On September 12th, join the annual commemoration of the founding of the city of St. Augustine 461 years ago as Spanish Admiral Pedro Menendez and his fleet made landfall and were greeted by the indigenous Timucuan tribes.

At 10 a.m. there will be a historical reenactment of the 1565 landing at Mission Nombre de Dios, followed by a celebration of Catholic Mass at the outdoor rustic altar. Admission is free.

At noon, guests at the Fountain of Youth Park can witness a reenactment of the first Thanksgiving meal. The Fountain of Youth is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Regular admission and St. Johns County resident rates apply.

Schedule of Events

10 a.m. | Menendez and crew land at Mission Nombre de Dios grounds, FREE

11 a.m. | Catholic Mass at Rustic Altar on Mission grounds, FREE (bring a folding chair)

12 p.m. | Procession from Mission to Fountain of Youth, FREE

1 p.m. | Reenactment of first Thanksgiving meal at Fountain of Youth, Regular admission and St. Johns County residents’ admission applicable.

1– 5 p.m. | Encampment and weapons demonstrations at Fountain of Youth, Regular admission and St. Johns County residents’ admission applicable.