Category: Festivals & Events

The St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge is home to numerous events, classes, and presentations throughout the year. Check out the following selection of events, and visit the refuge’s website for a complete list and additional details.

First Sunday at the Refuge—Mar. 4, and Apr. 1

The first Sunday of every month brings something fun and informative to the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. On the first Sunday of March there will be a tour of the town site of Port Leon, which was destroyed by a powerful hurricane in 1843. On April 1, you can come to learn more about the red-cockaded woodpecker, one of the most famous birds that inhabits the refuge.

Birding and Wildlife Observation Behind the Gates—Feb. 13

Matt and Cyndi Johnstone give you an expert’s vantage point of various species of wildlife behind the gates of the refuge. The wagon tour begins at 9:00 AM and lasts until noon. Seating is limited for this event, so advance registration is recommended.

St Marks NWR Photo Club—Feb. 17

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a professional photographer with a DSLR lens and a tripod, or just a nature-lover who likes to take pictures of interesting species and landscapes with your phone, you’re welcome at the monthly meeting for the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge Photo Club.

Fee Free President’s Day—Feb. 20

Celebrate our nation’s founding fathers by getting back to nature! On President’s Day, admission to the St. Marks NWR is free so everyone can enjoy the beauty of the surroundings and learn more about this rich and diverse ecosystem.

Shutterbugs—Mar. 3

This photography class focuses specifically on capturing the beauty of nature through smartphone cameras. So bring your phone and come to the Nature’s Classroom at 1:00 for tips, demonstrations, and chances to get a perfect shot for your Instagram page. Registration is required.

Tots on Trails—Mar. 8

It’s never too early to introduce the youngsters to the majesty of nature trails. Pre-school aged children will be led on a fascinating and fun nature walk with a ranger, beginning at 11:00 AM. Registration is required.

Birding Behind the Gates—Mar. 10

Don Morrow takes you into the refuge to look for a variety of species of birds and learn more about their contribution to the environment. Space is limited, so please register in advance.

This is just a sample of the many amazing events held at the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. Start planning your visit to Wakulla County today, so that you can experience why the refuge is such an important and beloved part of our region!

To visit the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge’s website, click here.

Whether you’re a dyed-in-the-wool outdoors aficionado or a city person who wants to spend some time in the wilderness for a day, the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge Heritage and Outdoor (WHO) Festival will be your oasis. This incredible tradition continues for 2018, as locals and visitors alike gather together to celebrate the richness and diversity of wildlife in Wakulla County and beyond. This year’s festival is taking place on Saturday, February 3, 2018 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, so begin planning your full day of outdoor fun right now!

Celebrate the true spirit of the outdoors in a stunning natural environment

Nature, in all its many forms, has been an important part of life in Wakulla County for thousands of years, going all the way back to Native American culture in the area. This connection continues through to today, and the annual WHO Festival is held to celebrate all of the ways in which wildlife enriches our community.

From a variety of animal demonstrations to nature-themed educational displays and hands-on activities, the WHO Festival is a unique opportunity for you to immerse yourself in your natural surroundings, and learn more about what makes this area so special. And it all takes place amongst the spectacular wilderness of the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. St. Marks NWR is one of the most treasured natural areas in the region, and it is home to a dizzying array of flora and fauna that live together in a complex ecosystem. It’s the perfect place to host a celebration of the great outdoors.

Enjoy a full day of family-friendly entertainment

Each year the WHO Festival is packed with plenty of events and activities for every member of the family. Wildlife experts from organizations such as Ducks Unlimited, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, and the Apalachee Audubon Society will be on hand with educational displays and live demonstrations. There will also be exciting activities happening, including the wildly popular kid’s turkey calling contest. You’ll also have a chance to relax and enjoy some live music, browse the wildlife-themed wares of local vendors, and enjoy some food and beverages.

Stay and experience more of the natural beauty of Wakulla County

The true purpose of the WHO Festival is to connect people with nature, which is why it’s perfectly at home in Wakulla County. After you enjoy everything there is to see and do at the WHO Festival, spend some more time exploring the wonders of Wakulla County and discover why the bond between the people of the community and the natural environment that surrounds them is so enduring.

2017 was another banner year in beautiful Wakulla County, and our calendars were packed with wonderful events and exciting festivals that stretched from beginning to end!

February brought appreciations of history and wildlife

At the 10th iteration of Knapfest, attendees got to experience life as it was in the stone age (with modern comforts, of course). There were demonstrations of primitive tool making and arts and crafts, and even some exciting historical competitions such as archery and atlatl throwing. Meanwhile, nature aficionados gathered at the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge Wildlife Heritage and Outdoor Festival to celebrate the diversity of wildlife in Wakulla County.

The beginning of spring means worm gruntin’ and fishing

April brings warmer temperatures and longer days, and it’s also prime time for the annual Sopchoppy Worm Gruntin’ Festival. Folks at the festival got to see this traditional practice of coaxing worms out of the ground with vibrating wooden stakes first-hand.

Also in April, the Rock the Dock Fishing Tournament was a blast for anglers and spectators alike. Big fish were reeled in, prizes were awarded, and guests enjoyed hours of live entertainment.

Sopchoppy pulled out all the stops for a 4th of July celebration

The yearly 4th of July celebration in Sopchoppy is a favorite tradition amongst locals, and this year’s edition lived up to the hype. The day of fun and national pride was capped off by a fireworks spectacular that lit up the Florida sky.

September was a time to check out aircraft and automobiles

The Wings And Wheels Fly-In may be one of the newer traditions in Wakulla County, but it is quickly becoming a must-see event. On September 30th, attendees gathered at the Wakulla County Airport to view beautiful aircraft and automobiles, enjoy a day outdoors, and immerse themselves in fun activities and games.

The arrival of fall was synonymous with stone crabs and butterflies

This past October, locals and visitors alike came together to mark the opening of Florida stone crab season at the St. Marks Stone Crab Festival. These delicious crab claws can only be harvested during certain times of the year, and the festival honors this season by incorporating delectable recipes, educational displays, and more.

Also, the monarch butterflies bathed the sky in orange during their annual migration in late October. The Monarch Butterfly Festival at the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge was a way for people to watch these beautiful insects fly through in droves and celebrate their importance to the ecosystem.

Panacea celebrated the majesty of the Christmas season

2017 in Wakulla County came to a spectacular close at the annual Christmas in Panacea. Guests enjoyed snow machines, a fantastic parade, and a visit from Santa himself as they celebrated the holiday season, and looked forward to the new year.

If you’re ready to see what exciting events are in store for Wakulla County in 2018, schedule some time to come visit us in the new year. No matter what season you visit, you will always find unique celebrations, friendly locals, and our stunning natural environment to enjoy.

The 13th annual Christmas in Panacea is just around the corner. This year’s festivities are on Saturday, December 2nd and begin at 4:00 PM in beautiful Woolley Park, on the banks of the Dickerson Bay.

Snow in Florida? Why not?!

Most Floridians rarely expect to see snow in their native state, and especially not before winter officially begins in late December. But the Christmas in Panacea celebration goes all out in order to give everyone a chance to play in the white flakes.

Snow machines will be up and running from the beginning of the festival at 4:00 PM, and will continue until things begin to wind down at 8:00 PM. Whether you hail from a climate that sees snow all season long, or you’re a lifelong Floridian who cherishes every chance to experience it, you and your family will definitely want to get out there and make some snow angels this year.

Take in the festive entertainment all evening long

The snow machine is just the beginning when it comes to fun activities at Christmas in Panacea. The kids will have plenty to keep them busy, as there will be several free games, kid-specific activities, and a bounce house on site.

You’ll also have the chance to enjoy live entertainment all night long, and browse the wares of the many arts and crafts vendors that will be set up at the event. Free popcorn will also be available so you can enjoy a snack while you take it all in.

You have to take some time to check out the SeaMobile provided by the Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratory in Panacea. This state-of-the-art traveling mobile aquarium features touch tanks, monitors with Blu-Ray players, and even species of marine life that children can pick up.

Kick off the season with the annual Christmas Parade

Make sure you leave yourself enough time to grab a spot alongside the Coastal Highway before 6:30 in the evening, because that’s when the spectacular Panacea Christmas Parade begins. Locals will don their festive best and ride down the road in floats with plenty of lights, holiday decorations, and a dash of Christmas cheer. The parade is a Wakulla County holiday tradition, and it’ a sure sign that it’s time to start getting ready for the most wonderful time of the year.

Get ready for a season of wonderment in Wakulla County

Between the Christmas in Panacea celebration, the lights and decorations across the area, and the typically temperate weather, the holiday season truly is a special time to be in Wakulla County. In most places around the country, this is the time when people begin to stay inside for more of the day to escape the bitter cold. But in Wakulla County, it’s a great time to get out there and explore all of the natural wonders of our area. When you visit Wakulla County for Christmas in Panacea, we hope you’ll choose to stay for awhile this holiday season and explore more of this beautiful land.

October is National Seafood Month, and between festivals, markets teeming with fresh seafood, and world-class fishing, the locals of Wakulla County know how to celebrate in style. Check out the following ways that you can make the most out of National Seafood Month 2017.

1st Annual Cluster Shuck Oyster Fest

This year, Panacea Waterfronts Florida is hosting the premiere edition of the Cluster Shuck Oyster Fest, and shellfish lovers from all across the region are already anticipating this exciting event. This festival is all about showcasing the incredible farm-raised local oysters that reach their peak in the autumn months.

There will be an abundance of raw oysters on-the-half-shell available for you to savor, but chefs from throughout the region will also be preparing some unique oyster dishes that are sure to excite your palate.

If you’re a beer aficionado you know that nothing goes better with a plate of oysters than a cold brew, so there will be excellent beers on hand for you to sample as well. Be sure to head to Wooley Park in Panacea on Sunday, October 22nd from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and make the Cluster Shuck Oyster Fest one of your new annual traditions!

St. Marks Stone Crab Festival

Gulf seafood fanatics await the arrival of stone crab season every autumn, and there’s no better way to mark its arrival than by attending the St. Marks Stone Crab Festival. On Saturday, October 28, 2017, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, you’ll have your chance to enjoy plenty of stone crab claws that are fresh-caught from the Gulf waters.

In addition to the stone crab bounty, there will be a variety of other food options, high-quality arts and crafts from local vendors, and live music and entertainment throughout the day. It’s going to be a fantastic fall afternoon for the whole family. Head down to the heart of St. Marks for plenty of crab claws and fun.

More great ways to celebrate the bounty of the Gulf of Mexico

Once these festivals are over you still have the opportunity to commemorate National Seafood Month in Wakulla County. Fresh seafood is an important part of our local culture, history, and economy, and you can find great seafood to cook or serve in numerous independent markets scattered throughout the county.

Or, if you prefer to hit the water and catch seafood yourself, check out all of the incredible opportunities for fishing (freshwater and saltwater) on our beautiful Gulf coast. Local outfitters and charter companies have everything you need to get started, just make sure you follow all regulations and take safety precautions when you’re on the water.

However you choose to celebrate National Seafood Month, we hope you’ll stay for awhile in Wakulla County, and discover more about our unique connection to the ocean.

For nature lovers, the annual fall monarch butterfly migration is one of the most memorable events of the year. Wakulla County is directly in the path of the southerly migration towards the winter warmth of central Mexico, and the occasion is commemorated by the annual Monarch Butterfly Festival held in the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge.

Monarch butterfly migration patterns

During the summer season, monarch butterflies populate all portions of the U.S. and parts of southern Canada. However, when temperatures begin to drop they migrate south to warmer climates where they will hibernate until the spring.

Most of the monarchs that spend the summer west of the Rocky Mountains simply make the trip straight down to Southern California, while those that are on the eastern side of the Rockies head down to central and southern Mexico. For the monarchs located on the eastern seaboard, this means a long trip of approximately 2,500 miles, much of which passes along the Gulf coast or directly across the Gulf of Mexico itself.

The St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge Monarch Butterfly Festival

Because of the nature of their route, large numbers of monarchs traverse the Florida panhandle during the fall, including Wakulla County. Locals often know that autumn has arrived when they begin to see the majestic orange insects arrive in droves.

In celebration of this spectacle of nature, the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge organizes an annual Monarch Butterfly Festival where spectators can view the migration up-close-and-personal. This year’s festival will be held on Saturday, October 28 from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM. In addition to wildlife viewing opportunities there will educational demonstrations, wildlife exhibitions, and other entertainment throughout the day. Admission to the festival is free, and those who are interested in volunteer opportunities should contact Lori Nicholson or Robin Will at the Refuge (850-925-6121).

Volunteer monarch tagging opportunity

Another opportunity for those who can’t wait to see the monarch butterflies in their element is the annual counting and tagging project held by the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. This project is set to begin on Saturday, October 14 and will continue every Saturday through November 25.

The tagging begins early in the morning before dawn, so you are advised to bring a headlamp or flashlight in order to see in the dark. No previous tagging experience is required to participate, so volunteers are welcome to arrive at the gates of the refuge at 6:00 AM on any of the Saturdays, or come and go as they please. Most tagging sessions last between 1.5 and three hours, depending on the number of monarchs in the area.

Also, please note that you are asked to not use bug spray if you want to handle the monarchs, and it is recommended you bring footwear that you don’t mind getting wet. This is a tremendous opportunity for anyone who appreciates the beauty of nature. Email David Cook at david.cook@myfwc.com for more information, or if you’d like to be a part of this incredible project.

St. Marks, a sleepy village situated where the St. Marks and Wakulla Rivers meet, comes alive and welcomes visitors far and wide to celebrate the 2017 edition of its famed Stone Crab Festival. On October 28th, the event kicks off the highly-anticipated opening of stone crab season. This year — the 20th for the St. Marks Stone Crab Festival — promises to be bigger and better than ever with something for everyone to enjoy.

What to Expect

Though the St. Marks Stone Crab Festival got its start way back in 1997 by the owners of Riverside Cafe, Dave Vallancourt and Stan West, this annual event has grown in scope to encompass the entire community. In addition to delicious stone crab-inspired recipes and culinary delights prepared expertly by local chefs, attendees can enjoy many other activities that appeal to people of all ages.

Activities for the Entire Family

Vendors selling items as diverse as handcrafted furniture, intricately-designed custom jewelry and more will be on hand for visitors to browse through at their own pace. Children’s activities designed to pique the interests of the littlest ones and educational displays aimed toward all ages can be enjoyed against a backdrop of lively musical entertainment. Regional acts, one-of-a-kind works and lots of delicacies make this festival a popular way to spend a beautiful day in October.

A celebratory parade that attracts participants from throughout the area with colorfully-dressed characters, as well as a touch tank that’s fun for everyone and face painting area, are just a few of the family-friendly activities in store for those who attend this charming and relaxing community festival.

Those who visit the 20th annual St. Marks Stone Crab Festival will also have the opportunity to take home a brand-new John Deere Gator. Only a limited number of tickets are sold with the proceeds going toward the funding of various charitable events throughout St. Marks and the surrounding area.

Plan Your Trip to Wakulla

A smoke-free event, the St. Marks Stone Crab Festival also does not allow pets to be present on the festival grounds. This is to help everyone feel comfortable and welcome during the daylong event. The St. Marks Stone Crab Festival runs from 10 AM until 6 PM and promises to be fun for everyone. Wakulla County has accommodations for the entire family, so join us for a weekend trip to the St. Marks Stone Crab Festival!

The 3rd Annual Wings and Wheels Fly-In Festival is quickly approaching, and gearheads, aviators, and folks who are just looking for a fun afternoon are in for a treat. This year’s festival will take place on September 30th from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and admission is free for everyone.

For the last few years, the Wings and Wheels Fly-In has been organized in conjunction with the anniversary of the opening of the Wakulla County Airport 2J0. The airport has been a part of the Wakulla County landscape since 1963, and it acts as a gateway for aviators from the surrounding regions who want to come explore all that the area has to offer.

Experience a one-of-a-kind celebration of air and land travel

The Wings and Wheels Fly-In is quickly becoming one of the most anticipated events in Wakulla County, as it combines the past and future of aviation in northern Florida with America’s undying love for finely-tuned automobiles. This year’s iteration features fun activities for every member of the family, including live music throughout the event, drawings for free airplane rides, and fire equipment that will astound the kids. And for the little ones in your group, make sure their eyes are pointed toward the sky at 1:00 PM for a special surprise in the air.

Excitement for gearheads and automotive admirers

Whether you spend every weekend under the hood, want to learn more about car culture, or simply enjoy looking at pristine examples of classic automobiles, then the Wings and Wheels Fly-In deserves a spot on your itinerary. Some of the finest antique and classic cars in the region will be on hand to be judged for awards, and you can see what makes them so special by getting an up-close-and-personal view.

There will also be a selection of motorcycles as well, in case you prefer your automotive excitement on two wheels. In addition to checking out the fire trucks, kids will also have an opportunity to see some fantastic examples of RC models.

Aviators have their chance to shine

The wheels do have to share the spotlight with the wings, however, and there will be numerous types of aircraft on the premises for you to view. There will also be a separate award presentation for the best aircraft, immediately following the conclusion of the automotive awards at 12:30. Be sure to check out the various educational displays that will be on hand if you’d like to know more about aviation and the specific types of planes that you see at the fly-in.

Fun is a given whether you arrive by air or by road

However you decide to get there, there will be plenty of excitement at the 3rd Annual Wings and Wheels Fly-In. This great event can be just the beginning of your Wakulla County adventure, because there are so many unique places to explore. Stay with us for awhile, and experience more of what makes Wakulla County a family-friendly natural wonderland.

Friday, June 16 marks the opening of red snapper fishing season in the Gulf of Mexico, one of the most anticipated events for recreational anglers around the country. Find out everything you need to know before you gear up and hit the open water this season.

Make the most of this limited fishing season

Beginning on Friday, June 16, recreational anglers will be able to fish for red snapper in the waters off the coast of Wakulla County every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. This year, red snapper fishing will also be open on Monday, July 3, Tuesday, July 4, and Monday, September 4 for the holidays. September 4 will be the last day of the season for recreational red snapper fishing in the area.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission this will be the longest red snapper season in the Gulf of Mexico since 2013. It is still a limited window, however, so make sure that you are ready to take advantage of this opportunity to catch one of the most popular species of fish in the region.

Outfit yourself with everything you’ll need for a successful fishing excursion

When you travel to Wakulla County for your red snapper fishing experience, you’ll have no trouble finding all of the facilities and equipment that you need to set yourself up for fun and success. This area is home to numerous boat ramps for your convenience, some of which empty directly into the Gulf of Mexico. There are also several marinas and tackle shops which you can visit to restock your supplies before you hit the open water.

Shell Island Fish Camp and Marina is one of the most popular spots for anglers in Wakulla County. It’s been locally-owned and operated since 1942, and it’s a full-service marina that offers a wide range of marine services and products. Cabins are also available so that you can stay right next to the prime fishing action, and their boat ramp empties into the St. Marks River which leads directly to the gulf.

Enjoy the splendor of summer in Wakulla County

This summer, come to Wakulla County for the red snapper, and stay for the exhilarating natural wonders of the area. When it’s time to put your pole down for the day, you’ll find a whole world of outdoor activities that you can explore, including secluded hiking trails, majestic wildlife to photograph, and even horseback riding on the beach.

When the days get longer and the weather starts to heat up, it means that everyone is gearing up for the annual Sopchoppy 4th of July Celebration in Wakulla County. This landmark event will take place in downtown Sopchoppy, FL all day long on July 4, 2017.

One of Wakulla County’s Most Cherished Traditions

We may not have purple mountain majesties in Florida, but that doesn’t mean we don’t know how to throw an incredible party to celebrate this country’s independence! At the heart of the festivities is the annual Sopchoppy 4th of July Celebration, which has been a tradition for locals and visitors alike for decades.

The event was first organized in 1973 by Bill Stephens, who is affectionately known by the locals as “Mr. Sopchoppy,” because of his numerous contributions to the community. He and a group of friends decided to create a new 4th of July tradition for the town that would end up lasting for decades.

A Full Day of Entertainment

The Sopchoppy 4th of July Celebration kicks off on the morning of July 4th with the classic parade known as “A Real & True Americana” parade. This spectacular event travels down Rose Street in downtown Sopchoppy, and features a collection of diverse floats, displays, and performances from numerous local groups and organizations.

Then, after the parade ends, the fun continues. You and your loved ones can spend the remainder of the day near the banks of the beautiful Sopchoppy River at Myron B. Hodge City Park. Dance along to the patriotic live music, browse independence-themed wares of local merchants and arts and crafts vendors, and check out the various exhibits that celebrate the founding and history of this great nation.

A Fireworks Spectacular Worthy of the Red, White, and Blue

We hope you’re in the mood for even more 4th of July fun because the entire celebration is capped off by a thrilling fireworks display full of American pride. There will be great views of the fireworks all around the park, so grab a seat and watch as the stunning fireworks light up the night sky as well as illuminate the surface of the Sopchoppy River.

An Independence Day to Remember in Picturesque Wakulla County

The annual Sopchoppy 4th of July Celebration is an event that the whole family will love, but it’s only one of the many amazing things to see and do while you’re in Wakulla County. If you’re planning on coming down for the festivities, why not stay a few extra days and immerse yourself in an entire world of natural wonders and activities that you and your family will cherish for a lifetime?

Whether you’re into horseback riding, fishing, checking out scenic beaches, or simply walking along some of our hundreds of miles of nature trails, Wakulla County has what you need to make a memorable July 4th holiday.

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