Lantern Fest

Lantern Fest lights up the night with magic and history on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 6–10 pm ET at Crooked River Lighthouse Park, 1975 Highway 98 West, Carrabelle, FL. This unique outdoor birthday celebration honors the lighthouse’s 131st year with live music, dance performances, evening tower climbs, ancient craft demonstrations, museum exhibits, delicious food, and more than a hundred colorful hanging lanterns that transform the park into a magical nighttime display, glowing like candles on a birthday cake.

Headlining this year’s entertainment is Australian violinist, composer, and teacher Mark Russell, a versatile virtuoso whose musical repertoire spans jazz, blues, rock, and traditional world music. His international career includes touring as the opening act for Dire Straits, along with extensive experience in live performance, recording, and film scoring. The talented Tallahassee Dance Company will dazzle guests with spectacular glow-in-the-dark performances, impressive choreography, and creative use of glowing effects and visual illusions.Returning to perform alongside the dancers and Mark Russell is internationally renowned master zheng player Dr. Haiqiong Deng, showcasing her mastery of the 21-string Chinese gu-zheng (zheng).

The spectacular lantern display will illuminate the lighthouse grounds, including many one-of-a-kind works of art painstakingly handcrafted by Joan Matey and other gifted local artists. Festival-goers can stroll beneath the glowing lanterns, enjoy keeper’s tales,explore the Keeper’s House Museum and gift shop, view the historic Fresnel lens, and meet the Lantern Ladies and the Giant Moth. Ancient craft demonstrations will feature Florida State Park Ranger Tiffany Vickery in period costume demonstrating vegetable and plant dyeing of yarn, and Chris Cauthen at the blacksmith forge. Evening tower climbs offer panoramic coastal views, while local food vendors and the Beacon Bistro will offer food and desserts for purchase. Guests are encouraged to bring a chair and enjoy this special nighttime celebration of music, dance, glowing lanterns and history.

Advance tickets are $15 for adults or $20 at the gate. Children ages 12 and under are admitted free (must be accompanied by an adult). Locals can receive a special discount by purchasing tickets in person at the lighthouse gift shop.