Upcoming Special Events
Permitted Special Events
The following events have received special event permits through the City of Fernandina Beach. The City of Fernandina Beach is not managing these events. If you have any questions pertaining to a listed event, please call the Parks & Recreation Department at (904) 310-3366.
If you are interested in hosting your own event, information can be found here: Special Events Professional Redfish League - Florida Redfish Tour
July 22-24, 2021
Downtown Fernandina Beach Marina - Openspace in Parking Lot C
The Professional Redfish League is comprised of four divisions that will each host four two-day events for a total of 16 national competition venues. Teams may fish in any division and as many events as they wish and all points accumulated for their team will be applied to their Divisional and National rankings. These competitions begin in March 2021 and end in September 2021. That will complete the qualifying year and the top ranked teams will earn an invitation to the 2021 Professional Redfish League Championship. All of the events are team events and only competing teams that are members of the PRL will be able to accumulate points to qualify for the Professional Redfish League Championship in September/October. Our championship is the most prestigious and most sought after accomplishment in the redfish fishing tournament circuit. Tournaments are artificial bait only, catch and release, 2-day tournaments.
Event Page
Reverse Raffle and Auction
July 31, 2021
Atlantic Avenue Recreation Center Auditorium
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
The Reverse Raffle and Auction is an event where the Quarterback Club of Fernandina Beach auctions off items of leisure, services, etc., along with a grand prize drawing to raise money to support the Fernandina Beach Middle School and Fernandina Beach High School football teams. Past proceeds have been used to purchase safety equipment, uniforms, and helmets for the football teams. We have also been able to fund additional coaching and training opportunities for the coaches and their staff. Funding has also been used for field maintenance and to provide meals to the athletes.
Fernandina Beach Fishing Rodeo
July 30, 2021, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
July 31, 2021, 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Fernandina Beach Marina, Parking Lot A
This is a family friendly event. This fishing tournament has been an annual event for 40 years. There will be music, food, beer and fun. Please come and support this event.
Organizer's Website
Sounds on Centre
August 6, 2021
Centre Street, Front Street to 2nd Street
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Free community concert. This is a family and visitor friendly event, children and pets are welcomed.
Organization's Facebook Page
Ship Off Parade
August 21, 2021
Parade Route, parade begins at Ash and 11th Street
Parade begins at 10:00 am
This parade serves as a sendoff for the Foar From Home team. Hupp, Paul, Billy, and Cam will participate in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, launching from the Canary Islands rowing 3,000 nautical miles across the Atlantic Ocean to Antigua. This will be the toughest journey of their lives. Please come out and show your support for this group of veterans as they travel across the sea bringing awareness to the issues veterans face such as PTSD and suicide. This is a family and visitor friendly event, children and pets are welcomed.
Terry Kelly Skate Jam
August 28, 2021
Main Beach Skate Park
4:30 pm - 7:30 pm
The 6th Annual Terry Kelly Skate Jam is a skate competition for all ages and skill levels, with some food, drinks, and prizes. Terry Kelly was a father who suffered a life ending heart attack at an event, never seeing his son, Fernando, compete. This competition is names in his honor.
Organization's Website
Nassau County DEC Wine and Cheese Reception
August 28, 2021
Atlantic Avenue Recreation Center Auditorium
5:30 pm - 9:00 pm
This event is a fundraiser for the Nassau County Democratic Party. This is a opportunity to socialize and hear from candidates and other party leaders.
Organization's Website
Sounds on Centre
September 3, 2021
Centre Street, Front Street to 2nd Street
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Free community concert. This is a family and visitor friendly event, children and pets are welcomed.
Organization's Facebook Page
Endless Summer Watermelon Ride
September 12, 2021
Race begins and ends at the Atlantic Avenue Recreation Center
Race begins at 6:00 am
This is a bike ride event with various distances, 35 miles to 100 miles, with rest stops located every 15 miles.
Event Page
Island Hop Craft Beer Festival
September 18, 2021
Central Park
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Taste beers from 20-30 craft breweries of Northeast Florida, including First Love, Amelia Tavern, and more. This is a family friendly event, you must be 21 or older to taste. This event will have live music, arts, craft booths, and merchandise for sale. All proceeds benefit Fernandina Beach Main Street
Organizer's Website
AIBC Oktoberfest
September 25, 2021
11:00 am - 7:00 pm
4th Street Parking Lot, Downtown Fernandina Beach
Amelia Island Brewing Company will host its 4th annual Oktoberfest celebration featuring their house brewed beers, traditional Oktoberfest food, live music, and games.
Organizer's Website
Falling For Shrimp
October 1 - 3, 2021
Downtown Fernandina Beach, Centre Street,
Friday, 3:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Saturday, 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Sunday, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
This is a fun fall event with music, food, arts & crafts, and sponsor booths. This will be a fun, family friendly event.
Organization's Facebook Page
Pasta 4 Paws
October 9, 2021
Atlantic Avenue Recreation Center Auditorium
4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
This annual event is sponsored by the Nassau Humane Society. This event is a pasta dinner and silent auction to benefit the Nassau Humane Society.
Organization's Website
24th Annual 8 Flags Car Show
October 16, 2021
Centre Street, between 8th Street and Front Street
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
This annual car show consists of everything from restored antiques to modern era limited edition Corvettes. Entrants travel great distances to participate. Judging takes place in several categories including Best of Show and People's Choice.
Amelia Cruizers
Run the Runway 5k
October 16, 2021
Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport
Race begins at 7:00 am
This one-of-a-kind race is unlike any other! You will have the ability to go where few have gone before and run along the runway at the Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport in Fernandina Beach, Florida! This race is being hosted by the Southern Timing Foundation, Inc. an approved 501c(3) organization. 100% of the net proceeds from this race will go towards powering a flight expedition to provide underprivileged kids in South Africa with STEM education resources via PASSAGE. PASSAGE stands for Providing Aid in Science for South America's General Education. The PASSAGE expedition takes off from Jacksonville, Florida in December of 2021!
Organization's Website
ZOOMA Amelia Island Women's Half Marathon
October 23, 2021 - Lighthouse Loop 5k
October 24, 2021 - 12K and Half Marathon
Races begin at Main Beach Park
ZOOMA Women's Half Marathon, 5k and 12k will all be starting and finishing at Main Beach Park.
Organizer's Website
Fernandina Beach Pride Festival
October 23, 2021
Central Park + Parade Route
10:00 am: Parade
11:00 am - 6:00 pm: Festival
The festival will include speakers, music, informational booths, food trucks, children's activities (face painting) and and opportunity for individuals and families to picnic, enjoy the festivities and celebrate gay pride at an open and welcoming event. This will be an alcohol free event.
Organization's Facebook Page
Right Whale Festival
November 6 - 7, 2021
Main Beach Park
10:00 am - 6:00 pm, Saturday, Nov. 6th; 10:00 am - 3:00 pm, Sunday Nov. 7th
This is a family friendly, educational festival featuring a morning beach clean-up and beach 5k run/1 mile walk. There will be exhibits that are focused on marine conservation and education, water recreation and sports, boating and fishing and other outdoor activities. There will also be vendors selling ocean themed gifts, fine art, photography and crafts. For the kids there will be kid focused activities including a passport program, a right whale obstacle course, and a bounce house. There will be a lecture tent, live music and more!
Organization's Website
Amelia Island Open - Petanque Tournament
November 12-14, 2021
Downtown Marina, Parking Lots C&D
The Amelia Island Open - International Petanque Tournament is an annual tournament that brings players from around the world. There will be tournament play, local food vendors, a small stage with live music. This is a family friendly event.
Lighted Christmas Parade
December 4, 2021
Parade route starts at Central Park
Parade begins at 6:00 pm
All are invited! Come enjoy the magic of the holiday season at the annual Lighted Christmas Parade, organized by America's Youth. The parade will consist of bands, dancers, lighted floats, and more. For information on becoming a participant, contact John Gilbert at
Reindeer Run Half Marathon and 5k Race
December 5, 2021
Race begins at Main Beach Park at 7:00 am
This is a running/walking event through Fernandina Beach to help raise funds for our community.
Dickens on Centre
December 9-12, 2021
Centre Street, Downtown Fernandina Beach
Dickens on Centre is a Victorian holiday festival that transforms downtown Fernandina Beach into the time of Charles Dickens, themed after his popular novel, A Christmas Carol. Join us Thursday, December 9, at 6:30 pm for the Dickens Illuminated Procession, a Victorian walking lantern parade followed by fireworks. Stay for a weekend of holiday cheer with the Dickens on Centre festival starting Friday, December 10 at 5:00 pm through Sunday, December 12 at 7:00 pm. Enjoy the expanded festival footprint while you meet St. Nick in his workshop within Tiny Tim's Kid Zone. Shop for unique holiday gifts while wandering through the Artist Alley or strolling Peddlers Village. Enjoy a bite to eat in the Festival Courtyard or a fizzy beverage at Fizziwig's. Stay for the variety of period performances on multiple stages and in the streets throughout the festival. All COVID-19 protocols and measures will be in place for your safety.
Event Page
Fernandina Beach Library's Holiday Festival
December 18, 2021
4th Street, between Centre and Alachua Street
11:00am - 3:00pm
Our missions is to provide a free family fun event that will also promote local businesses downtown. We will have local state and federal agencies onsite to educate families about vital services and programs that are beneficial. We will also have games, crafts, and much more. Please come out and enjoy this free, informational event.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade
January 17, 2022
Parade begins at the Peck Center
12:00 pm
This is the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade commemorates the birth of this American hero and honors the life of the civil rights leader who lead the non-violent movement for equality for all. The parade will begin at the Peck Center (historically the Peck High School). This is a family friendly event. Please come out and support this event, this is an opportunity for the community to come together. Participation by all (businesses, churches, community and civic groups, local government officials) are welcome and encouraged to come and celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Recovery Glow Walk
April 2, 2022
Central Park
3:00 pm - 8:00 pm
This event is free and open to the public. This will be Starting Point's inaugural Recovery Month event. The event represents Starting Point's and Nassau County's acknowledgement and celebration that individuals with mental health and substance use disorders do recover. The term "glow-up" is defined as an incredible transformation or to go from the bottom to the top to the point of disbelief.