Easter Weekend in St. Augustine: Your Complete Guide to Events, Egg Hunts, and Things to Do in 2026
Easter Sunday falls on April 5, 2026, but in St. Augustine, the celebrations begin well before Sunday morning and keep going long after brunch. America’s oldest city brings something genuinely unique to Easter weekend: a full week of community events rooted in Spanish colonial heritage, a parade that has run without interruption since 1956, egg hunts scattered across the county’s parks, oceanside sunrise services, and one of the most charming public costume contests you’ll find anywhere in Florida.
Whether you’re spending the whole week or just the long weekend, this guide covers every Easter weekend St. Augustine event worth circling on your calendar: from the bayfront Blessing of the Fleet on Palm Sunday to the Easter Promenade in the Plaza on Sunday afternoon.
Palm Sunday and Historic Events Surrounding: The Blessing of the Fleet and Royal Ceremonies
Easter Sunday falls on April 5, 2026, but in St. Augustine, the celebrations begin well before Sunday morning and keep going long after brunch. America’s oldest city brings something genuinely unique to Easter weekend: a full week of community events rooted in Spanish colonial heritage, a parade that has run without interruption since 1956, egg hunts scattered across the county’s parks, oceanside sunrise services, and one of the most charming public costume contests you’ll find anywhere in Florida.
Whether you’re spending the whole week or just the long weekend, this guide covers every Easter weekend St. Augustine event worth circling on your calendar: from the bayfront Blessing of the Fleet on Palm Sunday to the Easter Promenade in the Plaza on Sunday afternoon.
Palm Sunday and Historic Events Surrounding: The Blessing of the Fleet and Royal Ceremonies
Easter week in St. Augustine officially kicks off with Palm Sunday on March 29, 2026, and the centerpiece is one of the most distinctive public ceremonies in all of Florida.However, there are some other historic events that take place that we encourage you to add to your calendar as well.
Royal Family Transfer of Office — Thursday, March 26th | 6:00–6:30 p.m.
Held at 38 Cathedral Place, this heritage ceremony commemorates St. Augustine’s ties to Spain through the symbolic passing of the scepter to the incoming Royal Family: the community members selected each year to represent the city’s Spanish colonial heritage throughout their time. The Royal Family members can trace their ancestry back to St. Augustine’s earliest settlers, and they’ll appear in full historic costume throughout the weekend’s events. Free and open to the public.
Blessing of the Fleet — Sunday, March 29th | 12:00–2:00 p.m.
Following Palm Sunday Mass at the Cathedral Basilica, the Diocese of St. Augustine’s bishop processes to the St. Augustine Municipal Marina to bless commercial and recreational fishing vessels in a ceremony dating back to the city’s earliest days of Spanish colonial settlement. All vessels are welcome to participate, and spectators are encouraged to watch from the waterfront. It’s a quietly moving, wholly unique event that is free and open to the public.
Royal Knighting Ceremony — Monday, March 30th| Cathedral Place
Also held at 38 Cathedral Place during Easter week, the Royal Knighting Ceremony is a beloved community tradition in which the costumed Royal Family bestows knighthood upon St. Augustine residents selected for their civic contributions throughout the year. It’s part pageant, part civic celebration, and entirely charming. Check the city’s events calendar for the exact date and time.
Easter Saturday and Other Holy Week Celebrations: The Nation’s Second-Oldest Easter Parade
Easter Saturday is arguably the biggest day of public celebration in St. Augustine’s Easter weekend calendar, centered on a parade tradition that has become one of the most beloved annual events in the region.
Holy Week Celebrations — Week of March 30th
Throughout the week, both the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine and Trinity Parish will be hosting a variety of Holy Week celebrations, ranging in dates and times. These events are open to the public, some of which are livestreamed as well.
Easter Egg Hunts at County Parks — April 2nd& April 4th
St. Johns County Parks and Recreation hosts a series of Easter egg hunts at parks around the area in the days leading up to Easter Sunday. In 2026, these children friendly events are scheduled for April 2 at Palencia Park and Veterans Park, and April 4 at Treaty Park and Al Wilke Park, and kids will also be able to meet the Easter Bunny and have their picture taken with him. Times vary by location, check the Old City events guide for confirmed times closer to the date.
Good Friday Service at the Amphitheater— Friday, April 3rd
Colonial Church presents a Good Friday service at the St. Augustine, offering a contemporary worship experience in one of the area’s most striking outdoor venues from 6:30-8:30pm
Parada de los Caballos y Coches — Saturday, April 4th | 9:00–10:30 a.m.
The Parade of Horses and Carriages celebrates its 67th anniversary in 2026, making it the nation’s second-oldest Easter parade. The route begins at the Old Jail Museum at 167 San Marco Avenue, travels south along the bayfront on Avenida Menendez, turns onto Cathedral Place, and finishes at the Visitor Information Center on Cordova Street. Spectators can expect decorated floats, marching bands, drill teams, the Royal Family in full regalia, horses wearing Easter bonnets, the Easter Bunny, and even Imperial Storm Troopers (a beloved recurring quirk of this parade). Trophies are awarded in four categories. The parade is free to watch.
Parking tip: The City of St. Augustine offers free park-and-ride shuttles on spring Saturdays through April 19. Free parking is available at 198 & 212 West King Street (the intersection of U.S. 1 and King Street). All shuttles drop off and pick up at the Visitor Information Center at 10 S. Castillo Drive. There are also a variety of other parking locations around the city as well.
Easter Sunday, April 5th: Sunrise Services, Brunch, and the Easter Promenade
Easter Sunday in St. Augustine runs from the first pale light over the Atlantic all the way through a festive afternoon in the Plaza. Here’s how to plan your day.
Easter Sunrise Service — Sunday, April 5th | Sunrise
One of the most beautiful ways to begin Easter Sunday in St. Augustine is with a Sunrise Service, held at both Crescent Beach and Vilano Beach. There’s something genuinely powerful about an outdoor Easter service on the Florida coast: the Atlantic as your backdrop, the light coming up over the water. The service is free and open to everyone.
Easter Sunday Services — Sunday, April 5th
Throughout the morning, many Easter Sunday services will be held and are open to the public to attend. They vary in denomination, some of which are located at Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, Saint Benedict the Moor, St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church, and Trinity Parish. The times and locations vary; some will be livestreamed as well.
Easter Promenade — Sunday, April 5th | 1:00–3:00 p.m.
The Easter Promenade is the most joyfully chaotic event of the weekend, and one of the most photogenic! Held at the gazebo in the Plaza de la Constitución from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., the Promenade is equal parts fashion show, costume contest, and community stroll. Awards are given for Most Creative Hat, Prettiest Hat, Best Dressed Couple, etc. Come in your Easter Sunday best or spend the week building an elaborate bonnet! Either approach is welcome. The Royal Family appears in full historic costume. The event is free, open to all ages, and weather permitting.
After the Promenade, St. George Street is the perfect place to wind down the day; independent shops and restaurants are open throughout Easter weekend, and the street’s historic atmosphere is especially pleasant on a warm spring afternoon.
Planning Your Easter Weekend: Parking, Dining, and Practical Tips
Parking: Use the free park-and-ride shuttle on Saturday, April 4. Free parking is available at 198 & 212 West King Street, with shuttles dropping off at the Visitor Information Center. The downtown parking garage next to Francis Field is a reliable paid option if you prefer to drive in. On Easter Sunday, arrive early if you plan to attend morning Mass at the Cathedral Basilica: it fills quickly.
Dining: Most restaurants in the Old City are open on Easter Sunday. The city is well-stocked with brunch options, from waterfront spots along Avenida Menendez to St. George Street cafés. Reservations for Easter Sunday brunch are strongly recommended, especially at popular bayfront restaurants. Explore dining optionsprior to your trip to make some reservations.
Weather: April in St. Augustine averages highs in the mid-70s°F with low humidity — ideal for outdoor events. Light layers are recommended for the early morning sunrise service. Spring afternoons are typically sunny and pleasant, perfect for the afternoon Promenade.
Summary
Easter weekend in St. Augustine in 2026 runs from Palm Sunday (March 29) through Easter Sunday (April 5) and is packed with free, family-friendly events rooted in nearly five centuries of tradition. The Blessing of the Fleet on Palm Sunday, the nation’s second-oldest Easter Parade on Saturday, egg hunts across county parks, a stunning oceanside sunrise service, and the festive Easter Promenade in the Plaza de la Constitución on Sunday afternoon together create one of the most distinctive Easter weekends anywhere in the country. Plan for parking and dinner reservations and come ready to celebrate in your best Easter hat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Easter parade route in St. Augustine in 2026?
The 2026 Parada de los Caballos y Coches (Parade of Horses and Carriages) begins at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 4 at the Old Jail Museum at 167 San Marco Avenue. The route heads south along San Marco Avenue, turns onto Avenida Menendez along the bayfront, continues onto Cathedral Place, and finishes on Cordova Street at the Visitor Information Center. The parade typically runs for about 90 minutes.
Are there Easter egg hunts in St. Augustine in 2026?
Yes, St. Johns County Parks and Recreation hosts Easter egg hunts at multiple locations. In 2026, events are scheduled for April 2 at Palencia Park and Veterans Park, and April 4 at Treaty Park and Al Wilke Park. Kids can also meet the Easter Bunny at these events. Additionally, local churches and organizations host their own egg hunts throughout the weeks leading up to Easter Sunday.
What is the Easter Promenade in St. Augustine?
The Easter Promenade is a free, public costume and hat contest held from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Easter Sunday (April 5, 2026) in the Plaza de la Constitución in historic downtown. Visitors and locals are encouraged to dress in their Easter best or create elaborate Easter bonnets and enter the contest. Awards are given in multiple categories including Most Creative Hat, Best Dressed Pet, and Best Dressed Couple. The Royal Family appears in full historic costume.
Is there free parking in St. Augustine on Easter weekend?
Yes. On Easter Saturday (April 4), the City of St. Augustine offers free park-and-ride shuttle service as part of its spring Saturday program (running through April 19). Free parking is available at 198 & 212 West King Street, with shuttle drop-off and pickup at the Visitor Information Center at 10 S. Castillo Drive. On Easter Sunday, paid parking is available at the downtown garage next to Francis Field.
Make Your Easter Weekend Reservations Now
Easter weekend is one of the most beloved times to visit St. Augustine, and it books up quickly. Whether you’re planning a family trip around the parade and egg hunts, a romantic weekend centered on sunrise services and brunch, or a solo visit to experience a centuries-old tradition in America’s oldest city, the Old City has room for all of it. Visit OldCity.com to browse accommodations, explore restaurant options, and find everything you need to make your Easter weekend St. Augustine experience seamless and memorable.
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