Carabelle
October 3-28
Women of WWII Exhibit
Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum presents this exhibit explaining the role of women in World War II, highlighting U.S. Navy flight nurses, who were the first women to arrive at battles like Iwo Jima and Okinawa. The exhibit features artifacts such as uniforms, handbooks and a practice aptitude test given to women hoping to enlist. The museum honors many of the local women of Franklin County who served in WWII.
www.campgordonjohnston.com; 850-697-8575
Apalachicola
October 4
Apalach Ghost Tour
Take a paranormal ghost tour of downtown Apalachicola. Your guide tells local ghost stories while using ghost-hunting equipment. Select attendees and volunteers get to use equipment at select locations on the tour. The tour begins at 17 Ave. E and lasts up to 90 minutes.
www.apalachghosttour.com; 850-583-4662
Panama City Beach
October 6-8
Pirates of the High Seas and Renaissance Fest
All ages can enjoy a free action-packed weekend of fireworks, mermaid shows, a fire circus, parades and treasure drop with Cirque Adventure capping off each evening. The Renaissance addition features a marketplace with sword and whip demonstrations, pirates pub and live entertainment.
www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/pirates-of-the-high-seas-fest; 850-233-5070
Lake Placid
October 7
Barktoberfest Pet Adoption
Spend the day with your family and leashed pets at Barktoberfest. Activities are available for the whole family from
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Stuart Park. Pets are available for adoption from local nonprofit rescues. Activities include pet photos, a costume contest, blessings, microchipping, nail trims, raffle baskets, vendors, a DJ and food trucks. Bring a U.S.-made dog or cat food donation for a free raffle ticket. Free parking is around the park.
www.pawsitiveeffects.org; 863-441-0351
Carabelle
October 7
Carabelle Country Market
The market at Crooked River Lighthouse features vendors from the community and their gifts and goodies. Among them: freshly roasted coffee, baked goods, art and photography, handcrafted balms and soaps, fresh herbs, vegetable seeds, handmade goods, craft items, produce and exotic starter plants. Guests can also visit the free museum and browse inside the Lighthouse Gift Shop.
crookedriverlighthouse.com; 850-697-2732
Marathon
October 9
The Tackle Box: Stone Crabs
Capt. Chris Still from local business The Tackle Box presents a seminar on stone crabs from 6 to 8 p.m. Come learn something new about this local delicacy.
www.thetacklebox.com; 305-289-0540
Tavernier
October 13-15
Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing
Novice anglers are invited to fish in this nonintimidating tournament for inshore and offshore species. The tournament kicks off Friday with a meet and greet from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Tavernier Elks Club. The friendly fishing competition begins Saturday. Registration is $125 for early entry and $145 for regular entry.
www.ladiesletsgofishing.com; 954-475-9068
Key Largo
October 19-22
REEF Fest
This ninth annual event includes diving, snorkeling, kayak eco-tours, ocean-themed seminars and social events. REEF has hosted this fest each autumn in the Florida Keys. Divers, snorkelers and ocean lovers attend REEF Fest to celebrate their love of marine life and learn about the latest in conservation.
www.reef.org; 305-852-0301
Pensacola
October 19-29
Pensacola Interstate Fair
With more than 60 rides, top-name entertainers, loads of entertaining and educational exhibits, and food galore, there is always something new to see and do at the fair. The event provides facilities for the agricultural, educational, scientific, livestock, cultural, commercial, and industrial resources of surrounding counties and states.
www.pensacolafair.com; 850-944-4500
Okeechobee
October 21
Oktoberfest City Walk
This event takes guests through participating downtown Okeechobee businesses. This annual event has music, craft beer tastings, appetizers and promotional offers. All proceeds from ticket sales go into the Arts & Culture Alliance programs.
www.okeechobeearts.org; 863-357-6246
Panama City Beach
October 21-22
23rd Gulf Coast Seashell Show
Thousands of rare and exotic seashells from around the world are on display at Lyndell Conference Center. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. This is a rare opportunity to view this part of our environment. Admission is $2.
www.gulfcoastshellclub.weebly.com; 205-746-7279
Pensacola
October 22
Latino Festival
Pensacola’s much-anticipated annual Latino Festival features live music, food and activities celebrating local Latino communities and cultures. Admission is free.
www.latinomediainc.com; 850-494-7899
Islamorada
October 26
Treasure Treat Night
Join the History of Diving Museum for its annual Halloween event from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Bring the whole family for a night of haunted exhibits, kids’ activities, trick-or-treating through the museum and a costume contest with prizes at 6:15 p.m. Proceeds benefit the museum and the preservation of its collection, as well as numerous outreach and educational programs. Admission is a $5 suggested donation.
www.divingmuseum.org; 305-664-9737
Key Largo
October 28
MarineLab’s Haunted Lagoon
Ghosts and goblins of all ages are invited to this annual spooktacular event at 51 Shoreland Drive. Those who dare to enter the lagoon encounter mythical sea creatures and stowaway pirates and could even catch a glimpse of the elusive creature of the black lagoon. Anyone not feeling up to the shrieks and scares of the lagoon is welcome to join us on land for ghoulish games, spooky science and creepy crafts. Admission is free. We hope to see you on this fang-tastic night.
www.marinelab.org/haunted-lagoon; 305-451-1139, option 9
How to include upcoming events
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