Carrabelle Lantern Fest

Lantern Fest will be celebrated on Saturday, November 27 from 6-10 pm on the park grounds at Crooked River Lighthouse, 1975 Highway 98 West, Carrabelle Beach, FL. This unique, outdoor festival, best known for its breathtaking display of over a hundred colorful, hanging lanterns, lights up the night with magic and history at the 1895 maritime landmark. This delightful evening will feature wonderful live music by gifted Irish musicians, Killavil, amazing performances by the TCC Dance Company, ancient craft demonstrations, museum exhibits, delicious food and desserts and evening tower climbs of the tallest lighthouse on the Forgotten Coast. Admission is $8 for adults and $2 for children in advance for an evening of music, dance, night tower climbs, glowing lanterns and yummy food.

The talented Tallahassee Community College Dance Company will show their amazing abilities before the sun sets with superb choreography on the outdoor stage. Then as darkness falls, they will truly dazzle guests with an array of glow-in-the-dark performances. The TCC Dancers are regular performers at Lantern Fest.

Crooked River Lighthouse is excited to announce the return of the remarkably gifted Irish music trio Killavil at Lantern Fest. Don’t miss this award-winning group that has been a part of the Irish music scene all over the U.S. and abroad. They’ve kept a strong dedication to traditional Irish music and play Irish bouzouki, bodhran, uilleann pipes, tin whistle, flute and fiddle. They will be performing lively Irish tunes under the glow of over a hundred hanging lanterns.

In addition to fabulous shows of dance and music, over a hundred colorful, hanging lanterns will be on display throughout the grounds of the lighthouse park. Many of these lanterns are truly works of art and have been painstakingly hand-made by the incredible Joan Matey and other gifted local artists. This year there will also be two “ancient crafts” demonstrators. John Pfund will set up his blacksmith forge and Ken Horne will make remarkably strong rope from local plant fibers. Delicious food will be available for purchase from the festival food vendor. Don’t miss out on delectable desserts and coffee at the Beacon Bistro.  Come revel in this unique birthday party in honor of the 126th birthday of the Crooked River Lighthouse!

A special format for Lantern Fest will be implemented for the safety of guests, staff and volunteers. Attendees are asked to follow health and safety guidelines to keep themselves safe including social distancing and sanitizing hands frequently. Hand sanitizing stations will be placed throughout the event. Masks are encouraged indoors and anytime social distancing is not possible. Advance purchase is highly recommended as admission will be limited. Admission will be available for a suggested donation of $8 for adults and $2 for children and will be for sale soon at the gift shop and on the Crooked River Lighthouse website. For more information, please contact (850) 697-2732 or carrabellelighthouse@gmail.com. Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council. Special thanks to the City of Carrabelle.