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.

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. 


A beautiful display of lights by artist Joan Matey, photographed by David Adlerstein of Apalachicola Times.