Category: Festivals & Events

From adventures with wildlife to Christmas extravaganzas, the communities of Wakulla once again filled the year with numerous one-of-a-kind festivals, events, and gatherings.

Winter was a celebration of nature and the history of early man

The St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge Wildlife Heritage and Outdoor Festival is always one of the most anticipated events of February, and this year, nature lovers gathered again to participate in wildlife-themed activities, learn about different animal species from experts, and enjoy the spectacle of one of the most beautiful natural areas in the country.

Also in February, residents and guests took part in the annual Stone Age and Primitive Arts Festival, also known as Knapfest. This exciting event taught attendees how early humans lived, hunted, and competed when the land was their only resource.

Worm gruntin’ and championship fishing stole the show in April

On April 14th, families came together in Sopchoppy for the 18th edition of the Worm Gruntin’ Festival. Witnessing the traditional method of coaxing worms to the surface using vibrations from iron and wood was a unique experience for all who attended. On the last weekend of April, anglers from around the country competed for prizes and bragging rights at the Rock the Dock Fishing Tournament in Panacea’s Woolley Park.

The Panacea Blue Crab Festival was the highlight of mid-spring

There’s nothing quite like enjoying fresh-caught crab on a warm spring day, and this year’s Panacea Blue Crab Festival from May 4th to 5th was a weekend to remember for seafood lovers everywhere. Not only did guests feast on succulent crab preparations whipped up by local chefs, but they also enjoyed incredible live entertainment and competitions like the crab-picking contest.

Fireworks lit up the Sopchoppy sky for the 4th of July

Patriotic pride was on full display everywhere you looked at the annual Sopchoppy 4th of July Celebration. The festive parade and live entertainment had everyone feeling proud to be an American all day long, and once the sun set the event was capped off by a fireworks display as grand as the nation itself.

Majestic monarch butterflies made their annual pilgrimage in October

Wakulla County residents and guests were treated to a torrent of beautiful orange-and-black as millions of monarch butterflies stopped briefly in the Florida panhandle during their annual migration south. The Monarch Butterfly Festival held at the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge was a tremendous opportunity to learn more about these amazing insects and enjoy unique wildlife exhibitions as well.

Holiday celebrations abounded throughout Wakulla County in December

This year, we were lucky enough to have incredible holiday festivals to get everyone in a merry mood. Kids and adults alike had numerous opportunities to enjoy parades, visit with Santa Claus, and even play in the snow.

More fantastic events just like these await you in 2019 when you decide to visit Wakulla County. Start planning your vacation today, and decide which festivals and celebrations you want to be a part of in the coming year.

The holiday season is fastly approaching and Wakulla County knows just how to celebrate this special time of year in style.

Christmas in Panacea

Every year, the quaint waterfront town of Panacea goes all in on the festive holiday spirit with the Christmas in Panacea celebration. This great event essentially kicks off the Christmas season in Wakulla County, and it is held every year on the first Saturday in December at 4:00 PM in beautiful downtown Panacea.

Christmas in Panacea was established in 2005 as a way for the community to show strength and resilience after Hurricane Dennis, and it quickly grew to become one of the most beloved festivals in the county. Every year, festivities include man-made snow to play in (a true rarity for most Floridians!), numerous children’s games and activities, and a show-stopping parade through downtown Panacea that features festive floats provided by the community. The nearby Gulf Specimen Marine Lab also offers free admission beginning at 2:00 PM and ending at 5:00 PM so that guests can see some of the incredible marine exhibits housed at the lab.

Christmas in Sopchoppy

The town of Sopchoppy may be small, but its citizens have an abundance of holiday spirit that is always on display at the annual Christmas in Sopchoppy festival. Mark your calendar for the second Saturday in December, starting bright and early at 9:00 AM, to experience just how important Christmas traditions are to this vibrant community.

You’ll have a chance to meander through the streets of downtown Sopchoppy while enjoying the beautiful lights and decorations, browsing the holiday-themed wares of local arts and crafts vendors, and listening to the sounds of Christmas classics. A certain jolly guy who favors red suits has been known to make an appearance as well, so make sure the kids are ready with their holiday wishlists!

Christmas in the Park

Finally, no holiday season in Wakulla County is complete without a celebration in our largest community, Crawfordville. Each year, the Wakulla County Sheriff’s office sponsors the Christmas in the Park celebration on the 2nd Saturday in December, starting at 3:00 PM.

Stop by Hudson Park in Crawfordville for a variety of merry games and activities for kids, including bouncy castles, train rides, and opportunities to win great prizes. Santa Claus will be making an appearance here as well, and he’ll be ready to pose for pictures with your little ones and listen to their Christmas wishlists.

Whether you choose to attend one of the Christmas events or stop by all of them, there’s no denying that the holiday season is a special time of year in Wakulla County. Start planning your December stay today and get ready to celebrate the season like a Wakulla County local.

Download the Winter Guide

The Monarch Butterfly Festival at the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge is one of the signature fall events in Wakulla County, and this year’s celebration will be held at the refuge on Saturday, October 27 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Admission is free for all ages, so start planning today!

Monarch butterflies make their way south

Every autumn, millions of monarch butterflies leave their summer homes in the north and travel southward in search of warmer winters. Due to its location on the Florida panhandle, Wakulla County is a hotspot for migrating monarch butterflies in the fall. Many of the monarch butterflies that spend the summer in the northeastern U.S. and Canada make their way along the coast and down to Mexico.

Every year, the beautiful St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge hosts a festival to commemorate the migration and encourage attendees to learn more about this special natural phenomenon.

Play, learn, and volunteer

The Monarch Butterfly Festival is always a treat for both kids and adults, and there are numerous opportunities to participate in activities, learn more about the monarchs and the refuge through educational displays, and enjoy special wildlife exhibitions. You also have a chance to contribute by volunteering to help tag the butterflies on Saturdays during the peak periods of the migration.

Celebrate one of nature’s most unique events

The Monarch Butterfly Festival is always one of the most exciting times of the year in Wakulla County, and it’s a sure sign that autumn has arrived in full. This festival is just one of the many amazing ways you can see nature in an entirely different way. Check out our accommodations page so you can plan to join us for the Monarch Butterfly Festival, and stay longer to discover the unique natural beauty of Wakulla County.

The anniversary of the founding of the United States is coming up soon, and the citizens of Wakulla County are ready to get patriotic at the annual Sopchoppy 4th of July Celebration! This exciting event kicks off on July 4th at 10:00AM with an all-American parade, and lasts until the sun goes down and the festive fireworks light up the sky.

Patriotism at its finest in the town of Sopchoppy

There’s just something about some small towns that make them really come alive for the 4th of July. Citizens and visitors alike are excited to celebrate what connects us as a country and spend the day outside in the warm weather with friends, family, and acquaintances. It’s no different in Sopchoppy, FL, which plays host to a fun-filled and family-friendly Independence Day celebration which has been going strong for 45 years.

The festival kicks off with the Bill Stephens 4th of July Americana Parade, named after the founder of the festival and a man known as “Mr. Sopchoppy” for his numerous civic contributions. The parade always features some wildly creative floats decked out in their best patriotic colors and designs, and they progress down Rose Street through the heart of downtown Sopchoppy.

Live entertainment, a fireworks show to remember, and much more

Once the parade winds down the fun is just getting started, because you still have a full day and evening of exciting entertainment and activities that showcase the culture of this great country and Wakulla County. After the parade the action heads to Myron B. Hodge City Park, which will be decorated in red, white, and blue and offers beautiful views of the Sopchoppy River. There will be plenty of local vendors on hand with American-themed wares and local memorabilia, and several different live musical acts will be celebrating the USA through its music all day long.

The celebration winds down with a massive fireworks display sponsored by the City of Sopchoppy. Gather round with your loved ones and watch as these incredible fireworks light up the night sky over Florida and remind us how special the founding of this nation really was.

Celebrate what makes America special in Wakulla County

A great Independence Day festival is all about the people, places, and cultures that define America, and that’s what you’ll find in Sopchoppy for the annual 4th of July celebration. This is just one of the many great events happening in Wakulla County all year long, so when you come to celebrate the 4th, stay for a while longer and take in some of the beautiful and serene natural scenes of our area. Our county is home to accommodations that can suit any family’s needs, as well as a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy such as hiking, kayaking, and fishing, and so much more just a stone’s throw from wherever you are staying.

Sharks and Chablis, the annual fundraiser for the Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratory, will be taking place on Saturday, May 19 from 4-8PM in Panacea. Tickets are only $40 and can be purchased online, and they include a catered seafood dinner, exquisite wines, and fantastic entertainment!

Wining and dining for a great cause

When you purchase a ticket to Sharks and Chablis, you know you’re going to be in for a night filled with delicious seafood, interesting wines, and sparkling conversation. But you’ll also be supporting one of Wakulla County’s most important educational centers, the Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratory

The Gulf Specimen Marine Lab is one of the premier destinations in Wakulla County, as it offers visitors a chance to experience marine life in a unique, interactive setting. And, it’s much more than just a great spot to visit; the team at the lab perform important aquatic research and educate the public about conservation issues. The funds they raise during Sharks and Chablis go to support their mission to further marine research and education, and subsidize conservation efforts, such as sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation.

Enjoy an evening of entertainment and education

Sharks and Chablis promises to be a night full of fun and surprises. Live music will be provided by Wakulla Rising, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to show off your best moves on the dance floor. Also, special guest Joel Sartore of National Geographic will be on hand to give an exciting presentation filled with his stunning nature photography and interesting educational tidbits.

The night isn’t complete without the annual silent auction, which is consistently one of the event’s most popular attractions. You can bid on a variety of items donated by local businesses and organizations for the chance to win something memorable and unique.

Discover why Wakulla County is an aquatic enthusiast’s paradise

Once you’ve enjoyed Sharks and Chablis and explored the Gulf Specimen Marine Lab, you’ll find that it’s only the tip of the iceberg for natural and aquatic-themed activities in Wakulla County. Whether you prefer to fish the deep blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico or observe the aquatic life that thrives in Wakulla Springs, you’ll experience how connected this area is to the various waterways throughout it during your visit. We encourage you to check out our many options for friendly accommodations, and stay with us for a while to explore the connections between Wakulla County and its beautiful waters.

The 30th annual Big Bend Saltwater Classic will be held on June 15-16 at Shields Marina in St. Marks. You won’t want to miss this incredible celebration of skillful angling and the beauty and diversity of gulf marine life.

The 30th iteration of this event plans to be the best tournament yet

For 30 years now, locals and guests have been gathering on the shores of Wakulla County for one of the premier fishing tournaments in the region. The Big Bend Saltwater Classic is a treasured Father’s Day tradition, and this year you can expect the same exciting fishing action and lively entertainment that always makes for an incredible weekend.

The Big Bend Saltwater Classic draws a large crowd of angling enthusiasts of all skill levels, and the tournament is broken down into several different divisions so that everyone can get in on the action. Some of the popular species that will be included in the tournament include flounder, gag grouper, wahoo, red grouper, redfish, and cobia. There will be cash prizes awarded to the top performers in each category.

Junior anglers have their own division with prizes and trophies as well. Also, this is the first year that the tournament will feature a separate kayak division, with redfish, trout, and flounder as the target species.

Fish, dance, eat, drink, and play all weekend long

The fishing may be the main attraction at the Big Bend Saltwater Classic—and for good reason—but there are still plenty of other fun activities taking place over the tournament weekend. Everything gets started with the tournament kick-off party on Wednesday, June 13 at the Buffalo Wild Wings in Tallahassee. You can register there, or online at www.saltwaterclassic.com. “Lines in” starts at 5:30 a.m. on Friday morning. Weigh-in starts at 3 p.m. and continues until 7:30 p.m. On Saturday, weigh-in begins at 3:00 p.m. and continues until 5:00 p.m. There will be two weigh-in stations– one at Shields Marina in St. Marks and the other at The Moorings in Carrabelle. The awards presentation will take place at 7:00 p.m. where the skilled anglers will be announced.

Savor the great outdoors at this landmark Wakulla County event

In Wakulla County we’re proud to host the annual Big Bend Saltwater Classic. While you’re in town for the tournament, we want you to see more of the stunning beauty of our area, and take in some of the many natural activities that we have to offer, including horseback riding on the beach, hiking, and wildlife watching. Whether you choose to stay in one of the hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, or campgrounds here, you’ll be right in the heart of beautiful fishing spots and so much more.

The first weekend in May is almost upon us, which means the annual Panacea Blue Crab Festival is right around the corner! The 44th staging of this great event will take place on May 4th-5th at Woolley Park in downtown Panacea, and it promises to be one of the most exciting community gatherings of the year. Find out how you can plan your excursion and get the most out of your trip to the Panacea Blue Crab Festival this year.

Enjoy one of Wakulla County’s most beloved traditions

What started out as a modest function to promote the Wakulla County crab industry in 1975 has grown into one of the most popular events in the area. The Panacea Blue Crab Festival has now been going strong for 44 years, and it has incorporated new traditions as it has blossomed.

What hasn’t changed is that this festival is still a wonderful celebration of the blue crab and its importance to our local area. Crabs have been a staple food of people living in and around Wakulla County for centuries, because they are abundant in the Gulf waters, easy to prepare, and—most importantly of all—delicious! The Panacea Blue Crab Festival is the perfect opportunity to honor this delicacy and enjoy an afternoon of fun.

Dine on fresh-caught crab and soak up all the fun

You’ll definitely have ample opportunity to sample some great fresh crab at the festival, but there will be plenty of other excitement for you to take in while you’re there. The event kicks off on the evening of Friday, May 4th, with the Free Gospel Sing starting at 6:30 PM in Woolley Park, adjacent to the gorgeous Dickerson Bay.

The celebration then begins in earnest on Saturday, with live entertainment, games, and competition taking place all day long. The mullet toss and the crab picking contest are always popular with attendees, so be sure to check them out. Several different area musical acts will be entertaining you throughout the festival, and there will also be plenty of children’s activities, food and beverage vendors, and arts and crafts available for sale.

Explore our beautiful county up close

The Panacea Blue Crab Festival is just one reason why Wakulla County is such a unique haven on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Our connection to the natural environment around us is irreplaceable, and all of the outdoor activities that are a part of life here demonstrate that fact. Whether you’re a hiker, angler, kayaker, or just a nature enthusiast, you’ll find plenty to love about Wakulla County. Check out our accommodations page to start planning your trip to the Panacea Blue Crab Festival today, and discover how you can turn your journey into a full-fledged natural adventure.

Get ready for one of the most anticipated events of the year, the Rock the Dock Fishing Tournament! This year’s event will take place the weekend of April 27th amidst the beautiful backdrop of Woolley Park in Panacea.

Test your mettle against some outstanding anglers

There are many reasons to love the Rock the Dock Fishing Tournament, but it’s definitely the fishing itself that is the star attraction. Anglers come from throughout the region to test their skills in the coastal waters of Wakulla County. You too can get in on the angling action by registering on the official tournament website to secure your spot.

Rock the Dock features several different divisions for anglers of all different levels of experience and skill sets. Some of the divisions that you can compete in include recreational (Offshore & Inshore), youth, and kayak. Lady Anglers weighing in an eligible fish will be entered to win $1000! Youth Anglers weighing in an eligible fish will be entered to win a G3 Boat/Motor & Trailer! Kayak Anglers weighing in an eligible fish will be entered to win a Kayak! Top performers in each division will receive cash prizes, trophies, or gift cards depending upon the category. In celebration of our 10th Anniversary, we are paying out an additional $10,000 in prizes this year!

Enjoy a full weekend of activities

Come for the fishing, stay for the fun in the outdoors. The Rock the Dock Fishing Tournament packs a ton of fun and entertainment into a single weekend in beautiful Panacea. The event officially kicks off with the annual Captain’s Meeting at 4:00 PM on Friday, April 27 at Woolley Park. Registration will be taking place from 4-7 PM for anyone who wasn’t able to register online. Make sure you make it to the Captain’s Meeting at 6:30 PM so that you will have all of the information you need for the start of the tournament on Saturday.

Dinner and a cash bar will immediately follow the Captain’s meeting, and the night will finish off with some fantastic live music provided by Old Soul Revival from 7-10 PM. Then, you can rest up and prepare yourself for full days of fishing on Saturday and Sunday!

The fun continues on Saturday and Sunday – there will be vendors both days from Noon-6 PM. The weigh-in will be open from 2-6 PM on Saturday and 12-4 PM on Sunday.

Enter to win fantastic prizes

As mentioned previously, there will be cash and other prizes up for grabs in the various fishing divisions. However, you also have an opportunity to win a sleek 2018 Skeeter SX200 Bay Boat by Yamaha. Raffle tickets are $100 each, and the number of entries is limited to 300. You can contact Laurie Falk at Mike’s Marine to purchase tickets, 850-528-7610.

Book your accommodations early!

Don’t miss this great opportunity to enjoy a weekend of great fishing, and experience some of the natural wonders that define Wakulla County. While you’re here, we encourage you to take some time before and after the tournament to check out some of our other exciting attractions, such as the Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratory nearby in Panacea, the stunning St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, or dining on plenty of fresh Gulf seafood at one of our many restaurants.

The Rock the Dock Fishing Tournament is one of the most popular events of the year in Wakulla County, so check out our accommodations page as soon as possible and start planning your stay. From campgrounds to quaint bed-and-breakfasts to full-service hotels, you can find whatever type of accommodation you need in Wakulla County to prepare you for a weekend of fishing success.

Do you like learning more about the natural environment around you in order to better understand our connection to it? Do you enjoy having time to experience family-friendly entertainment and great food? Do you simply want to get out of the house for a day and celebrate with a community of passionate individuals in the great outdoors?

If the answer to any of those is yes, then you need to come down to the 18th annual Sopchoppy Worm Gruntin’ Festival on Saturday, April 14th in the historic streets of Downtown Sopchoppy!

Worm Gruntin’??

Yes, you heard correctly. Worm gruntin’ is a time-honored tradition that involves using vibrations in order to coax worms to the surface of the earth. Worm grunters drive a stake into the soil and rub a piece of iron against it, causing the ground to vibrate and the worms to crawl to the top where they can be collected. Before you could just hop down to the bait store, worm gruntin’ was an important practice for fisherman, and it now survives as a unique skill practiced by experts in some areas.

A day of fun for everyone, except maybe the worms

In addition to live demonstrations by expert worm grunters and the worm gruntin’ contest, the festival will feature a 5K race in the morning—which travels through some of the most scenic natural areas in Wakulla County—live music and entertainment all day long, food, arts, and crafts from local vendors, and plenty of games for attendees of all ages. At the end of the day, you can celebrate along with everyone and show off your best dance moves at the Worm Grunter’s Ball. Whichever events you choose to participate in, the Worm Gruntin’ Festival is the perfect excuse for a spring getaway!

Experience more unique excitement in Wakulla County

The annual Sopchoppy Worm Gruntin’ Festival is just one of the many events and attractions that make Wakulla County such a unique community and environment. You really have to see it for yourself, so we hope that you’ll come for the fun of the Worm Gruntin’ Festival and schedule some extra time to immerse yourself in a few of our natural wonders. Whether you’re fanatical about fishing, hiking, nature photography, or you just want some time to relax in a serene natural setting, our beautiful slice of heaven is just what you need to recharge. Find the perfect place to stay today and start planning your Wakulla adventure!

The 11th Annual Stone Age and Primitive Arts Festival is coming up fast! This year, the festival will take place from Friday, Feb. 23 through Sunday, February 25 from 8:00 AM until 4:00 PM each day, at the Ochlockonee River State Park. Admission is only $4.00 per vehicle, so come out to have some fun and immerse yourself in some of our shared history.

Catch a rare glimpse into pre-history

We don’t have many opportunities to learn about what life was like for early humans, but the Stone Age and Primitive Arts Festival gives you a chance to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences before the advent of recorded history. Our ancestors had to make use of resources and tools provided by the environment in order to survive. These developments played a crucial role in our ability as humans to adapt, evolve, and eventually come to exercise control over the planet. This fun and fascinating festival celebrates our connection to generations long past, while allowing attendees to observe and take part in interesting and exciting activities.

Participate in unique, live demonstrations

The practice of flint knapping dates back to some of the earliest days of mankind as we know it. At some point, an early human banged two rocks together to get a sharp edge, and then used that edge to cut something. The process of knapping caught on and spread throughout tribes, and it was refined until the humans had higher-quality tools that enabled them to hunt much more effectively.

At the festival you can watch live demonstrations of flint knapping by experts, and even take part yourself. You can also check out some of the other interactive demonstrations including deer hide tanning, and wood and antler carving. The festival website features a full schedule of the events that will be taking place.

Experience the thrill of primitive competition

The concept of competition stretches all the way back to the pre-historic era. The early humans may not have organized full-scale sports leagues, but our ancestors did learn to stage simple contests based around exhibition of a particular skill. The festival will feature several exciting competitions, such as atlatl dart (spear) throwing, primitive bow, and flint knapping.

Celebrate early humans’ connection to their environment

For the early humans, the natural environment was the source of everything, which makes Wakulla County the perfect location to host this distinctive event. The festival takes place against the scenic backdrop of the Ochlockonee River State Park, which is one of the many natural wonders that contribute to the ecological diversity of Wakulla County. We invite you to experience the Stone Age and Primitive Arts Festival, and also stay for awhile and discover other reasons why Wakulla County is such a special place.