November is a special time on the Forgotten Coast, with a calendar full of events that bring the community together and celebrate the season. From the colorful Lantern Fest and Freedom Festival to the annual Turkey Trot and the start of Christmas celebrations, there’s plenty to look forward to throughout the month. Whether you’re a local or visiting for the holidays, these events are a great way to experience the charm and community spirit of the Forgotten Coast.
FEATURED EVENTS
Florida Seafood Festival
November 6th-7th
Battery Park | Apalachicola
The festival features delicious seafood, arts and crafts exhibits, seafood related events, Musical Entertainment. Some of the notable events include Oyster Eating and Oyster Shucking contest, Blue Crab Races, Photo Contest, Parade, 5k Redfish Run, The Blessing of the Fleet, History of the Festival Exhibit and Tonging For Treasure.
Fall Speaker – Grayson Shepard
November 10th
Raney House | Apalachicola
Fall Speaker – The Sinking and Rescue of the Empire Mica, Grayson Shepherd
Lantern Fest
November 14th
Crooked River Lighthouse | Carrabelle
Lantern Fest will be celebrated at Crooked River Lighthouse Park, 1975 Hwy 98 W, Carrabelle, FL. This unique, outdoor festival, best known for its awesome display of over a hundred colorful, hanging lanterns, lights up the night with magic and history at the 1895 maritime landmark. Special activities include amazing music and Bluegrass harmonies by the Bottom Dollar Boys and spectacular glow-in-the-dark performances from the Tallahassee State College Dance Company. Festival-goers can also enjoy special evening tower climbs, ancient craft demonstrations, enchanting glowing lantern displays, museum exhibits, and delicious food and desserts.
Crooked River Lighthouse is excited to announce the return of the remarkably gifted and entertaining musical group, the Bottom Dollar Boys. This group has been delighting audiences for over 40 years, with traditional Bluegrass harmonies and mighty fine pickin’. They’ve been toilin’ in the fields of Bluegrass, Old Country, Gospel, Americana with a pinch of Blues. Now they will be performing their energetic tunes under the glow of over a hundred hanging lanterns. In addition, the talented Tallahassee State College Dance Company will dazzle guests with their superb choreography, amazing talent and imaginative use of glow-in-the-dark props and illusions. All are invited and welcome to join.
Forgotten Coast Freedom Festival Air Show
November 21st
8 Airport Rd | Apalachicola
Hosted at the Apalachicola Regional Airport, this day-long family-friendly event features military flybys and aerobatics to the RE/MAX Jump Team, Huey helicopter demonstrations and rides, exotic cars, a car and motorcycle show, live music, and a Kids Fun Zone.
Turkey Trot
November 26th
Under the Palms Park | Mexico Beach
Start your Thanksgiving off with a 5K run with your family and friends!
Apalachicola Downtown Christmas Celebration
November 27th
Apalachicola Riverfront | Apalachicola
The historic town of Apalachicola lights up the Day after Thanksgiving! The streets will be lined with luminaries and filled with holiday spirit, merchants will be open late and the sounds of carolers will echo through the streets filling the evening with the Holiday spirit. The highlight of the day will be Santa arriving on a shrimp boat to hear all the children’s Christmas wishes!