Festivals · Concerts · Tradition

Amelia Island Events

From the world's most prestigious classic car gathering to a decades-old shrimp boat parade, from a Victorian Christmas village to a New Year's Eve "Shrimp Drop" — Amelia Island runs on tradition. Here's what fills the island's calendar year-round.

Year-Round Calendar

The Island Doesn't Slow Down

For a small island, Amelia Island packs a remarkable calendar. Some events have been going for sixty years and are woven into the community's identity. Others are recent additions that have quickly become traditions of their own. Together they make every month worth living here — and bring visitors back season after season.

The Big Three

Signature Events

These are the events that put Amelia Island on the national map — and the ones locals plan their year around.

Early May

Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival

61+ Years · Florida's Original Shrimp Festival

The signature event of the year — a four-day celebration of Fernandina's shrimping heritage that brings 100,000+ visitors downtown. Decorated shrimp boats parade along the Amelia River, more than 300 artisan vendors line Centre Street, live music plays from multiple stages, and fireworks close out the weekend. Widely considered the unofficial kickoff to summer.

Early March

Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance

World-Class Automotive Gathering

One of the highest-profile classic car events in the world. Held each March at the Omni Amelia Island, Concours Week draws enthusiasts and collectors from across the globe for a multi-day celebration of rare automobiles, auctions, racing legends, and seminars. The 2026 edition honors racing icon Dario Franchitti and continues the event's reputation as the East Coast's premier collector-car gathering.

Mid-December

Dickens on Centre

Victorian Christmas Festival

For four days each December, downtown Fernandina transforms into a Victorian Christmas village. Carolers in 19th-century costume, lighted enchanted-village domes, a Christmas market, holiday theater, immersive film screenings, and Tiny Tim's Kids Zone fill Centre Street with a kind of magic that's worth driving an hour for. A favorite of locals and grandkids alike.

Throughout the Year

More Reasons to Stay (or Visit)

Beyond the headline events, the island fills its calendar with concerts, festivals, and food-and-drink celebrations — many free, all walkable from downtown.

Spring · Summer

Sounds on Centre

Free outdoor concert series on Centre Street under the live oaks — local and regional bands every Friday evening.

February

Amelia Island Book Festival

A weekend of bestselling and emerging authors, panel discussions, and signings throughout downtown.

Jan – June

Chamber Music Festival

Now in its 25th season — a winter-to-summer classical and crossover series featuring world-class musicians.

October

Les DeMerle Jazz Festival

A week of jazz across the island — big band, swing, vocalist, and Latin sets at venues large and small.

November

Songwriters Festival

Nashville-style "in the round" writer sessions at restaurants, bars, and stages across downtown.

Fall

Island Hop Craft Beer & Spirits Fest

An afternoon of local and regional craft breweries, spirits, and cocktails on the waterfront.

January

Restaurant Week & Dining Month

Prix-fixe menus at island restaurants showcasing chef talent at every price point — a foodie favorite.

December

Right Whale Festival

A community celebration of the endangered North Atlantic right whales that calve off Amelia Island's coast each winter.

Dec 31

The Shrimp Drop

Fernandina's answer to Times Square — a giant illuminated shrimp drops at midnight to ring in the new year on Centre Street.

Live the Calendar

Where Every Month Has a Reason

Whether you live for the Shrimp Festival, the Concours, or the quiet weeks in between — there's a place on Amelia Island that fits the life you want. Let me show you what's available today.

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