With the St. John’s River as it’s backdrop, fishing tournaments and festivals have become signature activities of our downtown community. Home to Florida School of the Arts, our access to art far exceeds the size of our town. Live performances and other visual art exhibits rotate regularly. Every year, national touring bluegrass artists call Palatka home for the weekend. Every visit provides something new.
Listed here are signature events that have been taking place for decades and embody Palatka’s unique history and character. But we have so MANY MORE EVENTS! Check out the Upcoming Events page for all the latest listings on fishing, art events, quilting, downtown yoga, and so much more!
PALATKA BLUE GRASS FESTIVAL
FEBRUARY 13-15, 2025Rodeheaver’s Boys Ranch hosts one of the top bluegrass festivals in the county with national headliners . Gather for this one of a kind event to benefit the ranch.
68TH AZALEA AMATEUR
MARCH 14-16, 2025Applications are still being accepted! Take part in this 66 year old tradition at Palatka’s Don Ross designed Palatka Golf Club.
BARTRAM FROLIC
APRIL 11-13, 2025Celebrating the St. Johns River and our Bartram history, the festival is an educational and recreational event for all ages!
71ST ANNUAL MUG RACE
MAY 2, 2025Hosted by The Rudder Club and Palatka Yacht Club, the Mug Race is a 38 mile one way race down the St. John’s River from Palatka to Orange Park.
PALATKA BLUE CRAB FESTIVAL
MAY 23-25, 2025Hometown fun with music, kid’s games, and food trucks celebrating the bounty of blue crabs this area is known for.
PALATKA BLUE GRASS FESTIVAL
NOVEMBER 2025Rodeheaver’s Boys Ranch hosts one of the top bluegrass festivals in the county with national headliners . Gather for this one of a kind event to benefit the ranch.
PALATKA CHRISTMAS PARADE
November 2025A Palatka Christmas tradition. Gather together on St. John’s Avenue for a festive evening featuring carolers, tons of local community organizations, and Santa!
HOLIDAY HOUSE
NOV - DEC 2025The Palatka Art League hosts their annual Holiday House showcasing art for sale in 8 rooms of the historic Tilghman House.
PALATKA PORCHFEST
DECEMBER 2025Enjoy live music on the front porches of the South Historic District. Sponsored by the Southside Historical Neighborhood Association