Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce

Storytime at the Libraries
2025-05-13 15:30 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Eastpoint Public Library, 160 Hickory Dip Rd, Eastpoint, Fl, 32328
The Friends of the Franklin County Public Libraries (FFCPL) invite residents and visitors to enjoy free, fun, and educational events for all ages—no library card required! All supplies are provided. These programs foster creativity, learning, and connection in an inclusive environment.
Storytime introduces young children to books, rhymes, music, and activities designed to spark a love of reading. This month’s book, Are You My Mother? written and illustrated by P.D. Eastman. In this timeless message of the bond between mother and child, a baby bird hatches while his mother is away and sets off on a whimsical journey to find her, asking various animals and machines if they are his mother. Despite the confusion and adventure, the little bird’s determination leads him to a joyful reunion. Attendees will then make a Mother’s Day craft. This program is best suited for those 2-6 years old.

Date & Time: Tuesday, May 13, at 3:30 pm ET
Locations: Eastpoint Branch, 160 Hickory Dip Rd, Eastpoint, FL and Carrabelle Branch, 311 St. James Ave. SE (Hwy 98), Carrabelle, FL

In Celebration of Debe Beard and Oyster Radio’s “Glance at the Past”
2025-05-13 17:00 - 17:30, 2025-05-13 17:00 - 18:30 | Raney Carriage House
The Apalachicola Area Historical Society (AAHS) is hosting a program, In Celebration of Debe Beard and Oyster Radio’s “Glance at the Past”, about Historian, Botanist, Community Leader and Bibliophile, Debe Beard as part of their Spring Speaker Series. The event is on Tuesday, May 13, at 5:00 pm ET at the Raney Carriage House, 126 Market Street, Apalachicola, FL.
Debe Beard was a well-known figure in the Apalachicola community with many abilities and interests – historian, botanist, community leader, and passionate bibliophile – whose contributions touched many aspects of Apalachicola’s cultural life. Known for her deep knowledge of history, Debe captured the spirit of the region and beyond in her long-running radio segment, Glance at the Past, which aired on Oyster Radio. These memorable radio broadcasts brought history to life and offered listeners a broad exploration of topics, with an emphasis on local history and culture. Even after she no longer worked at the station, her voice and knowledge remained a cherished part of the community’s collective memory.
In addition to her work in local history, Debe had an interest in historic architecture. She was a speaker at the Passion for Preservation Symposium sharing her knowledge about the historical development of the town and its iconic wood-framed vernacular architecture, commonly referred to as “The Cracker House”. This highlighted two of her favorite topics – Apalachicola history and old house construction.
A Master Gardener affiliated with the University of Florida, Debe also brought her botanical knowledge to the beautiful Chapman Botanical Gardens, a place she held dear. Her passion for the Gardens continues to bear fruit even now after her passing. Her desire was to promote the Botanical Gardens in Apalachicola and create a larger and more diverse variety of flowers along with outdoor art by local artists. Her family and community are carrying that idea forward, with donations being made through GoFundMe to help bring her vision to life. Whether through her work as a librarian, her gardening expertise, or her preservation efforts, Debe Beard’s legacy is one of deep care, curiosity, and commitment to her community and its stories.
These Speakers events are part of a well-established, popular series by the Apalachicola Area Historical Society. Local and tourist history enthusiasts have gathered for these informative talks for a number of years. Seating is limited so come early to get a spot.

Apalach Ghost Tour
2025-05-14 20:00 - 21:30, 2025-05-21 20:00 - 21:30, 2025-05-28 20:00 - 21:30, 2025-06-04 20:00 - 21:30 | Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce, 17 Avenue E, Apalachicola, FL, 32320, United States
Join us for local ghost stories, area legends, and tales of hauntings in downtown Apalachicola while using ghost-hunting equipment to seek out any lingering spirits. Select tour goers and volunteers will get to use EMF detectors, and other ghost-hunting equipment at select locations on the tour. Bring your positive energy and let’s try to say “hello” to the ghosts of Apalachicola. The tour will begin in front of the Chamber of Commerce which is located at 17 Avenue E next to the Dixie Theatre. This tour ranges in length from an hour and a half to an hour and 45 minutes.

Apalachicola Downtown Walkabout
2025-05-16 05:00 - 20:00 | FL
The Apalachicola Downtown Walkabout is a large-scale experience featuring local artists, shopping, and exciting in-store events.
Admission is free and all are welcome.
Participating stores and galleries have extended hours from 5PM-8PM.

Apalach Ghost Tour
2025-05-16 20:00 - 22:00, 2025-05-23 20:00 - 21:30, 2025-05-30 20:00 - 21:30 | FL
Join us for local ghost stories, area legends, and tales of hauntings in downtown Apalachicola while using ghost-hunting equipment to seek out any lingering spirits. Select tour goers and volunteers will get to use EMF detectors, and other ghost-hunting equipment at select locations on the tour. Bring your positive energy and let’s try to say “hello” to the ghosts of Apalachicola. The tour will begin in front of the Chamber of Commerce located at 17 Avenue E next to the Dixie Theatre. This tour ranges in length from an hour and a half to an hour and 45 minutes. Tickets at: ApalachGhostTour.com

Riverpalooza
2025-05-17 08:00 - 17:00 | Apalachicola Riverkeeper’s, 232 B Water Street, Apalachicola, FL, 32320
On Saturday May 17, 2025 Apalachicola RIverkeeper will host its second annual RIverpalooza event in Apalachicola, FL. Riverpalooza begins with a community coastal clean up at 8:00AM EST, with Apalachicola RIverkeeper staff and volunteers collecting trash in and around the Apalachicola River and Bay by boat, bike or on foot. After the cleanup, participants are invited to come to The Apalachicola Yacht Club at 12:00PM EST for an evening of music, food and a raffle to win a tandem kayak and trailer. A $10 donation at the door is encouraged. Participants in the cleanup will receive free raffle tickets. Locally produced oysters will be provided by Water is Life Oysters. Guest speaker will be Josh McLawhorn, director of the award winning documentary Unfiltered: The Truth about Oysters. Music will be provided by Tommy Cooper, The Ukulilies, Funky Taters, Clayton Mathis, and Chris Matechik.
Here is a link to our website page for the event:
https://apalachicolariverkeeper.org/riverpalooza/

Celebrate the Flower Moon at Crooked River Lighthouse
2025-05-18 18:00 - 20:00 | Crooked River Lighthouse, 1975 Hay 98 , Carrabelle, Fl, 32322
The Crooked River Lighthouse will be hosting a Moonlit Evening at the Lighthouse event on Sunday, May 11, 2025 from 7:00-10:00 pm ET in Carrabelle, FL. Visitors can enjoy the gorgeous natural surroundings of St. George Sound and Carrabelle Beach under the glow of the sunset and rising Flower Moon. Admission is $10 and climbs are $5. Mothers get free admission and free climbs at this event in celebration of Mother’s Day.

For this special Mother’s Day evening, guests will be enchanted by mesmerizing “Dance of the Butterflies” performances. The event will feature Butterfly and Moth dancers, including Tallahassee State College (TSC) dancers and the Monarch Butterfly Homeschoolers plus visits from the lighthouse’s very own ethereal Moth Lady. These performers will be surrounded by the soft glow of night-blooming moon flower lights, creating a magical and unforgettable experience.

Visitors can experience an after-hours tour of the Keeper’s House Museum and see the exhibit of the lighthouse’s original, historic Fresnel lens constructed in 1894 in Paris, France. Guests can browse the unique nautical gifts and souvenirs in the gift shop. Visitors may also enjoy the glowing bonfire in the park. Bring a chair and enjoy the evening.

For those brave souls who are bold enough to venture to the top of the tallest lighthouse on the Forgotten Coast, evening tower climbs are scheduled at 15-minute intervals throughout the event. Climbers will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the bay. Climb reservations are strongly encouraged due to limited availability. Climbers must be at least 44 inches tall and children under 12 (FREE) with ticketed adults. Admission tickets and advance climb tickets can be purchased online at https://www.crookedriverlighthouse.com/full-moon-events/ or in the lighthouse gift shop.

Crooked River Lighthouse is located in Carrabelle, just west of the Carrabelle Public Beach Park at 1975 Hwy 98 W, Carrabelle. For more information, contact the gift shop at 850-697-2732, carrabellelighthouse@gmail.com or https://www.crookedriverlighthouse.com/. Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council.

Kaleidoscope Play & Learn
2025-05-20 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-05-27 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-06-03 10:30 - 12:00 | Eastpoint Public Library, 160 Hickory Dip Rd, Eastpoint, Fl, 32328
Kaleidoscope Play & Learn is a fun, development-focused playgroup for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers. It’s a great space for caregivers to connect, build friendships, and explore how kids learn through play. This program will including singing songs, creating arts, storytelling and dramatic play. Join this free weekly play group for Caregivers & Children! For more information: jessie.buchanan@elcnwf.org and 850-704-0746.

Date & Time: Every Tuesday – April 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, at 10:30 am – 12 pm
Locations: Eastpoint Branch.

Adult Crafternoon at the Franklin County Public Libraries
2025-05-20 14:30 - 17:00 | Eastpoint Public Library, 160 Hickory Dip Rd, Eastpoint, Fl, 32328
The Friends of the Franklin County Public Libraries (FFCPL) invites visitors and residents to enjoy a relaxing and creative afternoon at the upcoming Adult Crafternoon workshop. This engaging program will take place on Tuesday, January 21, at 2:30 pm ET, at both the Eastpoint and Carrabelle branches.

Participants will have the opportunity to create their own faux stained glass. This project offers guests an opportunity to make their own colorful work of art without the need for expensive equipment or advanced artistic skills, making it perfect for crafters of all experience levels. Supplies are included, and the event is free and open to all adults—no library card required.

Adult Crafternoon is part of the Franklin County Public Libraries’ Program Series, which provides engaging activities for all ages. The Program Series is packed with exciting events, including StoryTimes for children, STEM Space for young explorers, Kids Crafts and more. Each program is designed to cater to different interests, ensuring that there’s something for everyone in the community. Regular programs will continue as scheduled, including the Eastpoint Book Chat on the 1st Tuesday at 1:30 pm, the Carrabelle Book Chat on the 1st Friday at 1:30 pm, and the Eastpoint Writer’s Forum on the 3rd Wednesday at 1:00 pm.

The Friends of the Franklin County Public Libraries, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting the libraries in Eastpoint and Carrabelle, proudly sponsor the Fall Program Series. Their continued efforts help ensure that the libraries remain vibrant community hubs, offering valuable programs and resources for all.

Guests are encouraged to seize this opportunity to craft and chill! For more information about the Adult Crafternoon event or any of the other upcoming programs, please contact the Eastpoint Branch at 160 Hickory Dip Rd, Eastpoint, 850-670-8151 or the Carrabelle Branch at 311 St, James Ave (Hwy 98), Carrabelle, 850-697-2366. Those interested can also visit the FFCPL website at https://friendsfcpl.com for more details. Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council.

Honoring The Brave
2025-05-24 08:00 - 17:00 | Apalachicola Riverfront Park, Apalachicola, Florida, 32320
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the Franklin County School Track Team, is excited to announce our inaugural 5K event titled “Honoring The Brave.” This event will take place on Memorial Day Weekend, Saturday, May 24, 2025, in Apalachicola.

We are eager to work with these young athletes to create a fun and meaningful way to commemorate Memorial Day while raising funds for the youth in our county. The net proceeds from this event will directly benefit the track team and support potential youth events sponsored by the Sheriff’s Office. All participants will receive a finisher medal and a nice dry fit “Honoring The Brave” official race shirt.

Funds will be processed through our Charity Fund, so sponsorships or registrations may be tax-deductible.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We appreciate your support!

Apalachicola Farmers Market
2025-05-24 09:00 - 13:00 | Mill Pond Pavillion, 468 Market St, Apaplachicola, Florida, 32320
Located at the beautiful Millpond Pavilion at the end of Market Street, the Apalachicola Farmers Market offers local seafood, produce, honey, homemade breads, pies, and other regional specialties every 2nd and 4th Saturday from 9 AM until 1 PM in Apalachicola. Can’t wait till the weekend? The Apalachicola Growers Market is back this month, featuring fresh vegetables, gourmet goodies, and more on most Wednesdays from 56 Commerce Street in Apalachicola. Check out the events page for more info.

Starla's Special Shore
2025-05-24 15:00 - 18:00 | River’s Edge Gallery, 59 Commerce St, Apalachicola, FL, 32320, United States
Illustrated children’s book about a brave sea turtle returning to the beach where she was born.
Book Signing & Turtle Art Reception
Author Jim McClellan – Illustrated by Dr. Lynn Wilder

Boos & Booze Haunted Pub Crawl
2025-05-24 20:00 - 22:00, 2025-05-31 20:00 - 22:00 | FL
Join us on our haunted pub crawl in downtown Apalachicola. Your ghostly guide(s) will tell you local ghost stories and haunted history while making stops at local bars and pubs along the way. Those who attend this tour will get a FREE “Boos and Booze” Haunted Pub Crawl koozie at the start of the tour for your beverage. This tour is for ages 21+ only. The tour will begin in front of the Chamber of Commerce which is located at 17 Avenue E next to the Dixie Theatre. This tour encompasses up to a mile walk and may last up to 2-hours. This tour is not recommended for people with mobility issues.

Memorial Day Celebration
2025-05-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Veterans Memorial Park, 230 Market Street, Apalachicola, FL, 32320, United States

Big Bend Hospice Volunteer Training
2025-05-29 08:00 - 2025-06-07 17:00 | FL

Country Farmer’s Market in Carrabelle
2025-05-31 09:00 - 13:00 | Crooked River Lighthouse, 1975 Hay 98 , Carrabelle, Fl, 32322
The Crooked River Lighthouse is celebrating Small Business Saturday and supporting local artisans on November 30 at the Country Farmers Market and Lighthouse Gift Shop at Crooked River Lighthouse, 1975 Hwy 98 West, Carrabelle, FL. By shopping local, guests will discover high-quality, one-of-a-kind items while helping to support the community. The holiday shopping season kicks off with their Country Farmers Market from 9 am-1 pm ET. Guests can continue to Shop Small, Shop Local at the Lighthouse Gift Shop from 9 am to 5 pm ET.
The Country Farmers Market is a delightful showcase of local talent and treasures. Wonderful vendors from the area will be there, offering a diverse array of goodies that make perfect gifts and treats, including locally handmade jewelry, assorted jellies, organic, farm-fresh produce, batch-roasted coffee, mouth watering cinnamon rolls, artisan breads and other baked goods, handcrafted balms, grass-fed beef, stunning art and photography, fresh eggs, handmade goods and craft items, unique t-shirts and clothing, homemade salsas and hot sauce, and plants to explore. The market is the perfect way to celebrate Small Business Saturday while enjoying local products and a friendly community atmosphere.
The Crooked River Lighthouse Gift Shop offers visitors an array of unique nautical and coastal-themed treasures, making it an ideal place for holiday shopping. From handcrafted items and jewelry to one-of-a-kind coastal art and souvenirs, the shop provides something special for everyone. Guests are encouraged to explore the gift shop’s selection of nautical-themed gifts and keepsakes during their visit.
Guests can also visit the free Keeper’s House Museum to see the new exhibit featuring the historic Fresnel lens. For an added adventure, visitors have the unique opportunity to climb to the top of the lighthouse for a breathtaking view of St. George Sound for a small fee.
The Country Farmer’s Markets are held every 1st, 3rd and 5th Saturday at the foot of Carrabelle’s lighthouse and are actively recruiting new and returning vendors. Vendors may sign up at any time. The cost to be a vendor is $10 a market. For more information, contact 850-697-2732

Forgotten Coast Fly Company Re-Opening
2025-05-31 15:00 - 19:00 | Scipio Creek Marina, 301 Market St, APALACHICOLA, FL, 32320, United States
We’re Back on the Flats and you’re invited!

Join us Saturday, May 31st at our new location inside Scipio Creek Marina for our reopening party starting at 3PM and goes until! Ribbon Cutting at 3:30pm. One of your favorite things about our new location is you can arrive by skiff!

Orion Skys Presents Free Drone SHow
2025-05-31 18:00 - 22:00 | Battery Park, 1 Bay Ave, Apalachicola, Florida, 32320

Apalach Ghost Tour
2025-06-02 20:00 - 21:30 | FL
Dare to Discover the Haunted Secrets of Apalachicola! Step into the shadows of historic downtown Apalachicola for a spine-tingling night of local ghost stories, chilling legends, and real paranormal encounters. Armed with ghost-hunting gear, you’ll join our haunted adventure to uncover the spirits that may still linger in the dark corners of this charming coastal town. Get hands-on experience with EMF detectors and other ghost-hunting tools at mysterious hotspots along the tour—who knows what (or who) you might find? Bring your curiosity, and positive energy as we attempt to make contact with the beyond. Let’s see if the ghosts of Apalachicola are ready to say “hello”…
👻 Tour starts in front of the Chamber of Commerce at 17 Avenue E, next to the Dixie Theatre
⏰ Tour duration: Hour and a half to an hour and 45 minutes
🎟️ Tickets & details at: ApalachGhostTour.com

Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum Commemorates D-Day
2025-06-03 11:00 - 2025-06-12 17:00 | Camp Gordon Johnston Museum, 1873 Hwy 98 West, Carrabelle, Fl, 32322
Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum in Carrabelle will present a special exhibit commemorating the anniversary of D-Day. This exhibit opens Tuesday, June 3 and will be on display until Saturday, July 12. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm. Admission is free, though donations are welcome.

Camp Gordon Johnston was established in 1942 in Carrabelle to train entire infantry divisions, including the U. S. Army’s 4th Infantry Division and their support units, in amphibious warfare. That training and the men who received it would be put to the test on the heavily fortified beaches of Normandy, France on D-Day, June 6, 1944. The first amphibian infantry assault teams to arrive on French soil were from the 4th Infantry Division at Utah Beach. The D-Day invasion, the largest seaborne invasion in history, included over 100,000 Allied troops.

The exhibit will include personal papers, historic photos, and artifacts belonging to Capt. John E. Mellen, generously shared by his family. Capt. Mellen commanded the 818th Amphibious Truck Company and served with them from their training at Camp Gordon Johnston through the end of the war. The 818th trained at Camp Gordon Johnston in late 1943 and early 1944 before deploying to England in preparation for the Normandy invasion. On June 6, 1944, they landed on Utah Beach as part of the 1st Engineer Special Brigade, supporting the 4th Infantry Division. For this the 818th received a Meritorious Unit Citation and Croix de Guerre with palm and five members received Bronze Stars.

A video of amphibious assault training on Carrabelle Beach will play continuously during the day, with a new showing every 10 minutes. This Army training short film, captured by the U.S. Army Signal Corps, documents the D-Day preparations as they happened in March 1943. Several well-known photographs of this training were taken from this footage. These exercises were to be the last training before troops shipped out to England.

The exhibit also features personal interviews with members of the 4th Infantry Division and accounts from German defenders. These, along with other tributes to D-Day, offer a more complete perspective on this historic event. The museum’s three WWII military vehicles will also be on display.

Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum is located at 1873 Hwy 98 West, directly across from the very beach where the beach assault training occurred. For more information, contact Camp Gordon Johnston Museum at (850) 697-8575 or museum@campgordonjohnston.com. Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council.

Apalachicola Downtown Market
2025-06-04 09:00 - 13:00 | Bee Inspired Too, 56 Commerce Street, Apalachicola, Fl, 32320
Apalachicola Downtown Market’s intention is to add value to our community and support local artisans. We offer consumers the opportunity to purchase farm-fresh, locally grown food and homemade baked goods. The farmers market is a community hub-a place to meet up with your friends, bring your children, pets or just get a taste of small-town life. We encourage and welcome everyone to come support us every Wednesday 9am-1pm at 56 Commerce Street in Apalachicola, FL (Located in Bee Inspired Too’s front yard). New food vendors are always welcome, especially as we are nearing the Holidays. Vendors must follow The Florida Cottage Industry rules.
