April 8 Run for Peace 5K This 5K race begins at 8 a. m., and the course is fast, flat and fun. The race starts in front of the St. Johns County Pier Park and takes runners through scenic beach neighborhoods and then back to the pier. This race benefits the Betty Griffin Center. Registration ranges from $ 25- $ 15. 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine 904-808-8544 www. runforpeace5k. org
April 8 Festival of the Chariots The Festival of the Chariots, also known as RathaYatra, is a timeless festival that celebrates an invitation to the Lord of the Universe to enter our hearts. The festival takes place at 10 a. m. in the historic downtown area of St. Augustine. The Festival of the Chariots includes a downtown procession and festivities in the Plaza de la Constitución. Cathedral Pl. and St. George St., St. Augustine 352-316-4560 www. festivalofchariots. org
April 8 Chocolate Datil Pepper Eating Contest Head over to Hot Shot Bakery and feel the heat as locals and visitors alike compete to be this year’ s star on the Wall of Flame. The Datil pepper is St. Augustine’ s hot little pepper that has been a part of the local culinary scene for hundreds of years. The competition starts at 11 a. m.; contestants need to arrive by 10:30 a. m. 47 Cordova St., St. Augustine 904-824-7898 www. hotshotbakeryncafe. com
April 8 Dish N Fish Dish N Fish is a new culinary tourism event in the Vilano Beach Town Center. This event is a collaborative fundraising partnership with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association and Vilano Beach Main Street to raise awareness of the coastal community and area dining. The event features a chef competition among high school culinary students in a program called ProStart. Five teams from around the area will compete under the guidance of master chefs. The dish of the day will feature ceviche prepared in a variety of recipes. Ten additional restaurants will have seafood and shrimp dishes available for purchase. Samples will be offered. Area wine distributors and craft beer makers will offer tastings. The event is noon-8 p. m. There is a $ 5 entrance fee for adults; children under 15 are free. Tasting meals are $ 15. 145 Vilano Rd., Vilano Beach 904-540-0402 www. vilanobeachfl. com