From Worm Gruntin’ to Blue Crabs to Christmas in Panacea, Wakulla County celebrates its holidays and other annual traditions like no other place on earth. With nearly 40 festivals each year, there’s something for everyone — in every season.
Festivals & Events
JANUARY
21st Annual Crawfordville Arbor Day Celebration & Tree Giveaway
Date: Saturday, January 18
Location: Hudson Park (21 Ochlockonee Street, Crawfordville)
Time: 10 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
The Crawfordville Arbor Day Celebration gives away FREE native trees to Wakulla County residents. More than a thousand young trees (in pots) will be offered! One per person. Kids, too! Choose from the following species: red maple, chalk maple, river birch, tulip poplar, willow oak, live oak, pignut hickory, blackgum (sourgum), bald cypress, American elm, green ash, redbud, elderberry, rusty lyonia, cabbage palm, and longleaf pine.
FEBRUARY
Rotary Club of Wakulla County Valentine’s Day Parade and Festival
Date: Saturday, February 8th
Time: 10 am – 1 pm
Location: Hudson Park, Crawfordville, FL
Participate in the fun and excitement of the Valentine Celebration and contribute in a very special way to the community’s effort to raise money for Wakulla County charities and youth scholarships. Fun parade begins at 10 a.m., along with arts & crafts, food vendors. Entertainment and fun for ALL ages!
African American Heritage Celebration
Date: Saturday, February 14th-16th
Time: TBA
Location: TBA
More information to come!
Panacea Gumbo Cookoff
Date: Saturday, February 22nd
Time: 10 am – 5 pm
Location: Wooley Park – 48 Mound Street, Panacea, FL
Don’t miss out on the Panacea Gumbo Cookoff, where you can savor mouthwatering gumbo, cheer on competitors, and win exciting prizes in a fun-filled atmosphere for all ages! With live music, local vendors, and ice-cold beer and wine, it’s the perfect way to spend your day enjoying some of the best flavors in town!
All proceeds go to the Big Bend Maritime Summer Camp for Kids
MARCH
22nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration & Parade
Date: Saturday, March 15
Time: 10am
Location: Hudson Park, Crawfordville, FL
Catch the annual parade which follows its route on Crawfordville Highway between Azalea Park and Hudson Park. Stick around for live music, vendors, and a raffle following the parade.
Panacea Beer & Oyster Festival
Date: March 22nd
Time: 12 pm – 4 pm
Location: 48 Mound St, Panacea, FL
The Panacea Beer and Oyster Festival is held along Dickerson Bay at Woolley Park in Panacea, Florida. The festival features unlimited samplings of local and national craft beers in the beer garden and will host local oyster farmers who will have their delicious oysters available for purchase!
The festival will also feature food & craft vendors, live music, and a beautiful view for sipping and shucking!
All proceeds benefit the Panacea Waterfronts Florida Partnership.
St. Marks Lighthouse Keepers’ Quarters Open House
Dates: March 21, 22, 23
Time: 11:00 am
The past is on display at the recently restored St. Marks Lighthouse. Come for the Keepers’ Quarters Open House. Guides are trained Refuge volunteers and have stories and interesting facts to share. History will come alive in this beautiful landmark building.
St. Marks Community Market
Date: March 22
Time: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Location: 815 Port Leon Drive, St. Marks, FL 32355 United States
St. Marks hosts a community market every fourth Saturday of the month at 815 Leon Port Drive from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm.
St. Marks Lighthouse Keepers’ Quarters Open House
Dates: March 28, 29, 30
Time: 11:00 am
The past is on display at the recently restored St. Marks Lighthouse. Come for the Keepers’ Quarters Open House. Guides are trained Refuge volunteers and have stories and interesting facts to share. History will come alive in this beautiful landmark building.
Wakulla County Horseman’s Association Show Dates
Date: March 29
Time: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm EDT
Location: 1757 Lawhon Mill Road, Sopchoppy, 32327 United States
Saddle up, Wakulla! The Wakulla County Horseman’s Association Show is back with a lineup you won’t want to miss! Come watch incredible riders and beautiful horses in action!
APRIL
St. Marks Lighthouse Keepers’ Quarters Open House
Dates: April 4, 5, 6
Time: 11:00 am
The past is on display at the recently restored St. Marks Lighthouse. Come for the Keepers’ Quarters Open House. Guides are trained Refuge volunteers and have stories and interesting facts to share. History will come alive in this beautiful landmark building.
St. Marks Lighthouse Keepers’ Quarters Open House
Dates: April 11, 12, 13
Time: 11:00 am
The past is on display at the recently restored St. Marks Lighthouse. Come for the Keepers’ Quarters Open House. Guides are trained Refuge volunteers and have stories and interesting facts to share. History will come alive in this beautiful landmark building.
23rd Annual Sopchoppy Worm Gruntin’ Festival
Date: Saturday, April 12th
Time: 9 am – 6:30 pm
Location: Sopchoppy Depot Park 34 Rose Street, Sopchoppy FL
Join us for the Annual Sopchoppy Worm Gruntin’ Festival! This unique and lively event in Sopchoppy, Florida, brings together participants to celebrate this long-standing tradition. Enjoy a fun run, local vendors, a worm gruntin’ contest, live music, and activities and competitions for the whole family.
Event: Easter Parade & Family Fun Day
Date: Sunday, April 13
Time: 2 – 4 PM
Location: Wooley Park, Panacea, FL
Hop on Over to Wooley Park for an Egg-citing Easter Celebration!
Join us for the Easter Parade & Family Fun Day! This FREE community event is packed with fun for the whole family, including candy, refreshments, and kids’ activities.
Schedule of Events:
- Easter Bunny Arrives: 2 PM
- Golf Cart & Wagon Parade: 3 PM (Come join in the fun!)
Bring the family and enjoy a beautiful day by the coast!
Hosted by Panacea Waterfronts Florida Partnership.
Second Sunday Talk: New Ways to Tell the St Marks Story with Allen Van Brunt
Date: April 13
Time: 9 am
Location: St. Marks Refuge Nature’s Classroom
Join us for the Sunday Talk: New Ways to Tell the St. Marks Story with Friends board member and St. Marks Lighthouse Keeper, Allen Van Brunt. Allen will explore how modern technology can enhance the interpretation of the St. Marks Lighthouse story by using video, audio, and translation software to create a more dynamic experience for visitors. He will showcase new content delivery methods, including Lighthouse avatars, translated content, and generated video and audio clips.
(Note: Pre-registration required for guaranteed seating; limited space available at the door.)
St. Marks Lighthouse Keepers’ Quarters Open House
Dates: April 18, 19, 20
Time: 11:00 am
The past is on display at the recently restored St. Marks Lighthouse. Come for the Keepers’ Quarters Open House. Guides are trained Refuge volunteers and have stories and interesting facts to share. History will come alive in this beautiful landmark building.
52nd Annual Stephen C. Smith Memorial Regatta
Date: Friday April 25th- Sunday April 27th
Location: 117 Beaty Taff Drive, Shell Point
Time: Changes depending on day. For more information check out www.SmithRegatta.com.
Whether you’re a sailing enthusiast or just looking for some fun in the sun, this event promises excitement for all. Don’t miss out on the chance to support a great cause while enjoying the thrill of the regatta.
St. Marks Lighthouse Keepers’ Quarters Open House
Dates: April 25, 26, 27
Time: 11:00 am
The past is on display at the recently restored St. Marks Lighthouse. Come for the Keepers’ Quarters Open House. Guides are trained Refuge volunteers and have stories and interesting facts to share. History will come alive in this beautiful landmark building.
MAY
2nd Annual Mermaids and Mimosas
Date: Saturday, May 3rd
Time: 4 – 7 pm
Location: Gulf Specimen Marine Lab
Join us for a magical afternoon at Mermaids and Mimosas as we support the Gulf Specimen Marine Lab’s mission to fund a new roof for the urchin tanks. Enjoy live music, delicious seafood, refreshing mimosas, and a silent auction—all for a great cause.
St. Marks Lighthouse Keepers’ Quarters Open House
Dates: May 3, 4, 5
Time: 11:00 am
The past is on display at the recently restored St. Marks Lighthouse. Come for the Keepers’ Quarters Open House. Guides are trained Refuge volunteers and have stories and interesting facts to share. History will come alive in this beautiful landmark building.
St. Marks Lighthouse Keepers’ Quarters Open House
Dates: May 9, 10, 11
Time: 11:00 am
The past is on display at the recently restored St. Marks Lighthouse. Come for the Keepers’ Quarters Open House. Guides are trained Refuge volunteers and have stories and interesting facts to share. History will come alive in this beautiful landmark building.
St. Marks Lighthouse Keepers’ Quarters Open House
Dates: May 16, 17, 18
Time: 11:00 am
The past is on display at the recently restored St. Marks Lighthouse. Come for the Keepers’ Quarters Open House. Guides are trained Refuge volunteers and have stories and interesting facts to share. History will come alive in this beautiful landmark building.
St. Marks Lighthouse Keepers’ Quarters Open House
Dates: May 23, 24, 25
Time: 11:00 am
The past is on display at the recently restored St. Marks Lighthouse. Come for the Keepers’ Quarters Open House. Guides are trained Refuge volunteers and have stories and interesting facts to share. History will come alive in this beautiful landmark building.
St. Marks Lighthouse Keepers’ Quarters Open House
Dates: May 30, 31
Time: 11:00 am
The past is on display at the recently restored St. Marks Lighthouse. Come for the Keepers’ Quarters Open House. Guides are trained Refuge volunteers and have stories and interesting facts to share. History will come alive in this beautiful landmark building.
JULY
Sopchoppy 4th of July Parade
Date: Friday, July 4
Time: Parade begins at 10 a.m.
Location: Downtown Sopchoppy (Rose Street & Municipal Avenue)
Celebrate Independence Day with one of Wakulla County’s most beloved hometown traditions! The Sopchoppy 4th of July Parade features colorful floats, local marching bands, vintage cars, and community groups in a festive, small-town setting. Families line the streets for candy, cheers, and patriotic pride. Come early to grab a good spot—and stick around after the parade for music, food, and fun throughout the day! See the Sterling Miller Band at 7:30pm
St. Marks 4th of July Fireworks Show
Date: Friday, July 4
Time: 4 PM – ~10 PM (Fireworks begin at dark, around 9 PM)
Location: Public Boat Ramp & Waterfront, Downtown St. Marks (815 Port Leon Drive)
Date: July 18
Time: 6PM – 10 PM
Location: 84 Cedar Ave. Crawfordville, 32327Come enjoy board games, arts & crafts as well as free snacks. Come prepared to represented your favorite sports team. Free entry with pre-registration here.
A Night at Hogwarts
Date: July 25
Time: 6PM – ~8 PM
Location: 4330 Crawdfordville Hwy. Crawfordville, 32327
Get sucked into the magical literary world of Harry Potter – all at the Wakulla Public Library! All ages are welcomed to walk through the event, check out the series, and enjoy some light refreshments at the end.
Sopchoppy Opry ft. Margo Anderson/Loretta Lynn Tribute (25th Anniversary Show)
Date: July 26
Time: 7 PM
Location: 164 Yellow Jacket Ave. Sopchoppy, 32358
Get ready to groove at the Sopchoppy Opry featuring Margo Anderson – a Loretta Lynn Tribute artist! Book your tickets at sopchoppyopry.com. All net proceeds are used towards the restorations of the historic Sopchoppy High School.
Wakulla Springs Art Saturday
Date: July 26
Time: 10AM – 3PM
Location: 550 Wakulla Park Dr. Wakulla Springs, 32327
Come out and support local artisans, enjoy the fresh air and make a day out of your visit to the springs with yummy BBQ. Admission is free with park entry and there are acitvities for all ages to enjoy.
Cottage Food: Bread Making
Date: July 26
Time: 10AM – 12PM
Location: 84 Cedar Ave. Crawfordville, 32327
Whether you’re a full-blown homesteader or looking to pick up a new hobby, Cottage Food is the perfect outlet for trying something new! Join this class to learn all the basics needed to get started.
AUGUST
Panacea Community Garden Farmers Market
Date: August 2
Time: 9AM – 12PM
Location: 1505 Coastal Hwy. Panacea, 32346
Enjoy browsing through the offerings of local vendors, children’s activities and live music all at one location. Embrace the community spirit of farm-fresh produce and products.
Steel Magnolias
Date: August 3
Time: 2:30PM – 4PM
Location: 174 Yellow Jacket Ave. Sopchoppy, 32358
Presented by the Wakulla Community Theater, Steel Magnolias is a stage play by American writer Robery Harling about the bond of a group of Southern Women. This classic comedy-drama will touch both your funny bone and heart.
Sopchoppy Depot Days Market
Date: August 9
Time: 9AM – 2PM
Location: 34 Railroad Ave. Sopchoppy, 32358
This charming farmers market is filled with unique handmade items and local produce. Visit the various food trucks and nearby downtown shops to browse through.
NoFlo PoFok 4
Date: August 9
Time: 1:30 – 10PM
Location: 59 Shadeville Rd. Crawfordville, 32326
This all-original music festival includes 14 bands with all original songwriting and instrumentals. From Country to Hip Hop, there is something for every music enjoyer. Proceeds goes towards The Paveler Tree Theater. Tickets goes from $10, to $15 at door, children ages 15 and under enter for free.
Cottage Food: Jams & Jellies
Date: August 9
Time: 10AM – 12PM
Location: 84 Cedar Ave. Crawfordville, 32327
This all-original music festival includes 14 bands with all original songwriting and instrumentals. From Country to Hip Hop, there is something for every music enjoyer. Proceeds goes towards The Paveler Tree Theater. Tickets goes from $10, to $15 at door, children ages 15 and under enter for free.
Sopchoppy Opry ft. Grass Roots Band
Date: August 30
Time: 7PM
Location: 164 Yellow Jacket Ave. Sopchoppy, 32358
Get ready to groove at the Sopchoppy Opry featuring the Grass Roots Band! Book your tickets at sopchoppyopry.com. All net proceeds are used towards the restorations of the historic Sopchoppy High School.
SEPTEMBER
Panacea Community Garden Farmers Market
Date: September 6
Time: 9AM – 12PM
Location: 1505 Coastal Hwy. Panacea, 32346
Enjoy browsing through the offerings of local vendors, children’s activities and live music all at one location. Embrace the community spirit of farm-fresh produce and products.
Threads Through Time: A Walk Through Wakulla’s Wardrobe, a living showcase of fashion through the ages
Date: September 6
Time: 2:30PM – 5PM
Location: 23 High Dr. Crawfordville, 32327
Join us to see different fashion eras at the Wakulla’s Chamber of Commerce. Models will don outfits representing different eras of our history. Tea and refreshments will be served. Want to sponsor a model? It’s just $20 to enter and all eras are welcome.
Sopchoppy Depot Days Festival and Car Parade
Date: September 13
Time: 9AM – 1PM
Location: 34 Railroad Ave. Sopchoppy, 32358
For all of the train lovers, local history buffs and trail-goers, join us for the 3rd Annual Sopchoppy Depot Days. Celebrate Sopchopy history with special events and activities for all ages.
Wakulla County Coastal Cleanup
Date: September 20
Time: 8AM – 5PM
Location: 48 Mound St. Panacea, 32346
This program is run by volunteers who want to continue to beautify and spread awareness about caring for Wakulla’s beautiful beaches and coastlines. Cleanup crews get together at 8am at multiple beaches in the county, with a celebration starting at noon at Woolley Park.
Wakulla Rhythm & Roots : Rockulla @ Hudson Park
Date: September 20
Time: 6PM – 9PM
Location: 21 Ochlockonee St. Crawfordville, 32327
Join us to the inaugural Music in the Park event feauring live music from Wakulla’s local legends – Rockulla! This free event will have food trucks on-site, live entertainment and fun vibes.
St. Marks Community Market
Date: September 27
Time: 9AM – 1PM
Location: 815 Port Leon Dr. St. Marks, 32355
This community markets supports all kinds of local crafters, gardeners and more! Stop by to support local entrepreneurs.
Sopchoppy Opry ft. Raisin’ Cane
Date: September 27
Time: 7PM
Location: 164 Yellow Jacket Ave. Sopchoppy, 32358
Get ready to groove at the Sopchoppy Opry featuring Raisin’ Cane! Book your tickets at sopchoppyopry.com. All net proceeds are used towards the restorations of the historic Sopchoppy High School.
48th Annual Panacea Blue Crab Festival
Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
Time: Parade starts at 10 AM, festival runs 10 AM – dusk
Location: Woolley Park, 48 Mound St, Panacea, FL (along Dickerson Bay)
OCTOBER
Panacea Community Garden Farmers Market
Date: October 10
Time: 9AM – 12PM
Location: 1505 Coastal Hwy. Panacea, 32346
Enjoy browsing through the offerings of local vendors, children’s activities and live music all at one location. Embrace the community spirit of farm-fresh produce and products.
Sopchoppy Community Market
Date: October 11
Time: 9AM – 1PM
Location: 34 Railroad Ave. Sopchoppy, 32358
This charming farmers market is filled with unique handmade items and local produce. Visit the various food trucks and nearby downtown shops to browse through.
29th Annual Stone Crab Festival
Date: October 18
Time: 10AM – 6PM
Location: 69 Riverside Dr. St. Marks, 32355
Stop by the Riverside Cafe for the 29th Annual Stone Crab Festival! Enjoy live music, delicious stone crab claws, and more activities for the whole family.
Play For The Bay
Date: Friday, October 24
Location: Wakulla Sands Golf Course (3876 Coastal Hwy)
Time: 8 a.m. registration, 9:30 shot gun start
Grab your clubs and join the FSU Coastal Marine Laboratory for a day of golf to support the preservation of our bays and estuaries along Florida’s Forgotten Coast. This 4-person scramble style tournament is sure to stir up some friendly competition. Registration is $500 a team and you may register online or between 8 and 9 a.m. the day of the event.
St. Marks Community Market
Date: October 25
Time: 9AM – 1PM
Location: 815 Port Leon Dr. St. Marks, 32355
This community markets supports all kinds of local crafters, gardeners and more! Stop by to support local entrepreneurs.
Sopchoppy Opry ft. Limited Edition/Merle Haggard Tribute
Date: October 25
Time: 7PM
Location: 164 Yellow Jacket Ave. Sopchoppy, 32358
Get ready to groove at the Sopchoppy Opry featuring Limited Edition – a Merle Haggard Tribute! Book your tickets at sopchoppyopry.com. All net proceeds are used towards the restorations of the historic Sopchoppy High School.
Monarch Butterfly Festival
Date: October 25
Time: 10 AM – 2PM
Location: 1255 Lighthouse Road. St. Marks, 32355
St. Marks Crafts & Drafts Brewfest
Date: October 25
Time: 12PM – 4PM
Location: 814 Port Leon Dr. St. Marks, 32355Sample a variety of unique brews crafted by local breweries. A perfect opportunity to discover new flavors and mingle with fellow beer enthusiasts.
Spooky Specimens
Date: Saturday, October 25
Time: 5–8 PM
Location: Gulf Specimen Marine Lab (222 Clark Dr, Panacea)
Dive into the Halloween spirit at Gulf Specimen Marine Lab’s 3rd Annual Spooky Specimens! Get ready for an evening where ocean wonders meet eerie fun filled with festive décor, costumed staff, and a touch of marine magic around every corner. Test your luck on the Wheel of Thrills and Gills, venture through the glowing Jellyfish Jungle, and come face-to-face with sea turtles, sharks, and other mysterious marine creatures. Keep your eyes peeled for the return of The Creature, making a special spooky appearance just for this event!
Bring your best costume, gather your friends, and make a splash at this one-of-a-kind Halloween celebration, all while supporting marine conservation! Don’t miss this frightfully fun night by the sea!
Creature Feature V
Date: October 25
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park (465 Wakulla Park Drive)
Get ready for a night of classic creature mayhem movies under the stars! This year’s double feature includes two iconic monster classics: Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954) (filmed at Wakulla Springs!) and Them! (1954). Admission is $5 per person, and guests are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket for comfy viewing under the stars. Don’t miss this spooky night of vintage cinema in one of Florida’s most iconic settings!
NOVEMBER
Panacea Community Garden Farmers Market
Date: November 1
Time: 9AM – 12PM
Location: 1505 Coastal Hwy. Panacea, 32346
Enjoy browsing through the offerings of local vendors, children’s activities and live music all at one location. Embrace the community spirit of farm-fresh produce and products.
Sopchoppy Community Market
Date: November 8
Time: 9AM – 1PM
Location: 34 Railroad Ave. Sopchoppy, 32358
This charming farmers market is filled with unique handmade items and local produce. Visit the various food trucks and nearby downtown shops to browse through.
Wakulla Springs Car Show
Date: November 8
Time: 10AM
Location: 465 Wakulla Park Dr. Wakulla Springs, 32327
Visit Wakulla Springs for a car show with park admission. Vote for your favorites between 10am and noon, with awards presented at 1:30. Enjoy beer and food vendors plus a family-friendly educational program, “Cars and Karst” and the sinkhole car.
County Line Craft Show
Date: November 15
Time: 10AM – 3PM
Location: 4141 Crawfordville Hwy. Crawfordville, 32327
Bring the whole family to enjoy the variety of vendors shoecasing their talents and items available for sale. With food trucks on site, home decor and more, come by for a fun afternoon and maybe get ahead on some holiday shopping.
Sopchoppy Opry ft. The Todd Allen Show
Date: November 22
Time: 7PM
Location: 164 Yellow Jacket Ave. Sopchoppy, 32358
Get ready to groove at the Sopchoppy Opry faturing the Todd Allen Show! Book your tickets at sopchoppyopry.com. All net proceeds are used towards the restorations of the historic Sopchoppy High School.
St. Marks Community Market
Date: November 22
Time: 9 AM – 1PM
Location: 815 Port Leon Dr. St. Marks, 32355
DECEMBER
Panacea Community Garden Farmers Market
Date: December 6
Time: 9AM – 12PM
Location: 1505 Coastal Hwy. Panacea, 32346
Enjoy browsing through the offerings of local vendors, children’s activities and live music all at one location. Embrace the community spirit of farm-fresh produce and products.
Christmas in Panacea
Date: December 6
Time: 4PM – 8PM
Location: 1505 Coastal Hwy. Panacea, 32346
Find family fun and more at Christmas in Panacea! Enjoy the parade of lights starting at 6:30pm, snow falling (in Florida!) throughout the event and Santa circulating around to take pictures!
County Line Craft Show
Date: November 15
Time: 10AM – 3PM
Location: 4141 Crawfordville Hwy. Crawfordville, 32327
Bring the whole family to enjoy the variety of vendors shoecasing their talents and items available for sale. With food trucks on site, home decor and more, come by for a fun afternoon and maybe get ahead on some holiday shopping.
Christmas in Sopchoppy Festival
Date: December 13
Time: 1PM – 7PM
Location: 34 Railroad Ave. Sopchoppy, 32358
Join us for a real old-fashioned, small-town Christmas with a twist at the Sopchoppy Depot Park! Start shopping through our unique vendors of homemade treasures and enjoy their treats as well.
Sopchoppy Opry – A Country Gold Christmas
Date: December 13
Time: 7PM
Location: 164 Yellow Jacket Ave. Sopchoppy, 32358
St. Marks Community Market
Date: December 27
Time: 9AM – 1PM
Location: 815 Port Leon Dr. St. Marks, 32355
This community markets supports all kinds of local crafters, gardeners and more! Stop by to support local entrepreneurs.
Things To Do
From The Blog
- A Very Wakulla Christmas: Holiday Events & Festive Small-Town Charm November 18, 2025
- Cave Diving in Wakulla County: Explore Florida’s Hidden Underwater World November 6, 2025

