We try to maintain our local events page as often as possible, and we have an activities board at the inn that is updated daily. 

Fridays Laff for Less Fridays Laugh with 3 professional comics and northeast Florida’s up-and-coming talent as they vie for a paying comedy gig. Whether you think you’re funny and want to grab the mic or just prefer spectator status, check out the show. 8:30 pm. Tickets: $8. Jackie Knight’s Comedy Club, 3009 N. Ponce de Leon Blvd, US1 & SR 16. www.thegypsycomedyclub.com

Saturdays St. Augustine Chocolate Tour Love chocolate? Don’t miss this tantalizing guided journey of chocolate revelation! Sample truffles, pastries, and gooey delights from St. Augustine’s finest chocolatiers. You’ll think you’ve won Willie Wonka’s Golden Ticket as you step aboard our confectioner’s trolley to visit a chocolate paradise. 1:30 pm. Tickets: $60 pp. Old Town Trolley Welcome Ctr, 27 San Marco Ave. www.trolleytours.com/st-augustine 904.829.3800

Sundays Lincolnville Farmers Market Fresh produce, meats/fish, cheese, bread, treats, arts & crafts, prepared food, jewelry and more plus a picnic areas and a playground. 11 am-3 pm. www.lincolnvillefarmersmarket.com

Jan 15 EMMA Concert America’s Dream Chamber Experience America’s Dream Chamber Artists musical performance that is changing the face of chamber music, bringing about a resurgence of the great chamber music masterworks with renewed and energized freedom and expression, making it approachable and enjoyable to all audiences. 2 pm. Tickets: $30 pp. Flagler College Auditorium, 14 Granada Street.  www.EmmaConcerts.com

Jan 20 & 22 The Barber of Seville First Coast Opera, Vero Beach Opera, and Florida Opera Theatre Orlando present Rossini’s comic opera featuring Figaro, the wiley barber. Rossini’s masterpiece is the lively first installment of the Figaro story.  Count Almaviva loves the beautiful Rosina, who is kept a virtual prisoner in the house of her lecherous guardian, Bartolo. The Count enlists the help of Seville’s most notorious barber, valet, matchmaker, wigmaker, surgeon, pharmacist, and general factotum – Figaro!  Using tricks and intrigues, Figaro helps the Count achieve his prize.  Luminously crafted, musically ingenious and uproariously hilarious, The Barber of Seville is an energetic tale that shows the meaning of “zest for life” as young love blossoms against the odds.  Sung in Italian, with supertitles in English so that audiences will be able to appreciate the pranks on stage!  Jan 20 @ 7:30, Jan 22 @ 2 pm. Tickets:  $25 general admission, $30 at the door, $10 with student ID.  Kirk Auditorium @ The Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind. www.firstcoastopera.com

Jan 20-Feb 12 Harvey When mild-mannered Elwood insists his imaginary friend Harvey—
a man-sized rabbit—is real, his sister decides to have him committed. The doctors mistakenly commit her instead, and when the error is realized, a mad dash search is on for Elwood, Harvey, and the truth. Tickets: $20-25. Limelight Theater, 825.1164, www.limelight-theatre.org

Jan 21 Matanzas 5000 Fun Run Registration for the 32nd running of the First Coast Rehabilitation Matanzas 5000, registration closes Jan 7. The run begins at Swing Park at St. Francis Field on Castillo Drive and continues downtown along the bayfront. Awards ceremony follows the face. $15 in advance, $25 day of. www.ancientcityrr.org

Jan 21 An Evening With Rat Pack Review Rat Pack Review is a recreation of performances by the legendary trio of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis, Jr. Gates open at 7 pm, show begins at 8 pm. Tickets: $55.50, $44.50.  Ponte Vedra Concert Hall. www.pvconcerthall.com

Jan 22 U.S. Air Force Reserve Concert Band The 43-piece concert band is the largest and most versatile unit of the Band of the United States Air Force Reserve. Their varied repertoire ranges from classical overtures through Sousa marches to Broadway show tunes, popular music, movie themes, and patriotic favorites. 2:30 pm and 7:30 pm. Flagler College Auditorium. www.flaglerauditorium.org  386-437-7547

Jan 28 Uptown Saturday Night Enjoy the Nights of Lights, experience live music, refreshments, new exhibits, book signings, and much more at the galleries, antique stores, and unique shops on St. Augustine’s San Marco Avenue between Ripley’s Museum and the Mission Nombre de Dios.  5-9 pm. Free parking at the Mission Nombre de Dios on San Marcos. 823.9263.

Jan 28 Last Saturday Living History Program at Fort Mose Fort Mose Historic State Park is the site of the first legally sanctioned free African settlement in what is now the United States. The daily life of Fort Mose residents is depicted. This month’s program will focus on military maneuvers and colonial weapon demonstrations. 10 am-2 pm, weather permitting.  Fort Mose Historic State Park. www.floridastateparks.org/fortmose/

Jan 29 Travis Tritt (with Aaron Parker) Unlike many other mainstream country acts, Tritt does not wear a cowboy hat, and you’ll hear elements of rock ‘n’ roll in his music. Tritt has been on the country music scene since the 90s and won two Grammy awards for his work on the singles “The Whiskey Ain’t Workin’” and “Same Old Train.” Alabama native Aaron Parker is quickly becoming one of the most powerful voices in country music. With highly energetic shows and unmatched stage presence, Aaron has captured the undivided attention of the music industry. Gates open at 7 pm, show starts at 8 pm. Tickets:  $77.50, $65.50. Ponte Vedra Concert Hall. www.pvconcerthall.com

Jan 31 Keb’ Mo’ Keb’ Mo’ will promo his most recent album Reflection. He is an American blues singer, guitarist, and songwriter. He is a three–time Grammy Award winner for Best Contemporary Blues Album. This is a standing room only show. Gates open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:30 pm. Tickets: $36.50. Ponte Vedra Concert Hall. www.pvconcerthall.com

Jan 31 Damn Yankees: The Homerun Broadway Musical A devilishly good-time musical filled with hit songs like “Whatever Lola Wants” and “You Gotta Have Heart”. DAMN YANKEES is the musical story of a baseball fanatic who sells his soul to the Devil to help his team win the pennant, only to learn that there is more to life than home runs. Its sassy and winning ways earned this baseball tale 7 Tony Awards including “Best Musical.”  7:30 pm. Tickets: Adult $39, youth $28. Flagler College Auditorium.  www.flaglerauditorium.org

FEBRUARY 2012

Feb 7  Sunset/Moonrise Tour Enjoy the sunset and moonrise from the most unique perspective in all of St. Augustine – atop of the Lighthouse!  Champagne toast compliments of San Sebastian Winery and hors d’oeuvres from The Reef. 5:30-7 pm, reservations required.  Tickets: $25 for non-museum members, $20 for members.  St. Augustine Lighthouse 81 Lighthouse Ave, www.StAugustineLighthouse.com

Feb 7 Discover First America: St. Augustine Tapestry Explore the diverse foods, song, and dances of the Menorcan, Greek, and African cultures–important threads of St. Augustine’s tapestry. 7 pm @ Flagler College Auditorium, 14 Granada St, www.staugustine-450.com

Feb 9 Sandy Hacket’s Rat Pack Show Celebrate 50 years of The Rat Pack. They brought style with substance, swing with swagger, and a non-stop party that everyone wanted access to. Experience this critically acclaimed, hugely entertaining theatrical production. 7:30 pm. Tickets: Adult $39, Youth $28. Flagler College Auditorium, 14 Granada Street, www.flaglerauditorium.org

Feb 11 Flight to Freedom Living history re-enactment at Fort Mose featuring African drumming, Colonial Spanish military drills, musket and cannon demonstrations, re-enactors in period clothing telling the story of Fort Mose, various exhibits, and food! Free shuttle service from the Old Jail at 167 San Marco Avenue. 10 am-4 pm. Park Tickets: $2 pp. 823.2232  www.floridastateparks.org/fortmose

Feb 11 Emma Concert Series: Chamber Orchestra Kremlin This orchestra has earned global recognition as one of Russia’s leading ensembles. Comprised of Russia’s finest young string players, Chamber Orchestra Kremlin has carved a niche for itself under the creative baton of its founder and music director Misha Rachlevsky. 8 pm. Flagler College Auditorium, 14 Granada St, www.emmaconcerts.com

Thru Feb 12 Harvey When mild-mannered Elwood insists his imaginary friend Harvey–a man-sized rabbit–is real, his sister decides to have him committed. The doctors mistakenly commit her instead, and when the error is realized, a mad dash search is on for Elwood, Harvey, and the truth. Tickets: $20-25. Limelight Theater, 825.1164, www.limelight-theatre.org 

Feb 12 St. Augustine Houses of Worship Tour Self-guided walking tour of more than a dozen houses of worship in downtown St. Augustine. Hosts will be available at each stop to explain the history and architecture. Sightseeing Trains will provide a free shuttle to locations and can be boarded at any participating house of worship. 1:30-4 pm.  Tickets:  No charge, donations appreciated.  Grace United Methodist Church, 8 Carrera St., 904.829.8272 

Feb 16 Discover First America! Series – To Arms! Four & a Half Centuries of Military History For centuries, St. Augustine has been shaped by wars, battles, and military campaigns.  From the soldiers of Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles and the Fort Mose Militia to the Revolutionary, Seminole, and Civil Wars, and finally the modern-day National Guard. In this 100-minute-long re-enactment, 450 years of military history will be covered through soldier re-enactors and vignettes.  Doors open @ 6 pm. Flagler College Auditorium, 14 Granada St, www.staugustine-450.com

Feb 18 A Day in Old Florida Festival Experience a living history day with pine needle basket making, a 1700s trapper trader camp, blacksmithing, a Timucua Native American display, mullet net knitting demonstration, a children’s nature painting wall exhibit, interpretive programs, birding walk, live entertainment, wagon tours of the park, and Menorcan Clam Chowder.  10 am-3 pm. Tickets: $5 per vehicle. Faver-Dykes State Park, 386.446.6783 www.floridastateparks.org 

Feb 24 Las Vegas Tribute to Motown This exceptional tribute features the music of Diana Ross, The Supremes, The 4 Tops, and The Temptations. 7:30 pm. Tickets: $29 adult, $18 youth. Flagler College Auditorium, 14 Granada www.flaglerauditorium.org

Feb 25 Saw Doctors This Irish rock band has enjoyed 18 Top 30 singles in Ireland. Gate opens at 7 pm, show begins at 8 pm. Admission $24 in advance, $28 day of. Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, www.pvconcerthall.com

Feb 25 Uptown Saturday Night The San Marco Avenue galleries and antique stores between Ripley’s Museum and The Mission invite you to join them between 5 and 9 pm for book signings, live music, and refreshments. Park free at The Mission.

Feb 25 Menendez Birthday Grand Procession Join the 493rd birthday celebration of St. Augustine’s founder, Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles, which begins with this procession of sixteenth century reenactors, musicians, and entertainers, as they stroll along St. George Street to the Lightner Museum for the opening of the Nocha de Gala. 5 pm. Begins at the City Gate at Orange and St. George. 669.1485.

Feb 25 Nocha de Gala (Night of the Ball) Menendez’ birthday festivities continue with the Night of the Ball. Guests will be escorted to the festivities by re-enactors in period clothing.  The cocktail reception and dinner will be followed by dancing to contemporary tunes.  Attire is black tie or 16th century costume.  Cocktails and hors d’ouevres in the Lightner Ballroom; dinner on the Mezzanine; open bar and dancing until midnight; live music by The Company. 6:30 pm-midnight. Tickets $195 pp, or $75 pp for just the cocktail reception. RSVP by Feb 17 at 904.819.6081, gala@casamonica.com. Lightner Museum Ballroom, 75 King Street. www.nochedegala.com

Ponte Vedra Concert Hall / 1050 A1A North , Ponte Vedra 904.209.0399 www.pvconcerthall.com

Feb 9 They Might Be Giants Spirits will be high as the band celebrates the release of their new 18-song album Join Us and their 30th year of uninterrupted rocking. Tickets: $24.50 advance; $29 day of, standing room only.

Feb 14 Robert Cray in Concert (with Willie Green) American blues guitarist, composer, and singer and 5-time Grammy winner. 8 pm. Tickets: $55 and $65

Feb 18 Brandi Carlile Gate opens at 7 pm, show begins at 8 pm. Tickets: $36.50 and $42.50. 

Feb 19 Shemekia Copeland (with Toots Lorraine and the Traffic) Heir to the rich tradition of soul-drenched divas like Ruth Brown and Etta James, this young lady’s shot at the eventual title of Queen of the Blues is pretty clear. Gate opens at 7 pm, show begins at 8 pm. Tickets: $23 and $28.

Feb 25 Saw Doctors This Irish rock band has enjoyed 18 Top 30 singles in Ireland. Gate opens at 7 pm, show begins at 8 pm. Admission $24 advance, $28 day of.

Feb 25 Pablo Cruise  This band gave us the hits “Watcha Gonna Do When She Says Goodbye” and “Love Will Find A Way”. Gate opens at 7 pm, show begins at 8 pm. Tickets: $49.50 VIP, $36.50 reserved seating.

Feb 29 Dark Star Orchestra Grateful Dead tribute show. Gate opens at 6 pm, show begins at 7 pm. Tickets: $25 advance, $30 day of.

Special Valentine Events

Feb 10-12 St. Augustine’s 1st Annual Para-Psychic Weekend Tired of the same old same old for Valentine’s Day? Join your favorite film & TV celebrities for this exciting weekend event. Paranormal investigations will be conducted at Ripley’s Warden Castle and Sugar Mill Plantation. Group readings and discussions about the afterlife will be hosted by psychic Dr. Sheree Silver (who appeared on Wife Swap).  The Santa Maria Restaurant will host the Ghostly Valentine Dinner where guests will enjoy food, drink and fun while hearing stories from beyond the grave. Charity raffle for a 3-night stay in a luxurious vacation home in the Orlando/Disney area. For schedule and prices, visit www.Para-PyschicWeekend.com

Feb 11 Couples’ Valentine Eco Adventure Join the professional guides and naturalists of St. Augustine Eco Tours for a one of a kind Valentine’s experience! Choose the excursion that’s perfect for you and your sweetie! Paddle in a tandem kayak into the beautiful and tranquil salt marshes; look for wildlife as you explore the rivers and creeks on the Dolphin & Nature boat tour; or kick back and relax on a peaceful 2- hr catamaran sail. Kayak tours 10 am and 1 pm, other tours are by appointment. 904.377.7245 www.staugustineecotours.com

Feb 12 World Record Vows Renewal Ceremony Join Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Museum in their attempt to break a world record by hosting what is hoped to be the world’s largest vows renewal ceremony. The current record is 1087 couples. Brides will receive a complimentary flower; grooms will receive a cup of environmentally friendly confetti to throw following the ceremony. There will be cake for the wedded couples and a free train tour of the historic bayfront and plaza post ceremony. Photos will be available online post event. Couples must bring proof of their existing marriage and a photo ID to present at the noon check in.  Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Museum, 19 San Marco Ave.

OLDEST STORE MUSEUM

Visit the “new” Oldest Store Museum Experience now located at Historic Tours of America, 167 San Marco Avenue in St. Augustine.  Once a popular attraction in the Oldest City, the museum was closed for 10 years, but is now open daily in a new location.  The Museum features more than 100,000 household items from a by-gone era – it’s like walking into a Sears & Roebuck catalog from 1900!  Plus, live actors add to the fun and charm of this wonderful museum.  Admission is $9 for adults and $6 for children.  For more information on The Oldest Store Museum Experience, visit www.trolleytours.com or contact Dave Chatterton at 904-829-3800 or via email at dchatterton@historictours.com

El CONQUISTADOR THRILL RIDE

Go for a thrilling, high-speed, one-hour ride across Matanzas Bay aboard El Conquistador, St. Augustine’s newest thrill ride.  Narrated tour features history, speed and fun aboard this powerful speedboat.  El Conquistador departs from the City Marina’s Slip 73.  Tickets are $39.50 for adults and $29.50 for children (ages 4-12).  Free for active duty military.  Special rates for groups of eight or more.  For safety reasons, children under four and pregnant women are not allowed onboard.    For information and reservations, go to www.elconspeedboat.com or call 904.738.4695.

MURDER MYSTERY DINNER THEATER

Experience the first theater on St. Augustine’s St. George Street since a terrible fire destroyed the Genovar Opera House in 1914.  The St. Augustine Murder Mystery Theatre features a great meal and great live entertainment daily with a matinee at 2:30 p.m. and an evening show at 6:30 p.m.  Tickets are $43.15 each.  For more information, call 904.671.2508 or go to www.StAugustineMurderMysteryDinnerTheater.com.

YACHT OF FUN

Have a captain and a fun-equipped 22-foot boat at your service from dawn to dusk!  Yacht of Fun takes up to six people on a full day of whatever passengers prefer – fishing, swimming, stopping at waterfront restaurants, sunning – you name it.  The boat leaves from St. Augustine and offers the perfect way to spend a day. The rate is $60 per person for a party of six.  For more information, go to www.yachtoffun.net or call Cap’n Mike at 352.246.3836

BEACH HORSEBACK RIDING

Experience the fun and excitement of horseback riding at the edge of the sea.  Country Carriages offer daily one-hour rides (weather and tides permitting) from Surfside Park on Vilano Beach.  The cost is $75 per person.  For reservations (a must) and more information, call 904.826.1982.