Friday: August 31
St. Augustine Lighthouse Sunset/MoonriseEnjoy the sunset and moonrise from the most unique perspective in all of St. Augustine – the top of the Lighthouse! This special event includes a champagne toast, provided by San Sebastian Winery, hors d’oeuvres from The Reef and an informative overview of the history of the St. Augustine Light Station. The tour takes place from 7:45 to 9:15 p.m. at the St. Augustine Lighthouse located at 81 Lighthouse Avenue. The fee is $25 for non-museum members and $20 for members. Reservations are required.904-829-0745  www.StAugustineLighthouse.org Stars Flashin’ with Passion for Fashion

Several fashion designers fight to stay in and become the top fashion designer for 2012. The competition takes place at 7 p.m. at the Pioneer Barn at Old Florida Museum, located at 259 San Marco Avenue, St. Augustine. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.     904-824-8874 http://oldfloridamuseum.com/index_files/Calender.htm

Before and After 1565: A Participatory Examination of St. Augustine’s Native American History

Through October 19, an examination of the rich history of the First Coast’s indigenous population, as well as the later history of Native American internment at the Castillo de San Marcos, on display at Flagler College Crisp-Ellert Art Museum located at 48 Sevilla Street, St. Augustine. The museum is open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free Admission.  www.flagler.edu/crispellert/upcoming-exhibitions/index.html

Friday thru Monday: August 31-September 3
Blue Moon Sails…and moreThe Schooner Freedom will offer two, rare Blue Moon Sails — one each on Friday and Saturday, departing from the St. Augustine City Marina at 8:45 p.m. and returning at 10 p.m. There will not be another blue moon until 2015. In addition, the Freedom will be sailing all weekend with 12:15-2 p.m. day sails and 6:15 p.m. two-hour sunset sails. Tickets for each trip, including the Blue Moon Sails, are $35 per person and include complimentary soda, water, beer and wine. Plus, you can bring your own picnic basket for the entire family! For reservations, call 904-810-1010www.schoonerfreedom.comPatriot Days at World Golf Hall of Fame

The World Golf Hall of Fame is joining with the PGA of America in support of the sixth annual Patriot Golf Days, which benefit the Fields of Honor Foundation which provides post-secondary educational scholarships for children and spouses of military service men and women killed or disabled while serving. The World Golf Hall of Fame will match donations from visitors collected at the box office for Folds of Honor. For more information, go to the Events Calendar at www.WorldGolfHallofFame.org

Saturday: September 1
Platters, Coasters, Drifters and Temptations Salute

Former Platters lead-singer Myles Savage presents a Motown musical salute at the Pioneer Barn at Fort Matanzas, 239 San Marco Avenue, St. Augustine. Performances are at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. – plus there’s an exhibition of classic cars throughout the day. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.904-824-8874http://oldfloridamuseum.com/index_files/Calender.htm
Faver-Dykes Kayaking Tour
A guided kayaking eco-tour led by a Ripple Effect’s interpretive naturalist guide includes instruction in proper kayaking techniques. The cost is $55 which includes the finest kayaking equipment and admission to the park.  Space is limited to ensure a high quality experience.  Faver Dykes State Park is located at 1000 Faver Dykes Road of US 1 South and I-95, St. Augustine. 904-347-1565  www.RippleEffectEcoTours.com
Sunset Celebration At Vilano Beach Town Center
See a spectacular St. Augustine sunset cast from across the bay at the Vilano Beach Town Center, 95 Vilano Road. This special event includes artistic performers, local arts and crafts and genuine Old Florida surprises. Dine on food samples from businesses along Vilano Road and see why Vilano Beach is the best-kept hidden treasure in the county. Floating docks near the pier allow for waterway transport from the mainland to the island – just as in the early Flagler days. The event is from 3:00 pm to dusk every first Saturday of the month at the Vilano Beach Pier and Pavilion. Free to the public.www.vilanobeachfl.com  904.540-0402.
Historic Haunts Author at Ripley’s
Jamie Roush Pearce, author of Historic Haunts Florida, will be signing copies of her book beginning at 6 p.m. at Ripley’s Believe It or Not’s Castle Warden in St. Augustine. Roush features Castle Warden in her book, especially the story of the two female hotel guests who died in a fire there n 1944. She maintains the women were murdered and attributes other paranormal activity in the building to the bizarre items displayed there in Ripley’s museum. For more information, call 904-824-1606.
Saturday & Sunday: September 1 & 2
International Vulture Awareness Days at St. Augustine Alligator FarmExhibits and demonstrations about the Vultures of the World at St. Augustine Alligator Farm, located at 999 Anastasia Boulevard, St. Augustine. Activities include vulture presentations, Kidz Zone – build a Vulture nest, vulture displays, and interactive self-guided quizzes and games. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., admission is Adults $21.95. Children $10.95 (ages 3-11). www.alligatorfarm.comHomes For Our Troops CookoutAmerican Legion Post 37, located along St. Augustine’s historic bayfront will be barbecuing burgers, hot dogs, and brats from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. to help fund the construction of a new specially adapted home in Saint Augustine. This Homes For Our Troops project will benefit Marine Gunnery Sergeant John Hayes who was on his 4th deployment when he lost both of his legs and suffered life-threatening injuries in Sangin, Afghanistan on December 28, 2010. http://legionpost37.com

Catamaran Excursions

Celebrate Saturday thru Monday with a relaxing excursion aboard St. Augustine Eco Tour’s catamaran. Traverse Matanzas Bay and learn about manatees, dolphins and more! Perfect for the entire family. Departures are at 12:15; 2:45; and 5:15 p.m. Tickets are $45 for adults and $35 for children. For reservations, call 904-377-7245.  www.StAugstineEcoTours.com

Monday (Labor Day): September 3
Labor Day Concert In The PlazaCelebrate Labor Day at a free concert by the St. Augustine Jazz Society in St. Augustine’s Plaza de la Constitucion, 1 King Street. The free concert takes place from 1 to 4 p.m. 904-825-1004.   http://www.plazaconcerts.com
Local Resident Specials
NOTE: St. Johns County residents with a valid ID are always admitted free of charge to the Oldest House, the Lightner Museum, the Fountain of Youth (special events excluded), the Ximenez-Fatio House, the Oldest Wooden SchoolhouseSpanish Military Hospital Museum, and the Historic Tours of Flagler College. The daily tours and wine tastings at the San Sebastian Winery are freeto everyone. Also, admission is free to everyone at the Authentic Old Drug StoreFort Matanzas National Monument, St. Photios Chapel, the Pena-Peck House, the Father Miguel O’Reilly Museum and the Mission Nombre de Dios Museum (donations are welcomed).
NEW:  St. Johns County residents who purchase full-price admisssion to the St. Augustine Lighthouse ($9.50 adults; $7.50 seniors and children 12 and under; free for children under 44 inches in height) can now receive a pass good for free admission for an entire year!  The Lighthouse is now open until 6 p.m. on  Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.. Also, on the first Monday of each month, St. Johns County residents are admitted free to the Dow Museum of Historic Houses, 246 St. George Street, St. Augustine.NEW: St. Johns County residents with a valid ID now receive FREE admission to the Oldest House in St. Augustine.Source: Visitors and Convention Bureau