February Fun on Florida’s Forgotten Coast
By Forgotten Coast Web Team | January 24, 2020
It’s no wonder February gets a bad rap. The holidays are over, the weather is cold and dreary, and spring seems like a distant dream. But this month doesn’t have to be a bummer. Turn that February frown upside down with a trip to Florida’s Forgotten Coast!
This time of year, not only do we enjoy plentiful sun and pleasantly mild weather with average highs in the mid-60s. But Franklin County also offers tons of fun things to see and do all month long. Here are just a few of the exciting events we have planned this February on Florida’s Forgotten Coast:
Must-See Shows at the Dixie Theatre
All Month Long
Believe it or not, this one of our favorite times of year here on the Forgotten Coast. Why? Because winter is when Apalachicola’s Dixie Theatre kicks off its spectacular season! From January through March, the historic theatre comes alive with exciting musical performances, comedy shows and other awesome events. If you’re looking for something fun to do this February, check out what’s showing at North Florida’s Oldest Theatre, the DIXIE.
Forgotten Coast Farmers Markets
First Four Saturdays in February
Here in Franklin County, we love local farmers markets so much that we’re offering one almost every Saturday this month! Come on down to shop ‘til you drop at the Carrabelle Farmer’s Market on Saturday, February 1st and 15th from 9 am to 1 pm. Held at the foot of The Crooked River Lighthouse at 1975 Hwy 98 W in Carrabelle, this delightful market features vendors from the community serving up locally made goods, veggies, baked goods, art and more.
Don’t forget to swing by the Apalachicola Farmers Market on Saturday, February 8th and 22nd from 9 am to 2 pm at the Mill Pond Pavilion in historic Apalachicola. Enjoy beautiful waterfront views as you shop for local seafood, produce, honey, homemade breads, pies and other regional specialties.
St. George Island Tour of Homes
Saturday, February 8, 10 am – 4 pm
Don’t miss the ninth annual St. George Island Tour of Homes on Saturday, February 8th. Take a tour of seven distinctive and beautiful homes plus the Cape St. George Lighthouse and Keeper’s House and the St. George Plantation Clubhouse. This exciting event benefits the St. George Lighthouse Association (SGLA), and tickets are $25 in advance and $30 on the day of the tour.
On Friday, February 7th, join us for a tour weekend kick-off event featuring a raffle, refreshments, door prizes and a local aquaculture presentation by Carrie Jones with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
“Sweet Tea on the Front Porch” by the Panhandle Players
February 7-9 @ Chapman Auditorium
Check out this unique three-act production by the Panhandle Players at Apalachicola’s Chapman Auditorium. All three acts are woven together to provide a bitter truth from our state’s history with a heavy dose of comedy and a touch of mystery. “Sweet Tea on the Front Porch” is a must-see for theater fans and history buffs!
Music Concerts
Throughout the Month
If you’re on the hunt for musical performances this February, Franklin County is the place to be! Cat Pointe Music in Eastpoint will showcase multiple performances, including the talented Tallahassee-based jazz trio Douce Ambiance: Jazz with a Gypsy Flavor on Sunday, February 2nd at 3 pm as well as vintage folk and pop performer Ken Sizemore on Sunday, February 9th at 3 pm. Later in the month, the venue will feature the much-loved The Von Wamps & Friends on February 16th and a unique performance by acoustic guitarist Joe Capo on February 23rd.
The Ilse Newell Fund for the Performing Arts INConcert series will also feature an impressive lineup of jazz and classical concerts throughout the month. Apalachicola’s Trinity Church will present international pianist Aleksandra “Sasha” Kasman February 9th and Mark Daniels and Rob Goodling performing opera, Italian street songs and Broadway show tunes on February 23rd. Swing by Rio Carrabelle on February 14th for the FAMU Faculty Valentine Jam, featuring jazz and romantic ballads. Rio Carrabelle will also present BlujaFunk, an exciting mix of contemporary blues, jazz, funk and world music starring trumpeter Longineu Parsons on February 22nd, as well as the popular Leon Anderson Jazz Trio on February 27th.
Hankering for even more musical entertainment? Check out acclaimed classical guitarist Peter Fletcher in concert at the Apalachicola Margaret Key Library on February 15th.
Forgotten Coast Lighthouse Full Moon Climbs
February 8 & 9
For a truly illuminating experience, don’t miss the Forgotten Coast’s lighthouse climbs. Watch the sun set and the full moon rise at not just one, but two separate evening lighthouse climbs the second weekend of February. The Cape St. George Lighthouse will host a climb on Saturday, February 8th from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, and Carrabelle’s Crooked River Lighthouse will host one on Sunday February 9th from 6 to 8 pm.
The Forgotten Coast Chef Sampler
Sunday, February 9 @ 6-9 pm
Craving an elegant evening out with delicious dishes? Sink your teeth into the 24th Annual Forgotten Coast Chef Sampler at the historic Fort Coombs Armory in Apalachicola. Sample an array of unique cuisine from our local restaurants during this delectable event. The sampler sells out quickly, so buy your tickets today! For more information, contact the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce at (850) 653-9419 or info@apalachicolabay.org.
H’COLA History Festival
February 14 – 16
H’COLA’s Annual African-American History Festival will be held February 14th – 16th at Franklin Square’s 6th Street between Avenues L&M in Apalachicola. This lively, family-friendly event is a celebration of African-American history, life, music and culture. Showcasing an array of artists and entertainers, children’s activities, arts, history, education, health and wellness and live music, this outdoor festival is fun for the whole family!
Mardi Gras Barkus Parade
Saturday, February 22 @ 11 am – 4 pm
Ready for a doggone good time? Come on down to Apalachicola Saturday, February 22nd for the most pawesome event of the season: the Mardi Gras Barkus Parade! Hosted by the Mystic Krewe of Salty Barkers, this fur-tastic event will be held in Riverfront Park in downtown Apalachicola. This fabulous festival will feature a family-friendly street parade and live music by Hot Mess, a local American/Zydeco group. Don’t forget to bring your four-legged friends along for the party!
Anniversary of Iwo Jima and African American Servicemen
February 29 @ 5 – 6:30 pm
Calling all military history buffs: Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum in Carrabelle will showcase eye-opening exhibits commemorating the anniversary of the Iwo Jima Battle and African American Servicemen throughout the month of February. There is no charge for admission, but donations are gladly accepted.
For a full list of winter happenings around the Forgotten Coast, visit our Schedule of Events page!
Ready to plan your February getaway around some of these fantastic events? Book your visit today.