Top 5 things to do in St. Augustine this week include O.A.R. concert, kayaking and more
Have you had a chance to learn a little about this ancient American city in which we all live? If not, this weekend you can participate in the Founders Day Commemoration, celebrating the fact that the Spanish landed here on Sept. 8, 1565, making St. Augustine 457 years old. But that’s not all that’s happening. There’s kayaking Guana River with a master naturalist, a concert at The Amp, a new exhibition at Butterfield Garage and a free classical concert during First Friday at Cathedral Basilica.
Artist talk with Per Hans Romnes (during First Friday Art Walk)
The featured artist for September at The Butterfield Garage Art Gallery, Per Hans Romnes, an artist/photographer, is presenting his collection of images from his travels in the United States and abroad. Retired after teaching art and photography for 30 years in Volusia County, he’s now a resident of the St. Augustine area and is exhibiting his works at the gallery. He’ll give an artist talk on Friday, Sept. 2, from 5-9 p.m.
The gallery is at 137 King St. For information, call 904-825-4577 or visit butterfieldgarage.com.
Kayaking Guana River with Earth Kinship
Exploring Guana River by kayak, in Ponte Vedra Beach, is a trip worth taking to learn about the history and diverse wildlife of the area. Two tours are available on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 2 and 3, at 1 p.m. and at 6 p.m. Tours leave from Six Mile Landing and are led by a master naturalist.
Six Mile Landing is at 1700 Ponte Vedra Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach. Earth Kinship is an ecotour company that offers nature education and outdoor adventures in the St. Augustine/St. Johns County area. For information or reservations, visit earthkinship.us
First Friday Artwalk Classical Concert
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine offers free monthly concerts on the first Friday of each month, and the performance this Friday, Sept. 2, begins at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Friday’s concert will feature an organ recital by Shannon McKay. A freewill offering will be taken.
The Cathedral Basilica is at 31 Cathedral Place. For a schedule of performances or information, visit thefirstparish.org.
Founder’s Day 2022
Celebrating the 457th anniversary of St. Augustine’s founding by Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles, the commemoration will start at the Mission Nombre de Dios on Saturday at 10 a.m., with activities continuing throughout the day until 5 p.m. At noon, the Menendez entourage will move to the Fountain of Youth, and at 1 p.m. there will be a First Thanksgiving re-enactment. A recreated encampment and living history demonstrations will continue at the Fountain of Youth until 5 p.m.
The landing takes place at 10 a.m. at the Mission, 101 San Marco Ave. For information and a complete list of activities and events, call 904-540-6625 or visit floridashistoriccoast.com.
More history: Remembering the events leading to founding of St. Augustine | Susan Parker
Dispatch and O.A.R. Concert
If you’re in the mood for alternative/indie rock bands, the St. Augustine Amphitheatre has you covered Sunday at 7 p.m. with a concert by two bands, Dispatch and O.A.R. Dispatch, called one of the most successful voices in independent music, recently released their eighth studio album and has sold out three nights at Madison Square Garden. O.A.R., out of Rockville, Maryland, has also sold out Madison Square Garden many times and has a committed worldwide fan base.
The St. Augustine Amphitheatre is at 1340a A1A South. For information or tickets, call 904-471-1965 or go to theamp.com.
Concert calendar: Blues guitarist Davy Knowles plays Café Eleven in St. Augustine Beach
Country duo: American Blonde playing first shows in St. Johns County in October
This article originally appeared on St. Augustine Record: Things to do in St. Augustine: Founder's Day 2022, a kayak tour
