A Season Full of Events in Ave Maria!
Let the good times roll in Ave Maria—where small-town charm meets big-time fun! Whether you’re here to visit or thinking about staying, these events are the perfect way to discover all that makes Ave Maria special.
From festivals packed with live music, food and fun to learning about the history of Ave Maria on a trolley tour, below is your guide to everything happening in Ave Maria during the 2025-2026 event season!
Farmers Market & Live Music
Every Saturday | November 1 – April 25 | 9:00AM – 2:00PM
Ave Maria Town Center
Featuring over 50+ vendors, this community favorite allows you to enjoy live music while shopping for fresh produce, artisan foods, handcrafted décor and more in the heart of Ave Maria. This event is hosted by SW Florida Markets, LLC. To become a vendor call (239) 293-6266.
More information: 2025-26 Ave Maria Farmers Market: 70+ Vendors to Shop!
Trolley Tours & Live Music
Every Tuesday | January 13 – April 14 | 11:00AM – 2:00PM
Ave Maria Welcome Center
Discover why Ave Maria is Collier County’s Community of the Year! Hop on a free, one-hour, guided trolley tour and enjoy live music, lunch and shopping in the Town Center. Don’t forget to explore 25+ model homes from our four premiere builders.
Tours depart on the hour from 11:00AM – 2:00PM from the Ave Maria Welcome Center. Trolley admission is free and a first come first served basis. All guests receive a goodie bag with swag, coupons and more!
More Information: Explore Collier County’s Community of the Year with Trolley Tours!
Sunshine State Steak Cook-Off
Saturday, January 24 | 2:00PM – 6:30PM
Ave Maria Town Center
The Knights of Columbus annual charity steak competition returns with live music and entertainment, a beer garden, kids activities, farmers market and more! Teams fire up their grills and compete for the best tasting steak. Dinner is served 5:00PM to 6:00PM, the winner is announced at 6:30PM.
More Information: 2026 Sunshine State Steak Cook-Off: Largest Steak Competition
Taste of Ave
Saturday, January 31 | 12:00PM – 5:00PM
Ave Maria Town Center
A not-to-be-missed award-winning event featuring local restaurants and breweries, live music, food trucks, a kids zone, cornhole competition and more! Don’t miss the car show and on-site vendors at this local favorite!
More Information: 2026 Taste of Ave, Award-Winning Event!
Blues, Brew & BBQ Festival
Saturday, February 14 | 12:00PM – 5:00PM
Ave Maria Town Center
The Town Center comes alive with live music from two of SWFL’s biggest blues acts – Deb & The Dynamics and Old School. Enjoy finger-lickin’ good barbeque, food trucks and a wide selection of craft beers. Unique retail vendors, a car show and family friendly activities means the whole family can enjoy the afternoon.
More Information: Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival: One of Ave Maria’s Signature Events
Shamrock Festival
Saturday, March 14 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Celebrate the Irish way with live music performances by Michael Joyce, Stein Mug Holding Contest, Celtic performances by Ave Maria Dance Academy, Irish soda bread contest and more. Don’t miss the games, kids’ activities and themed fun! A festive day of green fun for the whole family.
More Information: 2026 Shamrock Festival: Award-Winning Event in Ave Maria!
Margarita & Taco Festival
Saturday, March 28 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
It’s a Town Center Fiesta! Enjoy a day full of excitement with live performances from DJBlackOut and El Gato Sloea while enjoying authentic Mexican specialties and refreshing margaritas. Twins & Jungle Friends Primate Show, wrestling entertainment, car show and more will keep the kids entertained. It’s a day of fun for everyone! Bring your chairs, grab a margarita, and soak up the fun!
More Information: 2026 Margarita & Taco Festival: Fiesta Fun in Ave Maria!
For more information on all Ave Maria public events, contact the Ave Maria Welcome Center:
(239) 352-3903
info@avemaria.com
www.avemaria.com