Where First Coast Can’t Miss Events: March-May 2020

©Joan Marcus

Fresh History

Mar. 17-29, Hamilton, Moran Theatre, Times-Union Center

History comes alive in the riveting, Broadway smash hit “Hamilton.” The Tony-award winning musical combines hip-hop, rap and traditional music with incredible choreography and inventive staging and costuming to tell the story of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton in an engaging new way. Follow along as the young upstart, fresh off the boat from the Caribbean, arrives in New York City, determined to make a name for himself. Wars are fought, romances blossom, and schemes are hatched against the backdrop of America’s birth. www.timesunioncenter.com

©Shutterstock

Sunset Moonrise Tour

Mar. 9, Apr. 7, May 7, Jun. 5

Climb the 219 steps to the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse, for a spectacular view of the sunset and the moonrise in the country’s oldest city. Sparkling wine and light bites are served during this special tour that takes once a month. Book early; space is limited. www.staugustinelighthouse.org

Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival

Multiple Dates, Feb.-April

Founded in 2001, this event, whose core mission is music education and inspiration, has become one of the most prestigious of its kind in the United States. Concerts take place in intimate settings throughout the area, with performances by such notable artists at Itzhak Perlman, Ricky Skaggs and more. ameliachambermusic.org

©Shutterstock

Timucuan Parks Foundation 20th Anniversary Exhibit at MOSH

Through May 31

“Timucuan Parks Foundation: Celebrate and Explore Our Wilderness Parks” is available through May 31. The exhibit features four new park paintings video and photography highlighting the natural beauty of the area’s parks and preserves. In addition, there is information on plants and animals native to the area as well as enrichment activities. www.timucuanparks.org

St. Augustine Fashion Week

Mar. 1-7

Season Six of this highly-anticipated event kicks off on Sunday with a Designer Showcase at St. Augustine Premium Outlets. Look for a VIP event at Push-Push Salon on Wednesday. But save the date for the main event, the Runway Fashion Shows at Bozard Ford, held on both Friday and Saturday evenings. www.stafashionweek.com

Lenten Concert Series

Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25, Apr. 1

To mark the Christian Lenten season, enjoy organ concert performances each Wednesday during Lent. Concerts take place at 12:30 at Memorial Presbyterian Church, and admission is free, although donations are appreciated. www.memorialpcusa.org

Celtic Woman Celebration 15th Anniversary Tour

Mar. 5

Kick off the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations early with the Celtic Woman Homecoming Tour. Enjoy an evening filled with spirited musical performance with epic stage production for a “uniquely inspiring live performance.” www.timesunioncenter.com

Menorcan Heritage Festival

Mar. 7

Sponsored by the Menorcan Heritage Society, this fun festival commemmorates the arrival of the Menorcans, a Mediterranean people made up of Menorcans as well as Greeks, Italians, Corsicans and French, to Florida in the late 1700s. The free event offers entertainment, as glimpse at Menorcan culture and delicacies such as the famous Menorcan clam chowder. www.menorcansociety.net

Celtic St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Mar. 14

Come celebrate Celtic pride in what is billed as the first St. Patrick’s Day in history! Dating back to 1601, the festive event begins at 10 a.m. on Orange Street and winds along Bayfront through the downtown area. Look for bands, bagpipes and more, sure to set the stage for a raucous St. Patrick’s Day weekend celebration! www.celticstaugustine.com

Springing the Blues Festival

Apr. 3-5

The 30th Annual Springing of the Blues Festival celebrates this beloved form of music that’s a true American original. The free, outdoor event held at Seawalk Pavilion spans three days, and features national, regional and local artists performing on two stages. This year, fans can take in performances by the Lee Boys, James Armstrong, John Primer, Vanessa Collier, and many more. The event also features a dedicated children’s area, plenty of food, and an artisan marketplace. While the event is free, VIP tickets are available and offer front-of-stage seating, a special food air, air-conditioned restroom trailers and more. www.springingtheblues.com

Blessing of the Fleet, St. Augustine

Apr. 5

Dating back to St. Augustine’s earliest days as a Spanish settlement, this tradition takes place on Palm Sunday. All vessels— commercial and pleasure alike—are welcome to receive a blessing from the Bishop of the Diocese of St. Augustine. The ceremony begins at noon with a procession from the Cathedral Basilica and processes to the marina, where the blessing takes place. www. staugustineyachtclub.com

St. Augustine 61st Annual Easter Parade

Apr. 11

The city’s “Royal Trio” preside over this traditional parade celebrating Easter and local history, featuring marching bands, the Easter Bunny, and more. www.floridashistoriccoast.com

Amelia Island Wellness Festival

Apr. 17-20

A weekend of experiences with wellness masters from the fields of yoga, mindfulness, dance, and fittness all geared to stimulating your mind and senses. The festival’s vision seeks to teach how you can live in the moment with a sense of well-being. www.ameliaisland.com.

Earth Day Celebration at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

Apr. 25

The event from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. offers environmental exhibits and vendors, a children’s area, food, live music, plant sales and more. Entrance fee to the park is required. www.washingtonoaks.org

©Shutterstock

Ponte Vedra Triathlon

May 31

The event features an Olympic distance triathlon, duathlon and aquabike as well as the sprint triathlon and sprint duathlon. The swim will take place in the Atlantic Ocean, with a scenic bike course through the GTM Research Reserve and ‑ nishes with a run north on Ponte Vedra Blvd. www.trisignup.com

Barenaked Ladies “Last Summer on Earth Tour”

Jun. 3

Everyone’s favorite group from north of the border appears at the Amp with guests Gin Blossoms and Toad the Wet Sprocket. www.staugamphitheatre.com