Fall is the perfect time in Florida to start enjoying all of our favorite outdoor activities again. We love to go on road trips, visit small towns, and discover new festivals in the fall time. This charming small-town event combines all three.
Carrabelle is a small town of around 2,800 people located in Northwest Florida. This historic fishing village is most famous for having the "World's Smallest Police Station" (located within a single phonebooth) for many years.
Another popular local landmark is the Crooked River Lighthouse, which dates back to 1895. It sits next to a replica of the original keeper's house, which is home to a museum detailing the history and science behind the lighthouse.
Every October, the town celebrates the lighthouse's "birthday" with a festival of lights with dozens of handmade lanterns aglow like birthday candles. This year, the lighthouse turns 122.
The 2017 Lantern Fest will be held on October 21st to avoid competing with Halloween. The festival runs from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Carrabelle Beach's Lighthouse Park (1975 HWY 98 WEST 32322).
The festival is put on by the Carrabelle Lighthouse Association, which is responsible for the landmark's rescue and restoration. They ask guests to please bring a chair and a lantern, as these will be the main source of light for the event.
The talented Tallahassee Community College Dancers will perform before the sun goes down, and then afterward with dazzling glow-in-the-dark dances. There will be live music performed by will be the award-winning Celtic music trio KIllavil, playing traditional Irish music on unique instruments.
Tasty meals, pastries, coffee, and hot cocoa will be available for purchase at the event. The museum and gift shop in the keeper's house will also be open, and the lighthouse will be open for evening climbing tours.
If the night sky is clear, the Tallahassee Astronomical Society will set up high-powered telescopes at the public beach pavilions until 11 p.m. This sounds like an amazing opportunity to do some stargazing.
Admission to this very special celebration is only $5 for adults and $1 for children ages 6 - 16. Tower climbing tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children (who must be 44" tall).
Proceeds will go toward lighthouse preservation and the rebuilding of a beloved pirate ship playground that burned down two years ago. Come out to this memorable birthday party and support a good cause in one of Florida’s unique small towns.
Have you ever attended Carrabelle’s Lantern Fest? What’s your favorite small town festival in Florida?
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
2017 Lantern Fest will be held on October 21st to avoid competing with Halloween. The festival runs from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Carrabelle Beach's Lighthouse Park (1975 HWY 98 WEST 32322
