A Season Full of Events in Ave Maria!
Let the good times roll in Ave Maria! Throughout the year, our events are open to all and offer something for everyone to enjoy. From festivals filled with live music, food and fun to learning about Ave Maria’s history on a trolley tour, there’s always something happening.
Whether you’re here to visit or thinking about staying, these events are the perfect way to discover all that makes Ave Maria special. Below is your guide to everything happening during the 2026–2027 event season. If you have any questions, please call (239) 352-3903 or email info@avemaria.com. Mark your calendars, and we’ll see you there!
Farmers Market & Live Music
Every Saturday | November 7 – April 24 | 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: 2026-27 Ave Maria Farmers Market: 70+ Vendors to Shop!
Trolley Tours & Live Music
Every Tuesday | February – March | 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!
Christmas Crawl
Saturday, November 21 | 12:00PM – 5:00PM
Ave Maria Town Center
Kick off the holiday season at Ave Maria’s Christmas Crawl! Enjoy free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, holiday treats, drink specials, twinkling lights and more. Don’t miss the bingo card fun, with festive prizes, for the whole family!
More Information: 2026 Christmas Crawl
Hometown Christmas
Friday, December 4 | 4:00PM – 9:00PM
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 Hometown Christmas
Sunshine State Steak Cook-Off
Saturday, January 23 | 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: 2027 Sunshine State Steak Cook-Off: Largest Steak Competition
Taste of Ave & 20th Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, January 30 | 11:00PM – 5:00PM
Ave Maria Town Center
Celebrate the magic of the season at Ave Maria’s signature Hometown Christmas! Enjoy a festive parade, live entertainment, food trucks, vendors, inflatables and more. Don’t miss the holiday fun for the whole family at this local favorite!
More Information: 2027 Taste of Ave: An Award-Winning Event
Xavier’s Run Memorial 5K
Saturday, January 30 | 8:15AM – 11:00AM
Ave Maria Town Center
More Information: 2027 Xavier’s Run Memorial 5K
Blues, Brew & BBQ Festival
Saturday, February 13 | 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 Talon. 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 13 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Celebrate the Irish way with live music performances from The Crows Band, 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: 2027 Shamrock Festival: Award-Winning Event in Ave Maria!
Margarita & Taco Festival
Saturday, April 3 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
It’s a Town Center Fiesta! Enjoy a day full of excitement with live performances from Mariachi Loco and Son De Mi Tierra while enjoying authentic Mexican specialties and refreshing margaritas. Lucha Libre 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: 2027 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