Long after the era of Spanish conquistadors clashing in battle along our coast, St. Augustine became known as something else: a destination on the underground railroad. Formed in 1866 by a group of freed slaves, this historic neighborhood of Lincolnville was a place of refuge for African Americans seeking to carve out a life of their own. Always a place ripe with political participation, later members of the Lincolnville community played a major role in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960?s.

This weekend, for the 31st year in a row,  we come together to celebrate this tremendous part of St. Augustine’s history at the Lincolnville Heritage Festival. Held at the Special Events field in downtown St. Augustine, this three-day festival was started in 1979 by Jazz musician Doug Carn (one of the performers at the festival this year) and businessman Christopher Lightburn. The festival helps fund the restoration of Lincolnville which continues to preserve and restore Lincolnville’s great history to this day.

Take a look at the schedule of events below or visit the Lincolnville Heritage Festival website for more information on the music, food and vendors who will be represented at this year’s event. And make sure you join us this weekend to honor this tremendous part of St. Augustine’s history!