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 Big Bend Filipino-American Association for a hands-on Lantern-Making Workshop on Saturday, October 17, from 2–6 pm ET at Lanark Boat Club in Lanark Village! Learn to make a beautiful traditional Filipino Parol star lantern with guidance from Aurora Hansen and association members. Enjoy Filipino food, get creative, and take home your own handmade lantern!
✨Date: Saturday, October 17
✨ Time: 2–6 pm ET
✨Location: Lanark Boat Club, 2364 Hwy 98 E., Lanark Village
✨Cost: $10 per person (materials included)
Space is limited! Reservations required. Call 850-697-2732 or email carrabellelighthouse@gmail.com to reserve your spot. Cash payment is due at the door; exact change is appreciated. 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.
