plenty of tasty shrimp, stage performances, live music, arts & crafts, antiques, a blessing of the fleet, a putt-putt tournament and a pirate parade make this eclectic festival fun for the whole family. If you plan to attend, book your hotel room well in advance! If you're looking for a quiet, peaceful getaway to Amelia Island, book a different weekend!

• May 7 - 30, 2010: Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival - This event features three weeks of classical music in May & June and one date in October annually. Live music is played from historic venues throughout Amelia Island.

• June 17 – 19, 2010: The Nassau Sportfishing Association's Annual Tournament of Champions Kingfish Tournament - This major regional sporting event is held every June when anglers take advantage of the abundant fish populations off Amelia Island's shores.

• September, 2010: Fiesta de Santa Maria – Enjoy a taste of Amelia Island's Latin roots with exotic sights, sounds and flavors in Fernandina Beach. The Fiesta celebrates the spirit of the Isla de Santa Maria – the name by which the island was known during the first Spanish reign (1565–1763). Visitors can enjoy a piñata breaking, Latin-themed dishes, a street dance, and more. For more information, call 904-261-3248.

• October 3-10, 2010: Amelia Island Jazz Festival - A week long festival of jazz, including swing, bebop, Dixieland, big band, Latin, and contemporary, performed at venues throughout Amelia Island.

Join in during Amelia Island festivals to celebrate the culture, history, and cuisine of this beautiful sea island. Whether you dine, dance, or just observe – you'll have a great time enjoying these special events!