Friday: July 6

First Friday Art Walk
The latest exhibits, music, entertainment and refreshments at more than 20 St. Augustine art galleries. Old Town Trolleys offer free round-trips to the heart of the art district from the San Sebastian Winery, 157 King Street, or go on your own self-guided art walk. Some highlights for this art walk include the 2nd Anniversary of Plum Gallery, 9 Aviles Street featuring a toast and new contemporary art exhibits; new paintings by Claire Kendrick at Worley Faver Gallery, 11A Aviles Street; new offering and a new look (including a beautiful new storefront mosaic) at Amiro Art & Found, 9C Aviles Street; and the opening of Photographic Expressions, an exhibit of fine art photographs by Tom Tibbitts and Tom Brock at the Butterfield Garage Art Gallery, 137 King Street (meet the artists there on Sunday). Galleries are open from 5 to 9 p.m. 904.829.0065 See www.artgalleriesofstaugustine.com

Saturday: July 7

Nature Program At Anastasia State Park
Park rangers or volunteers present programs on topics ranging from bird watching to star-gazing. Admission to the park, located at 1340 A1A South in St. Augustine, is $8 per vehicle. 904.461.2033.
http://www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia

Historic Weapons Demonstrations At Fort Matanzas
The 18th century Spanish fort that guarded the southern approach to St. Augustine. From 12:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m., authentically clad re-enactors will demonstrate Spanish muskets and cannons. Admission is free including the ferry ride from Rattlesnake Island. Fort Matanzas National Monument is located at 8635 A1A at the south end of Anastasia Island approximately 15 miles south of St. Augustine. 904.471.0116. www.nps.gov/foma

First Coast Arts & Crafts Show
Crafts show featuring original and unique crafts designed by talented artists and available for viewing and purchase. The show takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the St. Johns County Beach Pier Pavilion, 350 A1A on St. Augustine Beach. 906-669-8529. gandaessentials@att.net

Vilano Beach Sunset Celebration
New businesses, dozens of market vendors, unusual and unique crafts, entertainment by She Fay and Dee McDuffie and a beautiful sunset are just part of the entertainment and fun to be enjoyed from 3 p.m. until dusk at the Vilano Beach Pier located just off A1A across Matanzas Bay from St. Augustine. For more information, call 904-540-0402.

Blue Lotus Belly Dancers at Villa Zorayda
Villa Zorayda proudly presents an evening of history and entertainment set in the Moorish Court when the Blue Lotus Bellydancers perform a unique fusion of dance in an exciting theatrical manner with beautiful costumes, enchanting music, and artistic skill – including an incredible sword-balancing dance. Beginning at 7:45 p.m., guests can take a state-of-the-art audio tour of the historic Villa and its impressive collection of art and antiques. The exotic Blue Lotus ladies begin their performance at 9 p.m. Tickets for the tour and show are $20 for adults, $12 for children 7-11. Show only tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for children. The Villa Zorayda Museum is located tat 83 King Street in St. Augustine. For more information, call 904-829-9887 www.villazorayda.com

Las Comedias at Spanish Bakery
At 8 p.m., gather under the trees at the Spanish Bakery, 42 St. George Street, in St. Augustine for laughs and great food as the St. George Players present Comedias., a series of short, entertaining and educational “interludes” written in the 16th century by Spanish playwright Lope de
Rueda. Lavish tapestries and costuming add to the atmosphere of these timeless tales of star-crossed lovers, bad working conditions, thieves and trickery. Plus, the Spanish Bakery staff serves salsa, empanadas, soup and dessert throughout the performance. The entertainment and food are included in the ticket price of $10 adults and $5 for kids (under 6 are free). diannelenore@yahoo.com

Rod Stewart and Bon Jovi Tribute
World-renowned entertainer Kenny Holliday presents his tribute to Rod Stewart and Bon Jovi at the Pioneer Barn and Fort Menendez, 259 San Marco Avenue in St. Augustine. The performance also features a CD Release Party for Kenny’s newest CD – only $5 each, a portion of the proceeds go to the Wounded Warriors Project and K9’s for warriors. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.. and the show begins at 7 p.m. All tickets are $12 and may be ordered in advance by calling 904-824-8874 or at the door as long as seating is available.

Saturday and Sunday: July 7 & 8

Explore the Estuary
Join a passionate Interpretive Naturalist on a river adventure of your choice. Try a guided kayak adventure in the salt marsh, a quiet sail in the intracoastal on a 27′ catamaran, or cover the most ground and see the most on the most popular dolphin & nature boat excursion. Tours depart at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 7 p.m. Small groups & great guides ! 904-377-7245 for details & reservations.
www.staugustineecotours.com

Local Resident Specials

NOTE: St. Johns County residents with a valid ID are always admitted free of charge to the Lightner Museum, the Fountain of Youth (special events excluded), the Ximenez-Fatio House, the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, Spanish Military Hospital Museum, and the Historic Tours of Flagler College. The daily tours and wine tastings at the San Sebastian Winery are free to everyone. Also, admission is free to everyone at the Authentic Old Drug Store, Fort Matanzas National Monument, Government House Museum, 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.

Source: Visitors and Convention Bureau