September marks the 450th anniversary of the founding of St. Augustine, Fla. — America’s oldest continuously occupied city. Located on Matanzas Bay — spanned by the iconic Bridge of Lions — the city was established in 1565 by Spanish explorer Don Pedro Menéndez and has a colorful history of occupation by French, British and Spanish forces. The St. Augustine 450th Commemoration officially kicks off the weekend of Sept. 4–6 with the Music & Street Festival at stages throughout town, featuring guitar virtuoso and singer Sam Pacetti, Mavis Staples of The Staple Singers, 13-time Grammy winner Emmylou Harris, blues artist Aaron Neville, and a host of other performers.

On Sept. 8, the Countdown Clock Ceremony begins at 7:45 a.m. at the Visitor Information Center, followed by a morning re-enactment of the landing of Menéndez at the Mission Nombre de Dios, a procession to the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine and a commemorative service. From Sept. 9–12, the St. Augustine Spanish Wine Festival takes place, with a Cava Reception and Dinner on Sept. 11. While you’re in town, be sure to tour the city’s historic attractions including the Lightner Museum and buildings left behind by railroad tycoon Henry Morrison Flagler. Iconic structures include Flagler College, originally The Hotel Ponce de León. Once the East Coast’s premier luxury hotel, it’s still fitted with the original Tiffany glass and stunning frescoes commissioned by Flagler.