SJC Cultural Events Inc. (SJCCE) celebrated one of its most impactful years to date in 2025, producing more than 130 concerts, presenting more than 290 artists and welcoming more than 550,000 guests from all 50 states as well as Canada, United Kingdom, Spain, France, Brazil and Mexico to events throughout St. Johns County.
The nonprofit’s programming generated an estimated $43.4 million in economic impact within the year.
The St. Augustine Amphitheatre experienced record attendance, maintaining its position among the Top 10 Amphitheatres in the World, according to Pollstar Magazine, hosting 74 concerts with 30 sold-out performances.
The season featured a range of legendary performers including John Legend, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Foreigner, Brad Paisley and “Weird Al” Yankovic, alongside breakout artists such as Khruangbin, Sierra Ferrell, Warren Zeiders, Nikki Glaser and The Red Clay Strays. Multi-night runs from Billy Strings, Widespread Panic, Bailey Zimmerman and more were additional highlights in this year’s lineup.
In addition to concerts, The St. Augustine Amphitheatre hosted more than 70 community events, such as the BRAVE Mental Health Summit and Saturday Farmers Markets, and unveiled a new Box Office and The Kookaburra Outpost – both open seven days a week – expanding guest services and amenities.
Ponte Vedra Concert Hall entered its new era on Aug. 1, reopening after a 14-month, $12-million renovation.
Between August and December, the venue hosted 47 concerts, welcoming artists such as The Dan Tyminski Band, Melissa Etheridge, Lyle Lovett, The Del McCoury Band, Chuck Leavell, Phantogram and Ben Folds. Enhancements included upgraded sound and lighting, expanded seating, outdoor terraces, a chef-driven food program featuring locally sourced, made-to-order offerings and a transformed box office, merchandise store and The Kookaburra Café.
Beyond its venue-based programming, SJCCE produced the 4th Annual Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Series, welcoming more than 4,500 guests to Fort Mose Historic State Park, and the Sing Out Loud Festival, which presented more than 150 national, regional and local acts across multiple venues throughout the county. The festival was punctuated by the Live Wildly Showcase on Sept. 20 and 21, when 12 headlining acts including Hozier, Beabadoobee, Vance Joy and more performed for more than 25,000 fans at Francis Field.
SJCCE also partnered with the St. Augustine Film Festival to present 40 independent films and collaborated with Limelight Theatre to host a special performance by Ben Sollee.
“At SJCCE, we are honored to serve St. Johns County and visitors who share a passion for live music,” said Gabe Pellicer, CEO and president of SJCCE. “Every concert, festival and community event is an opportunity to bring people together, and we’re grateful to the artists, partners and audiences who made 2025 such a meaningful year.”
Looking ahead to 2026, SJCCE remains committed to expanding access to live music and cultural experiences while continuing to elevate St. Johns County as a destination for the arts.
