Ave Maria events combine festivals, live music, food, shopping, family activities, trolley tours, and community traditions in a master-planned community approximately 30 miles east of Naples, Florida. The main event hub is the Town Center, where visitors can explore courtyards, shops, restaurants, seasonal markets, and scheduled entertainment.
From November through April, the regular calendar includes the Ave Maria Farmers Market, live music, and trolley tours, while the 2025-2026 event season adds signature celebrations such as the Sunshine State Steak Cook-Off, Taste of Ave, Blues, Brew & BBQ Festival, Shamrock Festival, and Margarita & Taco Festival.
Regular Ave Maria Events
Farmers Market and Live Music
Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., November through April, the Ave Maria Farmers Market with 70+ vendors offers everything from homemade merchandise and baked goods to local artisans in the 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.
Every Saturday | November 1 - April 25 | 9:00AM - 2:00PM
Ave Maria Town Center
This event is hosted by SW Florida Markets, LLC.
Trolley Tours and Live Music
Free 45-minute trolley tours depart from the Welcome Center every Tuesday from mid-January through April. Reservations are not required but can be made by calling 239.352.3903.
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.
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.
Don’t forget to explore 25+ model homes from our four premiere builders.
Explore charming Town Center courtyards when listening to a variety of live musical talent each Tuesday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. January through April.
Ave Maria Events Calendar for the 2025-2026 Season
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!
| Event | Date and time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Farmers Market & Live Music | Every Saturday, November 1 - April 25, 9:00AM - 2:00PM | Ave Maria Town Center |
| Trolley Tours & Live Music | Every Tuesday, January 13 - April 14, 11:00AM - 2:00PM | Ave Maria Welcome Center |
| Sunshine State Steak Cook-Off | Saturday, January 24, 2:00PM - 6:30PM | Ave Maria Town Center |
| Taste of Ave | Saturday, January 31, 12:00PM - 5:00PM | Ave Maria Town Center |
| Blues, Brew & BBQ Festival | Saturday, February 14, 12:00PM - 5:00PM | Ave Maria Town Center |
| Shamrock Festival | Saturday, March 14, 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Ave Maria Town Center |
| Margarita & Taco Festival | Saturday, March 28, 12:00PM - 5:00PM | Ave Maria Town Center |
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.
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!
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.
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.
Margarita & Taco Festival
Saturday, March 28 | 12:00PM - 5:00PM
It’s a Town Center Fiesta! Enjoy a day full of excitement with live performances from DJ BlackOut 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!
What to See During an Ave Maria Visit
Ave Maria is a master-planned community approximately 30 miles east of Naples, Florida. Begin your visit with a stop at Ave Maria’s Welcome Center for a town map.
Tour one of 25 designer model homes by premier builders Pulte, Del Webb, CC Homes, and Lennar. Your itinerary should include a visit to the award-winning architecture of Ave Maria Catholic Parish Church; the first major U.S. Catholic university built in 40 years, Ave Maria University.
The Town Center has a variety of shops and restaurants.
Golf Near Ave Maria
Naples visitors can also get in a round of golf at Ave Maria’s championship golf courses Panther Run Golf Club and The National Golf & Country Club.
Panther Run Golf Club
Panther Run’s 18-hole course was nominated as a Golf Digest “Top 10 Place to Play”.
Six sets of tees, 63 sand bunkers, water on 13 holes and a beautiful natural setting ensure a great golf experience for players of all skill levels.
The National at Ave Maria
The National at Ave Maria is an 18-hole championship course designed by Gordon Lewis that offers a fun challenge for all ages and skill levels.
Planning an Event Visit
Visit Ave Maria’s Events Calendar on their website for more details and a complete list of scheduled of events.
For more information on all Ave Maria public events, contact the Ave Maria Welcome Center: (239) 352-3903
The regular seasonal schedule makes it possible to combine a Saturday farmers market visit with live music, Town Center dining, shopping, and nearby attractions. A Tuesday visit can include a trolley tour, live entertainment, lunch, and an exploration of the community’s model homes.