The Ultimate 2025 Festival & Event Guide for Northeast Florida
If you’re the kind of person who loves food trucks, fall vibes, or watching people toss fish for prizes (yes, it’s a thing) — this guide is for you.
From Jacksonville to St. Augustine to Fernandina Beach, Northeast Florida knows how to throw a party. Here’s your insider’s list of the can’t-miss food festivals, quirky contests, and holiday markets coming in 2025.
Bookmark this post — we’ll keep it updated as new events roll in!
🍽️ Food Festivals Worth Getting Hungry For
Jax Eats Food Festival – Jacksonville
📅 April 13, 2025 | 📍 Downtown Jacksonville
A taste of the city! Local restaurants, food trucks, and chefs offer bite-sized samples in a fun, casual setting. Great for families and foodies alike.
St. Augustine Food + Wine Festival
📅 May 7–10, 2026 | 📍 Ancient City Farmstead (Vilano Beach)
One of Florida’s top-rated culinary festivals. Multi-day event with celebrity chefs, wine pairings, tasting tents, and outdoor dining events.
Amelia Island Cookout – Fernandina Beach
📅 October 16–19, 2025 | 📍 The Ritz-Carlton
A 4-day beachfront cookout featuring gourmet chefs, sunset dinners, and live music. Dress up or down — just come hungry.
Blue Crab Festival – Palatka
📅 May 23–25, 2025 (Memorial Day Weekend) | 📍 Downtown Palatka
Seafood, carnival rides, live bands, crafts, and even a gator petting zoo. Classic Florida summer fun for the whole crew.
Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival – Fernandina Beach
📅 Early May 2025 | 📍 Historic Fernandina
Shrimp-themed everything, from cook-offs to parades. One of the region’s oldest and most iconic festivals.
🤪 Weird Contests & Only-in-Florida Fun
Florida Man Games – St. Augustine
📅 March 1, 2025
This meme-turned-mayhem event features beer-belly wrestling, obstacle races, and bizarre “sports” inspired by the infamous Florida Man headlines. Equal parts athletic and hilarious.
Mullet Tossing – Nassau County
📅 Date TBA
Not the haircut. The fish. This coastal tradition has locals competing to see who can fling a dead mullet the farthest. Surprisingly fun, especially with fried fish and local beer on hand.
🎄 Holiday Markets & Seasonal Celebrations
Holiday Market at the Pier – St. Augustine Beach
📅 December 13, 2025 | 3–7 PM
Shop handmade gifts, sip cider, and watch the sun set behind the ocean pier lights. Live music, local vendors, and serious small-town holiday charm.
Holiday Market South – St. Augustine
📅 TBD Nov–Dec 2025
A community-focused holiday market with crafts, character meet-and-greets, and festive giveaways. Great for kids, and a photo op goldmine.
Nights of Lights – St. Augustine
📅 Nov 16, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026
Not a market, but worth mentioning. The whole historic district glows with millions of lights. Pair it with a hot cocoa walk or a carriage ride.
📍 Why This List Matters (Even if You’ve Lived Here Forever)
Events like these are what give Northeast Florida its character. They bring out the locals, highlight small businesses, and give you a reason to explore neighborhoods you might otherwise drive right past.
So whether you’re a foodie, a pet parade regular, or just looking for something free to do next weekend — this list is your new best friend.
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