LANTERN FEST
A Night of Magical History!
Glowing lanterns, music, dance and evening tower climbs bring magic and history together.
This year Lantern Fest will be celebrated on Saturday, November 14, 2026 from 6-10 pm on the park grounds at Crooked River Lighthouse, 1975 Highway 98 West, Carrabelle Beach, FL. Our unique outdoor festival lights up the night with magic and history at the 1895 maritime landmark. Special activities include live music and dance, evening tower climbs, ancient craft demonstrations, enchanting glowing display of over a hundred lanterns, and delicious food and desserts. Many of these glowing lanterns are truly works of art and have been painstakingly hand-made by the incredible Joan Matey and other gifted local artists. Plus guests will enjoy keeper’s tales, the lighthouse museum, and gift shop and wandering Lantern Ladies and the Giant Moth.
Lantern-Making Workshops
Create Your Own Filipino Star Lantern!
Join the Crooked River Lighthouse and the Asian Coalition of Tallahassee for a hands-on Lantern-Making Workshop on Saturday, November 7 from 2 - 6 pm ET at Chillas Hall, 156 Heffernan Dr, Lanark Village, FL. Learn to make traditional Filipino Parols, three-dimensional star lanterns. Participants will learn techniques for creating bamboo lantern frames to make any kind of lantern and receive a preassembled traditional Filipino 3D star frame to decorate and personalize during the workshop. Enjoy Filipino & Asian food, and leave with your own unique, handcrafted lantern!
Date: Saturday, November 7
Time: 2–6 pm ET
Location: Chillas Hall, 156 Heffernan Drive, Lanark Village, FL
Cost: $20 per person (to cover materials - a variety of papers, fabrics, ribbons, tassels, and more)
Space is limited! Reservations required. Call 850-697-2732 or email carrabellelighthouse@gmail.com to reserve your spot. $20 fee is payable in cash at the door and exact change is requested, if possible. Bring your finished lantern to Lantern Fest on November 14 at Crooked River Lighthouse and help light up the night!
Create Your Own Magical Jellyfish Lantern!
Join the Crooked River Lighthouse for a hands-on Lantern-Making Workshop on Friday, November 13 from 12 - 4 pm ET at the Lanark Boat Club at 2364 Hwy 98 East, Lanark Village, FL. Learn to make a whimsical, glowing jellyfish lantern. Participants are also welcome to bring additional materials - ribbons, beads, tulle, or other decorative materials - to further personalize their creations. Leave with your own enchanting, handcrafted jellyfish lantern!
Date: Friday, November 13
Time: 12–4 pm ET
Location: Lanark Boat Club, 2364 Hwy 98 East, Lanark Village, FL
Cost: $10 per person (include all basic materials, instruction, and hands-on assistance)
Space is limited! Reservations required. Call 850-697-2732 or email carrabellelighthouse@gmail.com to reserve your spot. $10 fee is payable in cash at the door and exact change is requested, if possible. Bring your finished lantern to Lantern Fest on November 14 at Crooked River Lighthouse and help light up the night!
Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council. Sponsored by the Emerald Coast Federal Credit Union, Centennial Bank, Weems Memorial Hospital, Carrabelle Beach RV Resort, Carrabelle IGA, David Einsenberg, Fathom’s Steam Room & Raw Bar, Franklin's HVAC LLC, Naumann Group Real Estate, Stone’s Home Centers-Carrabelle, Carrabelle Junction, Millender’s Seafood Market, and Mornin’ Bite. Special thanks to the City of Carrabelle and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.
