24th Annual Music & Art by the Sea Series Returns to St. Augustine Beach

The beloved Music & Art by the Sea concert series is set to return for its 24th season, continuing a long-standing tradition of free community entertainment in St. Augustine Beach. Hosted at the St. Johns County Ocean Pier Park Pavilion, the series has grown from humble beginnings into one of the area’s most anticipated cultural events.

Launched in 2002 by the St. Augustine Beach Civic Association (SABCA), the series was born out of a simple idea. Former SABCA President Robert Samuels and his wife, Andrea, noticed the newly renovated pavilion was underused, particularly on weekday evenings. Their vision was to create a relaxed gathering space where locals could enjoy music and a casual meal together. The first event featured a small local band, a makeshift hot dog stand, and about 40 attendees seated in lawn chairs. That modest start quickly evolved into a thriving seasonal tradition. Now entering its 24th year, Music & Art by the Sea has hosted more than 250 free concerts, primarily showcasing local talent across a variety of musical genres.

Over the years, the stage has also welcomed notable performers when opportunities aligned, including Rock & Roll Hall of Fame members Terry Sylvester of The Hollies and the late Denny Laine of The Moody Blues and Wings. The series has even served as a stepping stone for rising artists like Florida native Maggie Baugh, who has since gone on to perform with country star Keith Urban. Today, the event regularly draws crowds of 700 or more attendees, depending on the weather, with guests bringing beach chairs and dancing shoes for an evening of music and community. The experience extends beyond the stage, with local artists from The Art Studio displaying and selling their work, and food trucks offering a variety of dining options. Many attendees also support nearby restaurants and businesses, contributing to the local economy.

Event Schedule

3pm Walk through the local art on display at the Art Studio

4pm Pavilion seating opens, welcoming residents to unfold their beach chairs and roll out their towels

5pm Food trucks start serving up fresh bites

5:30pm DJ Dan spins the hits

7-9pm A live band takes the stage, inviting the everyone to get up and hit the dance floor

The 2026 Season Line Up

April 1, 2026 – USAF Jazz Ensemble
Kicking off the series, the UF Air Force Jazz Ensemble offers a performance that blends classic big band jazz with bebop and contemporary arrangements.

May 20, 2026 – Paul Lundgren Band
This seven-piece band delivers high-energy yacht rock, fusing smooth rock grooves, jazzy runs, and soulful melodies into a breezy, carefree sound.

May 27, 2026 – Elizabeth Roth
Bringing together classical, blues, folk, and contemporary country influences with hits from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s, she puts on a rich, versatile performance full of heartfelt storytelling.

June 3, 2026 – Those Guys
The audience will keep moving with crowd-favorite classic rock and southern rock hits packed with nostalgia and energy.

June 10, 2026 – Studio 54 All-Star Band
Get ready for a high-energy night of disco and funk, reviving the dance floor with disco era tunes.

June 17, 2026 – Str8-Up
Enjoy the timeless sounds of Motown, disco, and R&B with their upbeat setlist of soulful classics and dance favorites.

June 24, 2026 – Contact Buzz
This performance delivers high-energy performances blending rock, country, and soul into crowd-pleasing sets.

July Summer Break

August 19, 2026 – TBA

August 26, 2026 – Bad Dog Mama
This dynamic duo performs an eclectic mix of blues, folk, Americana, bluegrass, and doo-wop with harmony and root-inspired energy.

September 2, 2026 – Brothers Futch
Their lively performance blends rock and country influences, filling the air with southern spirit and classic tunes.

September 9, 2026 – Latin Night
Celebrate Latin music and culture with an evening of vibrant performances filled with rhythmic sounds that usher audiences onto the dance floor.

September 16, 2026 – Slang
Jam out to their rendition of favorite ’80,’90, and early 2000s hits in a nostalgic, high-energy show.

September 23, 2026 – ALL-STAR Jam Band
Twice a year, local multi-talented musician Jim Stafford gathers an all-star lineup of fellow performers for a one-of-a-kind collaborative jam session full of surprises.

September 30, 2026 – Rain Date 
An extra date, just in case Florida weather has other plans.