From local favorites to touring giants, St. Augustine has earned a place among the South’s hottest destinations for live music.
Garden & Gun magazine recently published an article dubbing St. Augustine “the Austin of Florida” in reference to its vibrant, homegrown music scene. The title is a fitting way to capture the volume and variety of local and national talent performing on any given day at venues spanning from the beach to St. George Street. Whether you catch a set in an intimate art gallery or a world-class open-air arena, there is always a little something to see that suits your style. Here is a rundown on some of St. Augustine’s most memorable musical experiences.
Colonial Oak Music Park – A beloved sanctuary in the heart of the city.
The massive branches of a 300-year-old oak tree stretch out across a small, but lively outdoor venue located on historic St. George Street. Crowds gather early to sip, snack, and soak up the atmosphere well before the first notes are played. This is St. Augustine’s “community music park,” with seating for 250 visitors and rarely a cover charge. The Oak features some of the area’s best musical talent, along with occasional touring artists from all genres. It’s a welcome reprieve from the busyness of downtown and for those seeking out a small piece of Old Florida.
The Waterworks – This intimate art gallery and music venue performs to inform.
This venue originally served as the city’s waterworks building in 1898. Today, its historic charm remains intact, but its primary purpose is to serve the arts, as both a gallery and performance venue. The Waterworks hosts the EMMA Concert Association’s Words and Music Series, a mixture of music, spoken word, and theatre performance. In an effort to educate the public and promote St. Augustine’s emerging artists, admission is always free.
Music and Art by the Sea Concert Series – Catch dinner and a show on the beach.
Now in its 24th season, the Music and Art By The Sea concert series is a free event held nearly every Wednesday night throughout the summer next to the St. Augustine Beach Pier. The series features a weekly art show at the Art Studio, local food trucks from the Village Garden Food Truck Park, and a wide variety of live music performed by local musicians. BYO coolers, picnic baskets, blankets, and chairs for an intimate evening with friends old and new.
St. Augustine Amphitheatre – This world-class area welcomes big acts with northern Florida flair.
This community owned, operated, and led venue greets major headliners with a distinctly beachy vibe. Partially open-air and tucked right between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean, concert-goers are immersed in the unique beauty of St. Augustine’s renowned ecosystem. With exceptional sound, thoughtful amenities, and welcoming atmosphere for a little under 5,000 guests, there really isn’t a bad seat in the house. St. Augustine Amphitheatre sits on the edge of Anastasia State Park, less than a half mile from 1,600 acres of unspoiled stretches of sand and nature trails. Named Billboard Magazine’s “Top East Coast Amphitheater” in 2026, The St. Augustine Amphitheatre hosts more than 70 performances each year, welcoming music legends and rising stars across all genres, and serving as a gathering place for a variety of community events, including a weekly farmer’s market.
Sing Out Loud Festival – A city-wide celebration of St. Augustine’s soul.
The Sing Out Loud Festival returns for its tenth year with more than 100 local, regional, and national artists playing free and ticketed shows throughout the first three weeks of September in venues across St. Augustine and at Francis Field in May of 2027. The annual event also features community programming, including the St. Augustine Songwriters Festival and the St. Augustine Record Fair.
Milltop Tavern & Listening Room – This historic mill churns out all-day tunes.
Formerly a grist mill in the 1880’s, now a cozy restaurant, bar, and live music venue nestled in the heart of historic St. Augustine. For the past fifty years, Milltop Tavern & Listening Room has been bringing the energy and soul of live performances to locals and visitors alike. Live music plays all day, every day and features some of the best local talent that perfectly captures the essence of St. Augustine’s vibrant music scene.
Prohibition Kitchen – Serving up secrets in style on St. George Street.
Deep in the heart of America’s oldest city, a 1920’s Prohibition-era themed pub invokes the spirit of Bartolo, who on this very spot, created “Genovar Theater,” the social epicenter of Flagler’s prohibition era. Escape into the clandestine world of flapper dresses, speakeasies, moonshine, and swing music for locally-sourced bar food, craft cocktails, and live music every night at Prohibition Kitchen.
Ocean Grove RV Resort – A beloved local gem serving fresh tunes every weekend.
We saved the best for last (we may be biased). Head to Ocean Grove RV Resort for inventive eats, delicious drinks, and local legends playing live sets every Friday and Saturday from 6-9 p.m. Book a weekend stay and get the best of St. Augustine, right at your doorstep. Pristine beaches, high-end amenities, and the friendliest neighbors on the Atlantic coast.
With all this musical goodness, you’ll want to consider staying an extra day. For a limited time, book three nights and get the fourth one FREE.
