St. Augustine, FL | Oldcity.com

Course in Birding at GTM
2025-10-10 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-10-17 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-10-24 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-10-31 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | GTM Research Reserve, 505 Guana River Rd, Ponte Vedra Beach,, FL, 32082, United States
If You Can Name It, You Can Love It – A Course in Birding
This five-week course in birding is being led by Linda Burek, an experienced birder and author. She was the lead compiler for the St. Augustine Christmas Bird Count 2018-2021. Linda has also participated in weekly counts of nesting birds at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm and Zoological Park. In addition, she served on the Board of Directors for the St. Johns Audubon Society and led bird walks.
Deepen your connection with the natural world. You’ll explore the birdlife of our coastal estuary and beyond – helping participants build birding skills, gain confidence in identification, and appreciate the powerful connection between knowing and loving nature.
Class Days: Fridays, October 3-31, 2025 — 10:00am-11:30am
Where: GTM Research Reserve Visitor Center, Classroom 2
Course Schedule
October 3 — The Estuary Ecosystem and Birds Near Water
Introduction to why birds thrive here and how to identify the most common birds found near water.
October 10 — Birds Near Water – Part 2
Complete the discussion on tips for identifying birds near water. Outdoor observation at the Poop Dock.
October 17 — Feathered Friends at Home
Backyard bird identification, feeding tips and habitat insights.
October 24 — Where the Birds Are
Explore local hotspots and highlight species to seek at each site.
October 31 — Apps, Maps & Birding Mastery
Hands-on training with eBird & Merlin. Wrap-up discussion and Q&A.
Cost: $175.00 — Members of Friends of the GTM Reserve | $225.00 — Non-Members
Click the event website link for all additional information, to register, and for a list of required books.

Sea Turtle Talk
2025-10-11 10:00 - 12:00 | Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, 6400 N. Oceanshore Blvd. , Palm Coast, FL, 32137, United States
Head to Washington Oaks Gardens State Park for the Sea Turtle Talk. Join Ranger Teresa and learn everything and anything you’ve ever wanted to know about these fascinating oceanic creatures.
When: Saturday, October 11, 2025 — 10:00am-12:00pm
Meet on the beach!
Park Entrance Fee applies:
$5.00 per vehicle (2-8 people per vehicle)
$4.00 per single-occupant vehicle
For all additional information, click event website link or call (386) 446-6783.

Auggie's Storytime
2025-10-16 10:00 - 11:00 | Vaill Point Park, 630 Vaill Point Rd, St. Augustine, FL, 32086, United States
Join SJC Parks & Rec for Auggie’s Storytime … geared towards toddler age kids and their families. Auggie is a wise and friendly gopher tortoise who loves to share fascinating stories about the world around him. That includes the secret lives of his animal friends to the wonders of nature that he’s discovered during his long life.
His calm and thoughtful demeanor makes Auggie the perfect guide for young learners who are curious and nature and the creatures who inhabit it. Auggie teaches valuable lessons about friendship, teamwork, patience, and the importance of protecting wildlife! His shell may be sturdy, but his heart is soft. And, he’s eager to pass on his knowledge. His tales will captivate young minds, inspiring a love for the planet.
When: 3rd Thursday of Month — 10:00am-11:00am
Where: Vaill Point Park Pavilion
Free to attend. However, please click the event website link to register — adults please register with your children!
Call 904-209-0335 for additional information.

Howl-O-Ween Pet Costume Contest
2025-10-17, 2025-10-18, 2025-10-19, 2025-10-20, 2025-10-21, 2025-10-22, 2025-10-23, 2025-10-24 and 2 more dates | SJC Parks & Rec Facebook, United States
Howl-O-Ween Pet Costume Contest
Now through October 26, 2025, be sure to submit photos of your pets in their Halloween best via the comment section of the Facebook post linked below! Your pictures can be with or without other family members, but your pet must be in costume!
Photos will be posted for viewing on Monday, October 27, 2025. And, voting will remain open through October 29, 2025.
The top 3 winners will be announced on Halloween! Winners must pick up their prize in person at the Parks & Rec Office by December 1, 2025.

Homeschool Birding
2025-10-17 10:00 - 11:30 | Vaill Point Park, 630 Vaill Point Rd, St. Augustine, FL, 32086, United States
Homeschool Birding
Calling all homeschoolers … SJC Parks & Rec and St. Johns Regional Audubon is offering an exciting program all about birds! Discover the fascinating world of local birds. Join them for a hands-on morning walk where students will get the opportunity to learn birding skills and techniques.
If you have binoculars … please don’t forget to bring them.
When: Friday, October 17, 2025 — 10:00am-11:30am
Where: Vaill Point Park Pavilion
Cost: Free … however, please click the event website link to register. Open to all ages.
Questions?? Call 904-209-0333.

GTM Beach Exploration
2025-10-18 09:00 - 11:00, 2025-11-15 09:00 - 11:00 | GTM Research Reserve Visitor Center, 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, 32082, United States
Join GTM Research Reserve docents from 9:00am-11:00am on the 3rd Saturday of the month for a Beach Exploration walk. Learn about the animals that call the beach home while collecting seashells and sharks teeth. This is a “Beaches 101” experience the entire family will enjoy.
The hike begins at the GTM Visitor Center where you will learn about the different habitats on GTM’s beautiful seashore. The group will then walk across the street to the beach for this salty adventure!
After the walk, you can come back to the GTM Research Reserve Visitor Center, enjoy our many miles of trails, or spend the day on the beach!
The event is free. However, be sure to click on the event website link to reserve your spot! Registration is required.
No fee for parking in front of the Visitor Center.
Please Note: There is no Beach Exploration in September. Instead we are participating in the International Coastal Cleanup.

Birding by Boat at Fort Matanzas
2025-10-21 09:30 - 12:30 | Fort Matanzas National Monument, 8635 A1A South, St. Augustine, FL, 32080, United States
Birding by Boat at Fort Matanzas
Please Note: National parks remain as accessible as possible during the federal government shutdown. However, some services may be limited or unavailable.
Stop by Fort Matanzas National Monument – a stop on the Great Florida Birding Trail – for Birding by Boat. It’s a unique way to view our feathered friends as you cruise the waterways surrounding the park while birding!
A number of ecosystems are protected … including including beaches, dunes, coastal hammock, and marsh. Birds such as least terns, bald eagles, osprey, roseate spoonbills, and black skimmers are frequent flyers to the park. The Matanzas River, the Matanzas Inlet, and the Intracoastal Waterway are vital to a number of these species. Let’s go on a boat ride to better observe them!
When: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 — 9:30am, 11:00am, & 12:30pm
It’s strongly recommended that you bring a water bottle, sunscreen, bug spray, closed-toed shoes, a hat, and sunglasses. Binoculars will be available to borrow as supplies last.
Boat rides are one hour and are Free. However, space is limited. Reservations will open starting at 9:00am on September 21, 2025. Sign-up is strongly recommended! Call at 904-471-0116 or come to our visitor center to reserve your space.

Dolphin Walk
2025-10-25 17:30 - 18:30 | Vilano Beach Pavilion, 2752 Anahma Dr., Vilano Beach, FL, 32084, United States
Join St. Johns County Parks Naturalist for a Dolphin Walk on Vilano Beach at sunset. On your guided walk, learn all about bottlenose dolphins … their natural history, behavior, and conservation. And, if you’re lucky, you might just see some! Plus, you’ll get to enjoy the sunset. Led in partnership with the Wild Lessons Marine Biology Team.
Meet at the Vilano Beach Pavilion
Dates | Time:
Saturday, October 25, 2025 — 5:30pm-6:30pm
Tuesday, November 25, 2025 — 4:00pm-5:00pm
Free … and open to all ages. However, please click the event website link to RSVP.
Questions? Call 904-209-0331.

Dolphin Walk
2025-10-28 07:30 - 08:30 | Frank B. Butler Park East, 5860 A1A South, St. Augustine, FL, 32080, United States
Early birds … join St. Johns County Parks Naturalist for a Dolphin Walk. Enjoy the sunrise while learning about dolphins. Learn all about the resident dolphin population … that includes their social behavior, local research efforts, anatomy and adaptations, and conservation. Led in partnership with the Wild Lessons Marine Biology Team.
Meet at Frank butler Park East Walkover
Date | Time: Tuesday, October 28, 2025 — 7:30am-8:30am
Free … and open to all ages. However, please click the event website link to RSVP.
Questions? Call 904-209-0331.

Guided Bird Walk at Anastasia
2025-10-29 08:15 - 10:00, 2025-11-09 08:15 - 10:00 | Anastasia State Park, 300 Anastasia Park Road, St. Augustine, FL, 32080, United States
Guided Bird Walk at Anastasia
Calling all bird lovers …. come meet the birds on a Guided Bird Walk at Anastasia State Park. Observe a diverse variety of shore birds, seabirds, and wading birds. Proudly part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.
This fun and informative walk is open to participants of all birding levels.
Date | Time — 8:15am-10:00am
October: Saturday the 4th & Wednesday the 29th
November: Sunday the 3rd & Tuesday the 18th
December: Sunday the 21st
Dress for the weather. Bring binoculars, water, comfortable walking shoes, and a field guide if you have one.
Meet at the Island Beach Shop & Grill parking lot located at the end of the main park drive.
Event is weather permitting and subject to cancellation.
Park Entrance Fee Applies:
$8.00 per vehicle — limit 2-8 people per vehicle
$4.00 per single-occupant vehicle
$2.00 per pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.
For more information, please contact the park at 904-461-2033 or click the event website link.

"Yes Dog!" - Improv + Dog Training
2025-11-01 13:30 - 14:45, 2025-11-08 13:30 - 14:45 | Third Space Improv, 200 Malaga Street, #7, St. Augustine, FL, 32084, United States
“Yes Dog!” – Improv + Dog Training
Discover a 6-week, one-of-a-kind course that blends improvisational play with force-free dog training to help you and your dog build connection, confidence, and joy. Train with laughter! Connect with presence! Grow together!
Each week pairs an improv principle with a training concept, guiding you to celebrate small wins, turn mistakes into opportunities, and see your dog as a true partner in life’s improv scene.
When: Saturdays, November 1 – December 13, 2025 (No class Thanksgiving weekend) | 1:30pm–2:45pm
Where: Third Space Improv
What You’ll Gain:
• Deeper trust and understanding with your dog
• Confidence to respond creatively to challenges
• Stronger communication and connection through play
• More joy, less stress—for both ends of the leash
Details:
• 6 weeks – 75 minutes per session
• Includes improv warm-ups, partner exercises with dogs, training practice, & reflection
• Small group size for personalized attention
Requirements:
• Dogs must be friendly and comfortable with people and other dogs
• Flat collar or harness with a standard leash up to 8 feet
• Current vaccinations required
• Humans should come ready to play, laugh, and learn—no acting experience needed!
• If you’re unsure whether your dog is ready, contact The P.E.T. Impact for a brief pre-class consultation: 904-217-9287
Cost: $299.00
The P.E.T. (Partnership Enrichment Training) Impact helps pets and their human friends make the most of their relationship. Owner, and Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Suzanne Cardiff, treats the dog as a whole, meeting the dog’s emotional, mental, and physical needs, respecting the dog’s individual nature, preferences, and abilities. In doing so, problem dogs remain in loving homes avoiding local shelters and all dogs (and owners) are seen and heard.
Third Space Improv has ADA-accessible studios, stage, and rest room. here is free parking available in front of Third Space.
Click the event website link to register and for additional information.

Whiskey, Wine & Wildlife Event 2025
2025-11-07 18:30 - 20:30, 2025-11-08 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-11-08 14:00 - 17:00, 2025-11-09 10:30 - 14:00 | FL
Whiskey, Wine & Wildlife Event 2025
Mark your calendars for November 7-9, 2025 for this annual event! W3 is a culinary weekend like no other blending food & drink lovers with the surrounding beauty of nature! Raising funds and awareness for Vilano Beach Main Street and the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park.
Enjoy beverage tastings artfully combined with inspired cuisine from some of the South’s best chefs as well as local culinary superstars. And, education experts are on-hand Friday and Saturday, showcasing some fun, interactive programs with coastal wildlife, from alligators to reptiles.
Please Note: Attendees must be of legal drinking age or older to attend most events. No dogs or pets allowed.
Events are rain or shine and programs are subject to change without notice.
Event Info | Schedule:
Friday, November 7
* 6:30pm-8:30pm Dinner – Vilano A1A Soirée – Hyatt Place St. Augustine/Vilano Beach. A tasting event – indoors and out – with gourmet bites. Sample some of NE Florida’s best restaurants, live music and more. Guests receive souvenir glass for unlimited beer, wine and spirits tastings.
Saturday, November 8
* 10:00am – 12:00pm – Alligator Farm VIP Behind the Scenes Tour – St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park. Guests are treated to a guided, behind the scenes, private tour … with special access to several exhibits. A tour of the “Rookery” is also included where native herons, egrets, spoonbills, and wood storks can be seen. Private Wine & Cheese Reception at the conclusion. Rain or shine.
* 2:00pm – 5:00pm – W3 Main Event – Whiskey, Wine & Wildlife Block Party – Hyatt Place St. Augustine/Vilano Beach. All three of the W’s and much more including: culinary delights from the A1A Corridor – some of northeast Florida’s best * hundreds of unlimited varieties of beverage tastings (spirits, wines and beers) with a souvenir glass * live music * wildlife and educational demonstrations from St. Augustine Alligator Farm.
Sunday, November 9
* 10:30am-12:00pm & 12:15pm-2:00pm (2 seatings) – W3 Sunday Jazz Brunch at Pesca by Michael’s. Grand Finale Brunch. Indoor. Enjoy a generous array of chef-attended stations, offering elegant, seasonal fare; souvenir glass with unlimited beverage tasting stations, and live piano music by Jolie.
Satellite Parking/Shuttle Service Information
Old Town Trolley will be providing Free shuttle service making it the best and most hassle-free way to attend Saturday’s Main Event. Every 30 minutes to and from St. Johns County parks on A1A to Vilano Beach. The schedule is available on the festival website.
Click the event website link to purchase your tickets and for all additional details, including parking and shuttle information.
