History – 20 years ago, Robert and Andrea Samuels noticed on almost any weeknight, the Pier Pavilion was empty. It also occurred to them there was lack of any sort of local gathering for the city residents. They decided to try and throw a free social to allow residents to have fun and get better acquainted. This resulted in the birth of Music by the Sea. Season one included one concert each month during the summer. The first show included a 3-piece band, a hot dog vendor and about 40 residents. In 2019 we rebranded the event to showcase local art. Thanks to the Art Studio Group for helping us evolve to what we now call Music & Art by the Sea. To steal a line from an old TV commercial “we’ve come a long way baby!”. In 2022 we celebrate 20 years of beautiful music, community pride and the anniversary of an event many people that would never work.

This success is due in part to the efforts of SABCA, but credit also goes to many others. Our concert partner-sponsors, in recent years the SJC Tourism Development Council, local restaurant and food trucks! The City of St Augustine Beach and St Johns County Parks & Recreation have been extremely helpful. And last but certainly not least, we thank the bands that have graciously played our stage! We certainly could not have done this without all of you!

The Beach Music & Arts Fund (BMAF) serves as the fundraising arm for SABCA. Funds raised support arts-related events and activities within our community. No Board Members receive compensation for their work with BMAF or SABCA. The BMAF, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, conducts donations, raffles, and other fundraising efforts. The collected funds are used to pay bands and performers at community events, provide scholarships for young people to attend Camp Rock and art classes, and support various programs that promote art and music in our local community.

Due to the popularity of this event and limited parking at Pier Park itself, we offer the following tips: If you live nearby, please walk or ride your bike. If walking is not an option, consider parking at Ron Parker Park or St. Augustine Beach City Hall and using a ride-share app like Uber, Lyft, or a local cab company for transportation to and from the event. If you wish to park at Pier Park, you may need to arrive before 4:00 PM to secure a spot. There are a number of designated handicapped parking spots near the pavilion, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional parking can be found on nearby streets, including 16th Street. Please observe all signs to ensure you are parked legally and avoid being ticketed or towed.

Music by the Sea takes place in the beautiful oceanfront setting at The St Johns County Pier Park, 350 A1A Beach Blvd in St Augustine Beach. The concert itself takes place inside the Pier Pavilion. The entire park and pavilion are owned and managed by St Johns County Parks & Recreation. The park and pavilion meet all ADA requirements including handicap designated parking spaces, restrooms, and a ramp allowing access to the pavilion itself. As the sponsor of the event, The St Augustine Beach Civic Association marks and maintains an area for those in wheelchairs inside the pavilion near the band.
Don't forget, there is Free Wifi available all around the venue. Just look for SABCA Free Wifi while your there..

We collaborate with The Village Garden Food Truck Park, indenpendent vendors and local restaurants to provide a food & beverage option each week. Delicious food is available from 5 PM until 8 PM, or until the food runs out. There will be a different truck and food option each week. Please visit our Facebook event site for weekly updates.

We welcome visitors and invite you to stay and dine with our friends! Beautiful sandy beaches, art galleries, family-friendly attractions, and much more can be found in St. Augustine Beach and the surrounding area. Stay in a beachfront condo or one of our many hotels. You’ll love the great deals on lodging and local attractions here at the beach! Our official vacation rental partner / sponsor is Salty Beach Vacation Rentals. Call them at 904-770-8368 or visit their website at https://www.saltybeachvr.com/

The area has many great hotels, motels and eateries, many of whcih are locally owned and operated. There are delicious choices all within walking distance of your hotel or condo, including Sunset Grille, Mango Mangos, Beachside Diner, Salt Life Food Shack, Playa Choc Mool Mexican Restaurant. Need dessert? We've got ice cream, italian ice and more all here in beautiful St Augustine Beach.

If you’re interested in visiting historic downtown St. Augustine, or looking for festivals and adventures, please visit our sponsor / partner Tottally St Augustine at https://totallystaugustine.com/

Bring your spouse, significant other, or a group of friends. Along with your crew, feel free to bring a cooler, beach chair or blanket, and even a picnic basket with dinner or snacks. Please bring a smile and a positive attitude, and get ready for a summer of music, food, and fun! Our event is pet-friendly—dogs are permitted on the grounds outside the pavilion. Pets must be on a leash and under the control of their owners at all times. Licensed Service Dogs are permitted anywhere, including inside the pavilion. Meet your friends and neighbors, and help show our tourists why St. Augustine Beach is an amazing place to live, work, and play! Music & Art by the Sea is made possible with the support of our sponsors. We also thank our partners: The Art Studio, The St Augustine / St Johns County Board of Realtors, IQ Fiber, Friends of Scenic A1A, Eclipse Studios, The Beaches News Journal, Totally St Augustine, Beach 105.5 and Country 106.3 FM and Wayne Fusco Photography.

Although I try to attend every concert, there are times it's not possible. If you see me there, make sure you ask me to take your photo. You can find my over 8 years worth of photos here -> Event Photos