FODfest (May 6-7)
A special fundraising event, FODfest offers the community free, public concerts that bring together diverse groups of artists and audiences. FODfest offers, school programs, and multimedia productions that promote its community-building mission. For additional information, visit www.fodfest.org.
Butterflies are Free Breakfast, Author Talk, and Butterfly Release (May 10)
New York Times best-selling author Mary Alice Monroe has chosen Amelia Island to launch her latest book, “The Butterfly’s Daughterâ€.  A breakfast and author talk will be followed by a release of monarch butterflies, coordinated by volunteers from Wild Amelia Nature Festival. Tickets are $50 and include a signed copy of the book. Tickets can be purchased at Red Otter Outfitters and the Golf Club of Amelia Island after March 15, or by contacting Dickie Anderson (904) 556-6455. The event will benefit the Wild Amelia Nature Festival.
Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival (May 20-June 19)
The Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival will showcase world-class artists performing classical music in intimate and historic settings on Amelia Island. The festival is dedicated to bringing a wide variety of chamber music at the highest level, with performances by the Tokyo String Quartet, Louciana Souza, violinist Rachel Barton Pine, eighth blackbird, classical guitarist Sharon Isbin, and many more. The festival offers four free concerts, including the Air National Guard Band of the South performing a Splendor in the Brass concert. Other Festival highlights include two Candlelight Concerts at Fort Clinch State Park, the more informal Beer and G Strings at the Palace Saloon, and La Tierra Prometida. Click here to read more about the Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival
Wild Amelia Nature Festival (May 20-22)
The 2011 Wild Amelia Nature Festival invites residents and visitors to experience the wild side of Amelia Island. With more than 25 seminars and experiences, the three-day festival includes a Segway tour of Ft. George Island, kayaking the marshes along Ft. Clinch State Park, and exploration of bird habitats by bike. The festival also offers programs designed specifically for children, including a Kid’s Niche with hands-on nature activities. There will also be an EcoExpo with green and nature-based exhibitors, and a Silent Auction. For more information visit Wild Amelia Nature Festival
2011 Ed Gaw Amelia Island Open Water Challenge (May 28)
The Ed Gaw Amelia Island Open Water Challenge includes a 5K (3.1 miles) ocean swim. The event will take place at 8:30 a.m. at Main Beach. The cost to participate is $30. Participants can register online at www.active.com or at the Atlantic Avenue Recreation Center.
WWII Event (May 28-29)
Fort Clinch State Park will hold a Memorial Weekend program in honor of the men and women who served in World War II.  Visitors can explore military displays, view memorabilia, and learn about the uniforms, weapons, vehicles, and lifestyle of those who were part of the war during the 1940’s.  The event will take place on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  For details, call (904) 277-7274 or visit www.floridastateparks.org/fortclinch.
Sisters on the Fly is a group of over 1500 women from all over the country with a penchant for fly fishing, poker, campfires and traveling in vintage trailers. This colorful group and their adorable trailers are coming to Tybee Island, GA, for another week of cowgirl camaraderie at the River’s End Campground. The band of women with wanderlust will be opening their fabulous little trailer cuties for a 3 hour tour, along with a cowgirl lunch, book signing, and quilt auction all to benefit the restoration campaign of the historic Tybee Theater. If you love vintage trailers – you don’t want to miss this one!
