The circa-1798 Ximenez-Fatio House Museum on Aviles Street in St. Augustine has announced its America250 events throughout 2026.
On July 8, the museum will partner with the St. Augustine chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), the Sons of the American Revolution and the Colonial Dames of America for a public reading of the Declaration of Independence.
This nationwide commemoration marks the anniversary of the document’s first public reading in 1776. In St. Augustine, that reading happened on July 8, 1776. A town crier will announce the reading in the Plaza de la Constitucion at 5 p.m., and attendees will walk down Aviles Street to the Ximenez-Fatio for the opening ceremonies and reading.
America250 Summer and Fall Events
Location: Ximenez-Fatio House Museum, 20 Aviles St., St. Augustine
- July 3: Summer Night Market in the courtyard from 5 to 9 p.m. with local artisans, coinciding with First Friday Art Walk.
- July 4: $2.50 tour admission
- July 8: Declaration of Independence reading, starting in the Plaza de la Constitucion at 5 p.m., then a patriotic walk down Aviles Street to the house museum courtyard
- Sept. 5: Aviles Street Festival from 4 to 9 p.m. celebrating St. Augustine’s 461st anniversary and Spanish Heritage Month
- Sept. 19: St. Augustine Book Festival with Florida authors from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Oct. 2-31: Mortality & Mourning — Women in Black candlelight tours
- Oct. 24: Trick or Treat and Harvest Festival
- Oct. 30: Overnight Paranormal Experience
- Nov. 21-Jan. 18: Art & History — Family Traditions. Local artists decorate 14 fireplace mantels throughout the historic house during Nights of Lights.
