Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce

Free Tech Help Sessions Continue at the Carrabelle Library
2026-02-03 11:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-27 11:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-20 11:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-13 11:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-06 11:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Carrabelle Library 311 St James Ave Carrabelle, FL 32322 United States, 311 st, james, Carrabelle, Fl
The Friends of the Franklin County Public Libraries (FFCPL) are pleased to announce that a popular series of free educational Tech Help sessions will continue this September at the Carrabelle Branch Library. These sessions are part of the Program Series, offering something for everyone – young children, students, and lifelong learners. These events are open to the public—no library card is required—and offer a welcoming, inclusive space for individuals of all ages to learn, explore, and connect through technology.

The Tech Help sessions will be held every Tuesday in September- September 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 – at 11:00 am ET at the Carrabelle Branch Library, located at 311 St. James Ave. SE (Highway 98), Carrabelle, FL. These relaxed, judgment-free sessions provide one-on-one technology assistance for guests who need help with devices, email, digital resources, and basic tech skills. No registration is necessary—drop-ins are welcome!

The Friends of the Franklin County Public Libraries, a 501(c)(3) organization, offers the Program Series to ensure that the libraries in Eastpoint and Carrabelle continue to provide informational, educational and cultural materials for the benefit of persons of all ages in the community. For details or to join the Friends, please visit https://friendsfcpl.com or contact the Carrabelle Branch at 850-275-9895. Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council.

Kaleidoscope Play & Learn
2026-02-03 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-01-27 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-01-20 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-01-13 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-01-06 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.

Free Tech Help Sessions Offered at the Carrabelle Library
2026-02-03 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-27 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-20 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-13 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-06 08:00 - 17:00 | Eastpoint Public Library, 160 Hickory Dip Rd, Eastpoint, Fl, 32328
The Friends of the Franklin County Public Libraries (FFCPL) are pleased to announce a series of free educational Tech Help sessions this August at the Carrabelle Branch Library. These sessions are part of the Program Series, offering something for everyone – young children, students, and lifelong learners. These events are open to the public—no library card is required—and offer a welcoming, inclusive space for individuals of all ages to learn, explore, and connect through technology.
The Tech Help sessions will be held every Tuesday in August – August 5, 12, 19, and 26 – at 11:00 am ET at the Carrabelle Branch Library, located at 311 St. James Ave. SE (Highway 98), Carrabelle, FL. These relaxed, judgment-free sessions provide one-on-one technology assistance for guests who need help with devices, email, digital resources, and basic tech skills. No registration is necessary—drop-ins are welcome!
The Friends of the Franklin County Public Libraries, a 501(c)(3) organization, offers the Program Series to ensure that the libraries in Eastpoint and Carrabelle continue to provide informational, educational and cultural materials for the benefit of persons of all ages in the community. For details or to join the Friends, please visit our website or contact the Carrabelle Branch at 850-275-9895. Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council.

Crooked River Lighthouse Celebrates the 3rd Annual Crooked River Park Fest
2026-01-31 09:00 - 15:00 | Crooked River Lighthouse, 1975 Hay 98 , Carrabelle, Fl, 32322
The Crooked River Lighthouse in Carrabelle, FL will be hosting their 4th Annual Crooked River Park Fest on Saturday, January 31, 2026 from 9 am – 3 pm ET. The event features an expanded Country ‘Super’ Market, local food vendor, car show, and more. The Crooked River Lighthouse Museum & Gift Shop, lighthouse tower climbs, and the 1894 Fresnel Lens exhibit will also be open to visitors. Admission to the Crooked River Park Fest is free to the public.

The Country ‘Super’ Market will be expanded to include food vendors and regional arts and crafts vendors. Visitors can shop for gifts and treats, including batch-roasted coffee, delicious baked goods, organic, farm-fresh produce, grass-fed beef, local art, and handcrafted items. Attendees can also enjoy a meal from a local food truck and browse unique nautical gifts and souvenirs in the Keeper’s House Gift Shop.

A car show will be showcasing a variety of vehicles, from classic and vintage models to modern custom cars, each showcasing craftsmanship and timeless appeal. This event promises to delight car enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

Guests can visit the Keeper’s House Museum from 9 am to 5 pm ET to view the original 4th Order Fresnel Lens, manufactured in Paris, France, in 1894, glowing and rotating in its exhibit. This display, a blend of science, culture, and history, highlights the importance of Fresnel lens technology. Admission to the museum is free, though donations are warmly welcomed to support the lighthouse’s preservation. Tower climbs are available for visitors aged 13 and older for a $6 fee. Children 12 and under climb free when accompanied by a ticketed climber and must be at least 44 inches tall.

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

Apalach Ghost Tour
2026-01-28 20:00 - 21:30, 2026-01-21 20:00 - 21:30, 2026-01-14 20:00 - 21:30, 2026-01-07 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.

Knit / Crochet & Visit
2026-01-28 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-21 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-14 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-07 08:00 - 17:00 | River’s Edge Gallery, 59 Commerce St, Apalachicola, FL, 32320, United States
Knit or Crochet & Visit
At River’s Edge Gallery
Wednesday Afternoons 1-5 p.m.

Join fellow knitters & crochet lovers for informal afternoons of yarn talk & techniques
*
We now carry the fine yarns, formerly from Downtown Books & Purl
Come on in, bring your project, bring a friend and let’s visit!

River’s Edge Gallery
59 Commerce St Apalachicola, FL 850-653-1031
Email: info@riversedgegallery.art Website: riversedgegallery.art

Butts & Clucks Cook-Off on the Bay
2026-01-22 - 2026-01-24 | Battery Park, 1 Bay Ave, Apalachicola, Florida, 32320

Adult Crafternoon at the Franklin County Public Libraries
2026-01-20 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.

Carrabelle History Museum’s Speaker Program: History, Culture, and Stories of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation of Florida
2026-01-17 10:00 - 12:00 | The Carrabelle History Museum, 106 Avenue B SE, Carrabelle, FL, 32322, United States
The Carrabelle History Museum is presenting a fascinating speaker program about the History, Culture, and Stories of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation of Florida on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm ET at C-Quarters Marina, 501 St James Ave (Hwy 98), Carrabelle, FL. This program will feature Misty Penton, Bio Archeologist, Muscogee/Creek Storyteller and Tradition Keeper, Education Director of the Fred George Museum, and founder of the Wildwood Preservation Society. There is no charge for this event.

At this session, Misty will discuss the rich history, culture, and stories of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation of Florida, a people whose resilience has endured despite the hardships of the Trail of Tears and centuries of efforts to erase their identity. Learn how small groups avoided removal by hiding in the swamps of North Florida, preserving their traditions through strength and secrecy. Misty will share the enduring legacy of Ekvnv Hvtke Tvlwv (White Earth Tribal Town) located at nearby Blountstown, FL—the only ceremonial square grounds east of the Mississippi with unbroken ceremonies since prehistoric times. Discover the sacred art of shell carving, a tradition dating back to the Mississippian era, and explore how generational storytelling, oral traditions, and sacred ceremonies continue to guide and sustain the Muscogee people today. Through Misty’s presentation, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the enduring spirit of the Muscogee people and their unbroken connection to the land, culture, and ancestors.

Misty Penton is the Tradition Keeper and Storyteller for the Muscogee Nation of Florida and serves as the Education Director for The Museum at Fred George Park and Greenway in Tallahassee, operated by the Wildwood Preservation Society. She also works as the Museum Director/Curator for the Muscogee Nation of Florida and an Education Specialist at WFSU Public Media. Penton holds a Master of Science degree in Physical and Biological Anthropology from the University of Oregon and two Bachelor of Science degrees in Political Science and Anthropology from Florida State University. She grew up near the land that is now Leon County’s Fred George Park and Greenway and helped create a coalition to help found the new county park.

There is no fee for this program but donations are gladly accepted to defray costs. Sponsored by C-Quarters Marina and Shaun Donahoe Realty. For more information, visit www.carrabellehistorymuseum.org or contact carrabellehistorymuseum@gmail.com or 850-697-2141. Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council.

Apalachicola Oyster Cook-Off
2026-01-17 08:00 - 16:00 | Apalachicola Riverfront Park, Apalachicola, Florida, 32320
The 2026 Apalachicola Oyster Cook-off is the 16th annual event and the primary fundraiser for the Apalachicola Volunteer Fire Department. The cook-off attracts area chefs and homegrown locals competing with their prized oyster-based recipes. If you love to prepare oysters, we’d love to have you show off your favorite dish! Bring on your oyster stew, oysters Rockefeller, oyster casserole, baked oysters, margarita oysters, oyster shooters, the possibilities are endless!

This is the 16th annual Oyster Cook-off, held on the Saturday before Martin Luther King Jr. Day in downtown Historic Apalachicola at the lovely Riverfront Park. The event is based at the Apalachicola Center for History, Culture and Arts and the Riverfront Park at 86 Water Street. Saturday’s festivities kick off at 8am with a 5K run through historic Apalach, then start up again from 12:00pm-5:00pm with judging of contestants’ oyster dishes, children’s activities, fire fighter demonstrations and live blues music by the John Sutton Band. Several types of seafood will be offered for sale such as fried, baked, and raw oysters, oyster stew, fresh shrimp and more!

“I invite everyone to enter their favorite oyster recipe or just come to enjoy some fresh Apalachicola Bay seafood, live music and small town camaraderie.” says event organizer Marisa Getter.

The Apalachicola Oyster Cook-off was started in 2010 by a group of concerned citizens wanting to raise money for the Apalachicola Volunteer Fire Department. They saw the department’s need for additional funds to help purchase a new fire truck, improved firefighting equipment and additional training for its volunteers. The fundraising board has assisted the department in all of those endeavors, which have led to the Department improving their insurance “ISO” score to the best rating yet. In 2025, we have sponsored training and equipment for FOUR of our volunteer fire fighters, thanks to generous donations from our local sponsors and visitors to the Oyster Cookoff!

More information about the Apalachicola Oyster Cook-off is available online at www.oystercookoff.com or on Facebook at Apalachicola Oyster Cook-Off.

Apalachicola Area Historical Society Presents Turpentine Industry in the Apalachicola Area
2026-01-10 16:00 - 17:00 | Raney Carriage House
The Apalachicola Area Historical Society (AAHS) will be presenting a program on the turpentine industry in the Apalachicola area by Kermit Brown as part of their Spring Speaker Series on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 4:00 pm at the Raney Carriage House, 126 Market Street, Apalachicola, FL.

This presentation will explore the turpentine industry in the Apalachicola area—its history, significance, and the methods used to extract the many valuable products of the pine tree. Kermit will also discuss the lives of the people who worked in this trade, many of whom were trapped by harsh conditions and restrictive laws. Commonly known as the Naval Stores industry or simply Turpentining, this trade was Florida’s largest industry for many years.

Kermit Brown is a native Floridian whose mother’s ancestors arrived in Florida in the late 1700s and his father’s in the 1840s. He enjoyed a long career in Florida museums – first at the Florida Museum of Natural History; then, the Museum of Florida History. Since his retirement in 1994, Kermit has continued to promote appreciation for the state’s natural and cultural history through writing, outdoor endeavors and storytelling. Kermit has published a few short stories and several articles including some on Florida history. In 2016, a book containing 12 of his short stories, My Life in North Florida, was published. In 2020, a second book, Stories from North Florida, was published. He continues to lecture on many subjects; but, his favorite is Florida’s history. In his past, he has raced hydroplanes, bicycles, and crewed on ocean racing sailing yachts. He was a certified scuba diver, and a skilled aerobatics pilot. He competed in shooting target pistols and won many awards. Since 2011, he has been competing in barebow recurve archery winning 16 gold medals, including six state championships, and a bronze medal from the 2015 National Senior Olympics.

These Speakers events are part of a well-established and popular series by the Apalachicola Area Historical Society with speakers January through May on Saturdays, mid-month, at 4pm in the Raney House Carriage House. Previous programs have covered Apalachicola’s predominantly African American North Side, Territorial City St Joseph, Early Maps of the area, Niles Register Florida History, the ice delivery industry, Cemetery Preservation, Apalachicola Historic Squares and more.

Seating is limited so come early for a spot. For details, email to AAHS.Raney@gmail.com, leave a message at (850) 653-1700, or go to www.apalachicolahistoricalsociety.org. The Raney House Museum is located at 128 Market St. at the corner of Avenue F in downtown Apalachicola and is open from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Tuesday through Saturday. Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council.

CAPE ST. GEORGE LIGHT TO HOST JANUARY SUNSET AND FULL MOON CLIMB
2026-01-03 18:00 - 20:00 | Cape St. George Lighthouse, 2B East Gulf Beach Drive, Eastpoint, FL, 32328
ST. GEORGE ISLAND, FL – Experience the beauty of St. George Island under the glow of the first full moon of the new year! The St. George Lighthouse Association will host its January Sunset and Full Moon Climb on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Event Highlights
• The evening begins with the sunset at 5:54 p.m., followed shortly by the full moon, known as the “Wolf Moon” rising over the Gulf at 6:17 p.m.
Climb Details
• Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Format: Fifteen-minute lighthouse climbs are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Capacity: Each time slot is limited to 12 climbers to ensure safety and comfort.
• Tickets: Tickets can be purchased beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the Lighthouse Gift Shop,
No advance reservations will be accepted.
• Cost: General Public – $10.00 per climber; SGLA Member – $7.00 per climber
• Payment: Cash and credit cards are accepted.
Visitor Requirements
• All climbers must be at least 40 inches tall.
• For safety reasons, only children aged 13 and older may access the exterior catwalk.
Location – The Cape St. George Light is in Lighthouse Park at the center of St. George Island – End of Island Drive (off the bridge) at Gulf Beach Drive.
How to Participate
1. Arrive at Lighthouse Park and park in lots on either side of the park.
2. Visit the Gift Shop (opening at 5:30 p.m.) to purchase your climb ticket.
3. Proceed next door to the lighthouse tower and sign up with the lighthouse keeper for your
preferred 15-minute climb time.
4. Prepare for an unforgettable experience of sweeping panoramic views of Gulf waters and island shores.
Weather Permitting – The Sunset and Full Moon Climb is weather permitting. In the event of inclement conditions, updates will be posted on the St. George Lighthouse, Museum & Gift Shop Facebook page.
About the Wolf Moon
The January full moon, often called the “Wolf Moon,” was named by early Native American tribes and European settlers who associated its appearance with the howling of wolves echoing through the cold midwinter nights. The Wolf Moon symbolizes renewal, reflection, and the quiet strength of the winter season making this climb a perfect way to welcome the new year with peace and purpose.
