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
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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.