The festival, initially called the Washington Street Festival, originated in 1979 on Labor Day weekend. From the beginning, its objective has been the revitalization of the Lincolnville community. Around 1981, the name was changed to the Lincolnville Festival.

Lincolnville was founded in 1866 by recently freed slaves and played a major role in the Civil Rights Movement. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was called upon to come to St. Augustine by Dr. Robert Hayling, a local dentist, to aid the residents of St. Augustine in their fight for equality. The Lincolnville community served as the centerpiece for the movement led by Dr. King in St. Augustine, which caught national attention and helped trigger the signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

This year’s Festival will be bigger and better than ever as we recognize the tumultuous past and incredible progress of our 150 years as a neighborhood.  One of the Festival founding fathers, internationally known jazz musician Doug Carn will be one of the featured artists, joining regional talents performing throughout the weekend.

The weekend will include:

                * Free live music and dancing

                * Great food and drinks

                * Local vendors

                * Fun activities for children

                * Free parking for cars, bicycles