Few comedy shows around Jacksonville happen under the open sky. The ones at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre do. The venue goes by the Amp, and it sits on Anastasia Island, across the Bridge of Lions from downtown St. Augustine and about half a mile from the beach, with the trees of Anastasia State Park all around. It is mostly a music venue with more than 70 performances a year and just under 5,000 seats, but big comedy tours stop here too.
Built for a State Play
The Amp opened in 1965, for St. Augustine's 400th anniversary, as the stage for Cross and Sword, a symphonic drama about the city's founding by the playwright Paul Green, a Pulitzer Prize winner. Florida later made it the official state play. The grounds sit on old colonial coquina quarries. After the play's run of more than three decades ended, St. Johns County took over the worn out site in 1999 and rebuilt it. Today the nonprofit SJC Cultural Events runs it, along with Ponte Vedra Concert Hall.
Parking and the Free Shuttle
The premium lot on site is small, often sells out and can be bought ahead for each show. It opens two hours before the gates. The easier move is the free satellite parking at Anastasia State Park and at the R.B. Hunt Elementary School soccer field, both within a mile, with shuttles starting an hour before gates and running until an hour after the show. Do not park in the nearby neighborhoods, where cars get ticketed and towed.
What You Can Carry In
You can bring a tote or purse smaller than 12 by 6 by 12 inches, or a clear plastic bag smaller than a gallon. Backpacks, drawstring bags, cameras with detachable lenses and recording gear are not allowed. Seat cushions are fine without pockets, arms or zippers. Some tours set their own age limits, so check your ticket for the night's rules.
Food Trucks and Bars
Rotating local food trucks serve most shows, and stands in the main plaza sell snacks. Several bars pour cocktails, wine and beer in reusable cups, so hang on to yours for refills.
Accessible Seating
Accessible parking is first come, first served in front of the box office, and riders can be dropped at the entrance gates if the lot is full. Accessible seats are in the Pit and in Section 202, with up to three companion seats each. Sign language interpreters can be requested at least seven days ahead.
Café Eleven is a few miles south at St. Augustine Beach, and the St. Augustine area page has the rest.