OCTOBER EVENTS ON AMELIA ISLAND
OCTOBER 2026 EVENTS ON AMELIA ISLAND
October brings live music, food festivals, outdoor activities, and plenty of reasons to spend time on Amelia Island. From craft beverages and jazz performances to a pet-friendly festival and culinary events, there is something happening throughout the month.
Sounds on Centre
THE HONEY BADGERS
Friday, October 2 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Start the month with live music in historic downtown Fernandina Beach at Sounds on Centre. The Honey Badgers take the stage for the final concert of the season, bringing an evening of music and dancing to Centre Street. Bring a chair and enjoy the free, family-friendly event, complete with roaming pirates and plenty of downtown restaurants and shops nearby.
Island Hop Craft Beer & Spirits Festival
Saturday, October 3 | 1–4 PM
Head to Central Park for the Island Hop Craft Beer & Spirits Festival, bringing together breweries, distilleries, live music, and more for an afternoon in Fernandina Beach. Hosted by Fernandina Beach Main Street, the annual festival also serves as a fundraiser supporting programs and projects throughout the historic downtown district.
General admission begins at 1 PM, with VIP admission beginning at noon.
Guided Nature Walk with Goat Herd
Saturday, October 3, 17 & 31 | 10 AM
Take a walk on the wild side at Jaybird Hammock Farm. This guided outdoor experience pairs a leisurely walk along approximately one mile of nature trails with a herd of goats walking alongside the group. A naturalist leads the experience while sharing more about the farm’s animals, native plants, wildlife, and surrounding landscape.
The approximately 1.5-hour experience is offered on three Saturdays throughout October, giving families several chances to join the herd.
Amelia Island Jazz Festival
October 4–11
The Amelia Island Jazz Festival returns for its 23rd year with eight days of live music throughout Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach. The festival celebrates jazz across a range of styles, including swing, blues, Latin jazz, big band, and more.
On October 8, Bill Wharton, known as the Sauce Boss, brings his Down Home Blues & Gumbo Show to Story & Song Center for Arts & Culture from 3–5 PM, combining live blues with an onstage gumbo cooking experience. Later that evening, the festival continues with a Latin Jazz Concert & Dance.
On October 9, vocal jazz group The Four Freshmen takes the stage at 7 PM at Courtyard Amelia Island and SpringHill Suites Amelia Island, with Les DeMerle Sound 67 opening the evening. Additional concerts, jams, special events, and a jazz brunch round out the festival schedule.
Barktoberfest
Saturday, October 10 | Noon–4 PM
Bring your four-legged friend to Mocama Beer Company for Barktoberfest, a pet-friendly afternoon benefiting the Nassau Humane Society. The annual event features live music, games and contests, adoptable pets, food, drinks, shopping, and plenty of opportunities to support animals in the local community.
Guests can also browse and bid in the event’s online silent auction, featuring local experiences, dining, travel, entertainment, and more. Admission is free.
The Amelia Island Oceanfront Cookout
Saturday, October 17 | 5–8 PM
Food takes center stage at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island during the Amelia Island Oceanfront Cookout. Meet chefs and beverage experts while enjoying seafood, grilled and slow-roasted meats, desserts, wine, cocktails, and live entertainment in an outdoor setting overlooking the dunes and water.
The signature event is part of the larger Amelia Island Cookout weekend, which features culinary experiences, demonstrations, dinners, tastings, and other special events from October 15–18.
Tickets for the Oceanfront Cookout are $170 per person, plus service charge and tax.
Taste of Amelia
Saturday, October 24 | 11:30 AM–3:30 PM
Eat your way through historic downtown Fernandina Beach during the 39th Annual Taste of Amelia. This culinary crawl brings together more than 20 signature tasting bites from participating restaurants, giving guests the chance to sample a variety of local flavors while exploring downtown.
Check-in begins at 11:30 AM, followed by an afternoon of tastings throughout the historic district. An online silent auction is also held in conjunction with the event, with proceeds supporting the Rotary Club of Fernandina Beach’s community efforts.
5th Annual Amelia Island Hispanic Heritage Music & Food Festival
Saturday, October 10 | 1–9 PM
Celebrate Hispanic heritage in downtown Fernandina Beach with an afternoon and evening of live music, food, and family-friendly fun. The 5th Annual Amelia Island Hispanic Heritage Music & Food Festival takes over S. 3rd Street with live performances, including Latin jazz, local food trucks and booths serving a variety of Hispanic cuisine, artisan vendors, a dominoes competition, and more.
The festival is free to attend and takes place between Centre Street and Ash Street near the Green Turtle Tavern.
Plan Your October Getaway to Amelia Island
From jazz and live music to local food, craft beverages, outdoor adventures, and community festivals, October offers plenty of ways to experience Amelia Island.
Make a weekend of your favorite event, explore historic downtown Fernandina Beach, spend some time by the water, and enjoy everything the island has to offer this time of year.
Find your place to stay and start planning your October visit to Amelia Island.
You Might Want To Check Out...
November 2026 Events on Amelia Island
November brings plenty of reasons to visit Amelia Island, from live performances and waterfront festivals to Veterans Day celebrations, outdoor activities, and the start of the holiday season. With cooler temperatures and a full calendar of local events, it’s a great time to explore Fernandina Beach and enjoy everything the island has to offer.
Here are some of the top events happening on Amelia Island this November.
2026 Right Whale Festival
Each fall, Amelia Island celebrates the return of North Atlantic right whales to the waters off the Southeast coast with the Right Whale Festival. Returning November 6–8, 2026, the festival brings together marine conservation, live music, family-friendly activities, food, and plenty of opportunities to learn more about these remarkable whales.
Things To Do on Amelia Island
THINGS TO DO ON AMELIA ISLANDThere’s more to Amelia Island than beautiful beaches. Spend a day searching for shark teeth, explore a historic fort, cruise past neighboring islands, bike beneath live oaks, or slow things down with an afternoon of shopping and ice...
September 2026 Events In Amelia Island
September brings another full month of things to do on Amelia Island, with live music, arts and culture, outdoor activities, and community events happening throughout the island. Catch a free concert in historic downtown Fernandina Beach, experience four days of dance performances and workshops, take part in a scenic cycling event, or spend an afternoon listening to local music. Here are some of the events to add to your September plans.
Eat Your Way Through Amelia Island
Looking for the best restaurants on Amelia Island? Our dining guide highlights local favorites for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert, from fresh seafood and waterfront dining to cozy cafés and sweet treats throughout Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island.
August 2026 Events In Amelia Island
Summer is still going strong on Amelia Island, and August is packed with live music, local markets, community events, and family-friendly fun. From waterfront concerts and downtown entertainment to races and artisan markets, there’s plenty happening throughout the month. Here are some of the top events to add to your August itinerary.
HAPPY HOUR ON AMELIA ISLAND
Whether you’re winding down after a day at the beach or looking for the perfect spot to kick off an evening in historic downtown Fernandina Beach, happy hour is always a good idea. From handcrafted cocktails and fresh seafood to casual waterfront favorites and elevated dining, Amelia Island offers plenty of places to sip and snack for less.
July Events In Amelia Island 2026
Looking for something fun to do on Amelia Island this July? From local markets and waterfront concerts to festive family events, there are plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy the island. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or soaking up the summer as a local, these July events are worth adding to your calendar.
Tee Off: Golfing Paradise on Amelia Island and Surrounding Areas
Imagine standing on a perfectly manicured fairway, the sun shining on the verdant greens as the gentle sea breeze whispers through the live oaks and Spanish moss. This golfing experience awaits you on Amelia Island, a true golfer's paradise nestled along the...
Saddle Up: Horseback Riding Adventures on Amelia Island
Picture yourself trotting along the pristine shores of Amelia Island, the sun casting its golden glow on the sparkling Atlantic Ocean while the gentle sea breeze ruffles your hair. This idyllic scene comes to life when you embark on a horseback riding adventure on...
Cumberland Island: A Wild and Historic Gem Just a Stone’s Throw from Amelia Island
Cumberland Island, Georgia's largest and southernmost barrier island, is a place of wild beauty and fascinating history. With pristine beaches, towering dunes, maritime forests, and a rich historical tapestry, Cumberland Island is a must-visit destination for...
American Beach: A Legacy of Inclusivity and Resilience on Amelia Island
Tucked away on the southern end of Florida's Amelia Island lies a gem steeped in history and triumph: American Beach. This idyllic stretch of sand, with its roots in the African American community, is a testament to resilience, inclusivity, and unity. Today,...
