A Greek festival, a drive-through Halloween event, a guided beach walk and a church fall festival lead The Citizen’s masterfully curated weekend’s lineup of free things to do around St. Johns County.
1. St. Augustine Greek Festival
Greek music, dancing and pastries will bring a taste of Greece to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church this weekend.
The annual festival also features the Holy Trinity Agora marketplace, St. Theodora’s Gift Shop and Bookstore, and Greek food and drinks for purchase, from frappés to ouzo lemonade. Free parking is available at R.J. Murray Middle School, 150 N. Holmes Blvd., with a free shuttle to the church. Dogs are not allowed, though service animals are welcome.
When: Saturday, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: 2940 County Road 214, St. Augustine.
Cost: Free admission; food, drinks and shopping extra.
More info: staugustinegreekfestival.com
2. Halloween CARnival at Baptist Health Place at Nocatee
Families can trick-or-treat without leaving the car at Baptist Health’s drive-through Halloween event in Nocatee.
Themed stations hand out treats and giveaways for kids and adults. There will also be Halloween music, face painting, and photo opportunities with costumed characters. Spots in line must be reserved in advance.
When: Saturday, 9 a.m.–noon.
Where: 400 Colonnade Drive, Ponte Vedra Beach.
Cost: Free; advance sign-up required.
More info: Register with Baptist Health
3. Beach Exploration at the GTM Research Reserve
Volunteer guides at the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve lead a family-friendly beach walk about the animals that live along the shore and the shells they leave behind.
Advance registration is required. Parking is in front of the Visitor Center.
When: Saturday, 9–11 a.m.
Where: 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach.
Cost: Free; registration required.
More info: gtmnerr.org/calendars or 904-380-8600
4. Shores United Methodist Fall Festival
For children hoping to squeeze several fall traditions into one afternoon, Shores United Methodist Church has a lineup that includes a petting zoo, hayride and pumpkin patch.
The community celebration also advertises face painting, animal balloons, games, food and drinks.
When: Saturday, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Where: 724 Shores Blvd., St. Augustine.
Cost: Free.
More info: shoresumc.org
5. St. Augustine Amphitheatre Farmers Market
Start Saturday under the oaks at The Amp, where the weekly farmers market brings together local produce, plants, handcrafted goods, art and live music.
Vendors serve coffee and specialty drinks, and browsing requires no admission ticket. On the third Saturday of each month, the market also hosts donation-based yoga and bike repair. Pets are not allowed.
When: Saturday, 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Where: 1340C A1A S., St. Augustine.
Cost: Free admission; vendor purchases extra.
More info: theamp.com/farmers-market
