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