Celebrate the Celt in you!
It’s back and better than ever! Get your green on and dive into Celtic culture at this year’s St. Augustine Celtic Music & Heritage Festival. From highland games and toe-tapping music to authentic Celtic cuisine, crafts, and whiskey tastings, there’s something for everyone. Bring the family and spend the day immersed in the best of Celtic heritage.
But did you know St. Augustine is America’s oldest Celtic city? Long before Boston or New York, St. Augustine hosted the first recorded St. Patrick’s Day celebration in North America in 1600 and the first St. Patrick’s Parade in 1601. Recent discoveries by historian Dr. J. Michael Francis reveal that these early celebrations included Spaniards, Africans, Native Americans, Portuguese, French, Germans, and at least two Irishmen, all honoring the Irish saint.
Why here? During the 16th century, Irish Catholics sought refuge in Catholic Spain, and some, like Father Ricardo Artur, found their way to St. Augustine. As the city’s vicar, Artur likely introduced the feast day of San Patricio, complete with cannon fire and a procession through the streets.
While Boston’s Irish community began celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in 1737 and New York launched its now-famous parade in 1762, neither can claim the first. That honor belongs to St. Augustine.
In 2025, the city will commemorate the 425th anniversary of this historic celebration. The St. Patrick Parade steps off at 10 a.m. on March 8, immediately followed by the multi-award-winning Celtic Music & Heritage Festival. Don’t miss this incredible weekend of history, music, and Celtic pride!
Kick off the celebration with this very limited seated Whiskey Tasting event where you can savor the taste of seven Irish Whiskeys and Scotches and learn about their history from Jameson® Brand Ambassador. *This event is not included in the VIP ticket price.
Wear your green, bring the family and join the clan to celebrate the St. Patrick Parade as it travels through St. Augustine. Hear the pipes & drums bands as they lead the parade starting at Orange Street and march along the Bayfront, past the Castillo to the Plaza de la Constitucion on Cathedral Street, then along Cordova Street, winding up at Francis Field, the site of the Celtic Festival events.
Come see some of the most impressive kilt-wearing athletes around challenge one another in traditional Scottish heavy athletics and strength competitions, including open stone put, hammer throw and caber toss. The Highland Games originated in the Scottish Highlands during the 11th century when Malcolm III, King of Scots, summoned contestants to a footrace in order to find the fastest runner to serve as royal messenger.
From traditional Scottish bands to award-winning Irish bands, fusion bands that combine bagpipes, reggae, bluegrass and ballads, you’ll be dancing and singing to your heart’s delight. Past performers include Bagpipe Jam, Albannach, Dublin City Ramblers, Syr, Steel City Rovers, Seven Nations, Jamison and more.
A mix of dance performers, magicians, bagpipers giving lessons, storytellers and lecturers sharing legends and exploring topics about Celtic heritage, you’ll be thoroughly entertained and delighted. Performances include Music & Storytelling with Zach Briggs, Celtic Dance with Blue Lotus, Magic & Mayhem with Captain Mayhem, Bagpipe workshop, Historical Presentations and more.
Click here for performer bios and more details.
VIP All-Weekend, General Admission and Whiskey Tasting Event tickets available here.
To learn more about St. Augustine's rich Celtic Heritage, click here.
St. Patrick’s Day in St. Augustine
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day on Florida's Historic Coast — the home of the Irish.
Live Music on Florida’s Historic Coast
From intimate cafés to world-class stages, the music scene is alive year round.
Music Festivals
Florida’s Historic Coast is a Hotbed for All Kinds of Music Festivals
If there’s an open field or a pavilion on the beach, there’s probably a festival taking place.
Events
Events in St. Augustine | Ponte Vedra run the gamut.
Annual Events
Florida’s Historic Coast has an annual calendar chock full of events that appeal to a wide variety of interests.
Breweries, Wineries & Distilleries
Named for the Patron Saint of Brews, St. Augustine has no shortage of craft beer, wine, and spirits.
