A Guide to Ave Maria’s Annual Events and Festivities
Ave Maria’s community culture is defined by a strong sense of connection and tradition which comes to life through its signature events. The fun never stops with the town’s lively festivals to springtime farmers markets, where residents and visitors alike come together to create lasting memories. So, here’s your guide to enjoying the Ave Maria lifestyle:
Farmers Market &
Live Music (Now – April 26)
A Town Center favorite, the annual Ave Maria Farmers Market continues to grow, now with 60 vendors! Browse locally sourced goods and handmade creations from a diverse mix of offerings, including organic produce, flowers, honey, specialty food and baked goods, home décor and accessories, ceramics and more. Market hours are 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. every Saturday, from November 2 – April 26. Brought to you by SW Florida Markets, LLC. Please call (239) 293 – 6266 to become a vendor.
Trolley Tours & Live Music (Jan. 14 – April 22)
Tour Collier County’s ‘Community of the Year,’ 10-years running, during a complimentary 1-hour narrated trolley tour and discover all that’s new! Explore the town, learn its history and enjoy live music. After the tour, grab lunch, shop and explore 25+ model homes by premier builders Lennar, Pulte Homes, CC Homes and Del Webb. Guests receive a trolley bag filled with swag items, coupons and more!
Tours depart on the hour from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. from the Ave Maria Welcome Center. Trolley admission is free and is a first come, first serve basis.
Sunshine State Steak Cook-Off (Jan. 25)
The Knights of Columbus’ 15th annual charity steak competition comes to the Ave Maria Town Center from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 25. Festivities include live music and entertainment, a beer garden, bounce house for the kids, farmers market, plus an arts show by Blue Ribbon Events! Participating grill teams prepare approximately 2,000 steak dinners and serve 5:00 – 6:00 p.m., with winner announcements following at 6:30 p.m.
Admission is free, with dinners running $30 in advance at www.SunshineStateSteakCookOff.com or $35 day of event.
This award-winning event is back! At Taste of Ave, visitors have an opportunity to grasp all the town of Ave Maria has to offer, from it’s hometown bands to its variety of restaurants and shops – all in one place. On Saturday, Feb. 1 from noon to 5:00 p.m. enjoy live music from hometown bands TreeHause and the Back Country Boys, free-entry raffles organized by the town’s businesses, family-friendly activities, Biz Kidz Expo and inflatables, plus local artisans and small business booths. There’ll be plenty more to experience during this popular event!
Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival (Feb. 15)
Enjoy full sets by Southwest Florida’s biggest names in blues entertainment, Deb & The Dynamics and Old School on Saturday, February 15 from noon to 5:00 p.m.! The fun includes vintage and high-performance car exhibits by the Cool Cruisers, food trucks and finger-licking good barbecue and a wide assortment of craft beers, plus a great selection of retail vendors. With cornhole games, a kids zone featuring inflatables, face painting and balloon artistry, there’ll be something for everyone! This Ave Maria event is not to be missed.
Margarita & Taco Festival (April 5)
Ave Maria takes on a funfair atmosphere for the annual Margarita & Taco Festival from noon to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 5! Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the afternoon with bands TreeHause and Deb & The Dynamics, food trucks featuring Mexican specialties and desserts, and a variety of refreshing margaritas! Anticipate exotic animal encounters with the Twins & Jungle Friends Primate Show including a Meet & Greet from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., plus other activities including Cirque Adventure, a farmers market and local artisans, car shows, plus plenty more family-friendly fun. Everyone is sure to have a good time!
Ave Maria Holiday Art & Craft Show (Nov. 30 – Dec. 1)
Visit the Ave Maria Town Center for the Holiday Art & Craft Show, where local talents showcase their vivid creations on Saturday and Sunday, November 30 – December 1 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Each booth offers a unique blend of boutique art and artisanal crafts, where eventgoers will discover one-of-a-kind treasures from talented locals, each showcasing their finest works—from intricate jewelry and pottery to hand-woven textiles and elegant home décor, plus so much more!
Brought to you by Blue Ribbon Events. Please contact blueribboneventsllc@gmail.com to become a vendor.
A Big Kind of Small Town Art Show (Jan. 25 – 26)
Visit the Ave Maria Town Center for A Big Kind of Art Show, where local talents showcase their vivid creations on Saturday and Sunday, January 25 – January 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Each booth offers a unique blend of boutique art and artisanal crafts, where eventgoers will discover one-of-a-kind treasures from talented locals, each showcasing their finest works—from intricate jewelry and pottery to hand-woven textiles and elegant home décor, plus so much more!
Brought to you by Blue Ribbon Events. Please contact blueribboneventsllc@gmail.com to become a vendor.
Immerse yourself in the lively spirit of Ireland at Ave Maria’s inaugural Shamrock Festival! On Saturday, March 15 from 12:00 – 5:00 p.m., the festivities kick off with energetic performances by The Crows, a local Irish band known for their traditional tunes. Anticipate a themed golf cart parade at noon, a range of kids’ activities, an Irish Soda Bread Contest at The Bean, plus Celtic dance performances by Kellyn Celtic Dance, who will dazzle with their traditional steps. With something for everyone, this festival promises a day full of music, delicious brews and golden fun!
Ave Maria Festival of the Arts (March 22 & 23)
Visit the Ave Maria Town Center for the Festival of the Arts, where local talents showcase their blooming crafts and creations on Saturday and Sunday, March 22 – March 23 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Each booth offers a unique blend of boutique art and artisanal crafts, where eventgoers will discover one-of-a-kind treasures from talented locals, each showcasing their finest works—from intricate jewelry and pottery to hand-woven textiles and elegant home décor, plus so much more!
Brought to you by Blue Ribbon Events. Please contact blueribboneventsllc@gmail.com to become a vendor.
For more event information and event details, please contact the Ave Maria Welcome Center at (239) 352 – 3903 or email info@avemaria.com.