LANTERN FEST
A Night of Magical History!
Glowing lanterns, live music, dance and evening tower climbs bring magic and history together.
Celebrate the lighthouse’s 131st birthday! This year Lantern Fest will be celebrated on Saturday, November 14, 2026 from 6-10 pm on the park grounds at Crooked River Lighthouse in Carrabelle, FL. Our unique outdoor festival lights up the night with magic and history at the 1895 maritime landmark.
Festival Activities Include:
- Live Music: Australian violinist and composer Mark Russell performs an eclectic blend of jazz, blues, rock and world music.
- Dance Performances: Tallahassee Dance Company presents dazzling performances featuring glowing effects and visual illusions, accompanied by internationally renowned gu-zheng artist Dr. Haiqiong Deng.
- Special Performance: internationally renowned master zheng player Dr. Haiqiong Deng returning to perform alongside the dancers and Mark Russell, showcasing her mastery of the 21-string Chinese gu-zheng (zheng).
- Spectacular Lantern Display: Explore the art lantern display painstakingly hand-made by Joan Matey and talented local artists.
- Chinese Brush Painting & Calligraphy: Watch FAMU Visual Arts Professor Nan Liu demonstrate traditional Chinese brush painting and create personalized lanterns available for purchase to benefit the lighthouse.
- Ancient Craft Demonstrations: See Florida State Park Ranger Tiffany Vickery demonstrate traditional plant and vegetable dyeing of yarn and Chris Cauthen work at the blacksmith forge.
- Evening Tower Climbs: Enjoy panoramic nighttime views of the coast.
- Museum & Historic Exhibits: Explore the Keeper’s House Museum, view the historic Fresnel lens and enjoy keeper’s tales.
- Meet the Characters: Visit with the wandering Lantern Ladies and the Giant Moth.
- Food & Desserts: Enjoy offerings from Zap Zap Thai Food, SOS Galley and the Beacon Bistro.
Bring a chair and enjoy a magical night of music, dance, art and history under the glowing lanterns!
Admission: $15 advance tickets; $20 at the gate. Children 12 and under are free with an accompanying adult. Locals: discounts are available when purchasing tickets in person at the lighthouse gift shop.
Information: 850-697-2732 | carrabellelighthouse@gmail.com
Tickets: Available to purchase online at the button below or in person at the lighthouse gift shop.
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.
