Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce

Kaleidoscope Play & Learn
2026-01-13 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-01-06 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-12-30 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-12-23 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-12-16 10:30 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | 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
2026-01-13 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-06 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-30 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-23 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-16 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.

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.

Apalach Ghost Tour
2026-01-07 20:00 - 21:30, 2025-12-31 20:00 - 21:30, 2025-12-24 20:00 - 21:30, 2025-12-17 20:00 - 21:30, 2025-12-10 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
2026-01-07 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-31 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-24 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-17 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

Free Tech Help Sessions Continue at the Carrabelle Library
2026-01-06 11:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-30 11:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-23 11:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-16 11:00 - 17:00 | 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.

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.

Adult Crafternoon at the Franklin County Public Libraries
2025-12-16 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 on Holiday on The Harbor
2025-12-13 13:00 - 19:00 | FL

River's Edge Knitting Class
2025-12-13 10:00 - 12:00 | River’s Edge Gallery, 59 Commerce St, Apalachicola, FL, 32320, United States

Date Rescheduled - Blues and BBQ at Crooked River Lighthouse
2025-12-12 17:00 - 19:00 | FL
The Crooked River Lighthouse has rescheduled their special Blues & BBQ themed Twilight at the Tower to Friday, December 12 from 5:00-7:00 pm ET in Carrabelle, FL. This festive Blues & BBQ evening invites visitors to enjoy live music from the talented duo “Blues Meets Girl,” a glowing bonfire, and a delicious BBQ meal from FatDaddy’s Smokehouse, all set at the foot of Carrabelle’s lighthouse. Visitors can enjoy the natural surroundings as the golden sun sets, the Cold Moon rises, and one of the longest nights of the year unfolds.

Powerful musical duo, Blues Meets Girl, is a collaboration of British Blues veteran Mr. Downchild and Texas born singer/songwriter Kasimira Vogel. These two bold artists weave their separate influences together to create down-home, smokin’, sexy blues music at its best. Listeners can feel and relate to the soulful and passionate songs, as well as their unique renditions of the classics by Muddy Waters, Etta James, Big Mama Thorton, Elmore James and more. Blues Meets Girl is bona fide Blues thru and thru.

Visitors can tour the Keeper’s House Museum and see the original, historic Fresnel lens constructed in 1894 in Paris, France. The lighthouse gift shop will also be offering unique nautical gifts and souvenirs. Guests are welcome to bring a chair and relax on the grounds as the color of the sky goes from watercolor hues to evening blues and the first evening star appears.

Admission tickets are required for this special event and may be purchased in advance at the lighthouse gift shop or online at www.crookedriverlighthouse.com/full-moon-events.

Full Admission (Meal Included) – $20
Includes live music, bonfire, BBQ dinner from FatDaddy’s, and after-hours museum access.
Entry Only (No Meal) for those 13 and older – $5
Children 12 and under receive free entry (no meal) with a ticketed adult.

Entry Only tickets will also be available at the gate. Meals are available by advance ticket only.

Visitors seeking an unforgettable experience can enjoy twilight tower climbs to the top of the tallest lighthouse on the Forgotten Coast. From the top, climbers will be treated to panoramic views of St. George Sound, Carrabelle Beach, the brilliant colors of the sunset, and the glow of the rising moon. Twilight climb tickets are $5 and available in the gift shop before and during the event. Participants must be at least 44 inches tall and kids 12 and under climb free with an adult.

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.

Eastpoint Christmas Parade & Celebration
2025-12-12 16:30 - 19:00 | Eastpoint Fire House, 24 6th Street, Eastpoint, Florida, 32328
Celebrate the warmth and joy of the holidays at the annual Eastpoint Christmas Parade & Celebration on December 12. Revel in the spirit of the season as the community comes alive with a festive parade that winds along Highway 98, beginning at South Franklin Street at 4:30 PM. Watch the streets sparkle with holiday floats, music, and cheer, leading to an enchanting evening at the Fire Station, where the merriment continues. Enjoy the laughter of children and the smiles of neighbors as you share a special moment with Santa himself. This beloved tradition is the perfect way to ring in the festive season with your loved ones. Don’t miss the magic—gather your friends and family and join us for an unforgettable Christmas celebration!
