LANTERN FEST

Crooked River Lighthouse Hosts a Night of Magical History!

Glowing lanterns, music, dance and evening tower climbs bring magic and history together.

This year's Lantern Fest was be celebrated on Saturday, November 8, 2025 from 6-10 pm on the park grounds at Crooked River Lighthouse, 1975 Highway 98 West, Carrabelle Beach, FL. Each year, 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 lantern display, museum displays, gift shop, and delicious food and desserts.

ENJOY THESE FABULOUS FEATURES

• Over a hundred colorful, hanging lanterns on display. 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. 
• Bottom Dollar Boys, the remarkably gifted and entertaining musical group, will be bringing their traditional Bluegrass harmonies and mighty fine pickin’. This group has been delighting audiences for over 40 years. They’ve been toilin’ in the fields of Bluegrass, Old Country, Gospel, Americana with a pinch of Blues... 
• The Tallahassee State College Dance Company will dazzle guests on the outdoor stage with their superb choreography, amazing talent and imaginative use of glow-in-the-dark props and illusions.
• Ancient Crafts Demonstrations by John Pfund and Chris Cauthen who will set up the blacksmith forge and Ken Horne will weave rope from local plant fibers.
• Delicious food will be available for purchase from two local food trucks and desserts from the Beacon Bistro.
• Plus guests will enjoy keeper’s tales, lighthouse museum and gift shop, Fresnel lens exhibit, wandering Lantern Ladies and the Giant Moth.

Come revel in this unique birthday party as the Crooked River Lighthouse turns 130 years old with music, dance, night tower climbs, glowing lanterns and yummy food. Advance tickets are recommended. Tickets, for those 13 and up, are $15 in advance and $20 at the gate. Admission is free for kids 12 and under. Local residents can receive a discount on advance tickets purchased in person. Tickets can be purchased online at GET TICKETS or at our gift shop. Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council.

Local Resident Discount: Discounted Lantern Fest tickets are available to residents of the Carrabelle and Lanark area for just $12. The discount is available only for tickets purchased in advance and in person. Be sure to bring proof of residency to get your discount! Get yours from the Lighthouse Gift Shop or from a participating CLA board member.