History – 20 years ago, Robert and Andrea Samuels noticed on almost any weeknight, the Pier Pavilion was empty. It also occurred to them there was lack of any sort of local gathering for the city residents. They decided to try and throw a free social to allow residents to have fun and get better acquainted. This resulted in the birth of Music by the Sea. Season one included one concert each month during the summer. The first show included a 3-piece band, a hot dog vendor and about 40 residents. In 2019 we rebranded the event to showcase local art. Thanks to the Art Studio Group for helping us evolve to what we now call Music & Art by the Sea. To steal a line from an old TV commercial “we’ve come a long way baby!”. In 2022 we celebrate 20 years of beautiful music, community pride and the anniversary of an event many people that would never work.

This success is due in part to the efforts of SABCA, but credit also goes to many others. Our concert partner-sponsors, in recent years the SJC Tourism Development Council, local restaurant and food trucks! The City of St Augustine Beach and St Johns County Parks & Recreation have been extremely helpful. And last but certainly not least, we thank the bands that have graciously played our stage! We certainly could not have done this without all of you!

Take the Shuttle to our Free Concerts! Music & Art by the Sea is delighted to partner with Old Town Cart. Owned by local resident Adam Lynn, Old Town Cart offers transportation solutions for both small and large parties and events. They provide 12-passenger golf carts and a full-size trolley, perfect for weddings, bachelor or bachelorette parties, or bar hopping at the beach or in the Old City. Learn more at oldtowncart.com.

We invite you to park at either St. Augustine Beach City Hall or Ron Parker Park and ride with Old Town Cart to our Wednesday concerts. The ride is free, but we kindly ask that you tip the driver at least $1 each way. The service is available each Wednesday during the concert season from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM.

Due to the popularity of this event and limited parking at Pier Park itself, we offer the following tips: If you live nearby, please walk or ride your bike. If walking is not an option, consider parking at Ron Parker Park or St. Augustine Beach City Hall and using a ride-share app like Uber, Lyft, or a local cab company for transportation to and from the event. If you wish to park at Pier Park, you may need to arrive before 4:00 PM to secure a spot. There are a number of designated handicapped parking spots near the pavilion, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional parking can be found on nearby streets, including 16th Street. Please observe all signs to ensure you are parked legally and avoid being ticketed or towed.

Music by the Sea takes place in the beautiful oceanfront setting at The St Johns County Pier Park, 350 A1A Beach Blvd in St Augustine Beach. The concert itself takes place inside the Pier Pavilion. The entire park and pavilion are owned and managed by St Johns County Parks & Recreation. The park and pavilion meet all ADA requirements including handicap designated parking spaces, restrooms, and a ramp allowing access to the pavilion itself. As the sponsor of the event, The St Augustine Beach Civic Association marks and maintains an area for those in wheelchairs inside the pavilion near the band.
Don't forget, there is Free Wifi available all around the venue. Just look for SABCA Free Wifi while your there..

Say hello to our dining partner, The Village Garden Food Truck Park! We are excited to collaborate with The Village Garden Food Truck Park. Each week, one of the food trucks based at the Village Garden will be on hand to offer delicious food from 5 PM until 8 PM, or until the food runs out. There will be a different truck and food option each week. Please visit our Facebook event site for weekly updates.

We welcome visitors and invite you to stay and dine with our friends! Beautiful sandy beaches, art galleries, family-friendly attractions, and much more can be found in St. Augustine Beach and the surrounding area. Stay in a beachfront condo or one of our many hotels. You’ll love the great deals on lodging and local attractions here at the beach and in the Old City. Our lodging partners include Resort Rentals, LaFiesta Ocean Inn & Suites, Guy Harvey Resort, and the Hampton Inn & Suites. After your day at the beach, unwind with dinner and cocktails at one of our many local eateries. There’s a wide variety of delicious choices all within walking distance of your hotel or condo, including Sunset Grille, Mango Mangos, Beachside Diner, Salt Life Food Shack, The Beachcomber, and Playa Choc Mool.

If you’re interested in visiting historic downtown St. Augustine, click here for ideas on attractions, dining, and more!

Bring your spouse, significant other, or a group of friends. Along with your crew, feel free to bring a cooler, beach chair or blanket, and even a picnic basket with dinner or snacks. Please bring a smile and a positive attitude, and get ready for a summer of music, food, and fun! Our event is pet-friendly—dogs are permitted on the grounds outside the pavilion. Pets must be on a leash and under the control of their owners at all times. Licensed Service Dogs are permitted anywhere, including inside the pavilion. Meet your friends and neighbors, and help show our tourists why St. Augustine Beach is an amazing place to live, work, and play! Music & Art by the Sea is made possible with the support of our sponsors. We also thank our partners: The Art Studio, The St Augustine / St Johns County Board of Realtors, IQ Fiber, Friends of Scenic A1A, Eclipse Studios, The Beaches News Journal, Totally St Augustine, Beach 105.5 and Country 106.3 FM and Wayne Fusco Photography.

You can find photos here -> Event Photos