Category: Upcoming Events

Right Whale Festival 2023

Debbie Roney Smith on

The 2023 Right Whale Festival will take place on November 4-5 at Main Beach Park in Fernandina. The festival is part of a regional effort to educate and protect the critically endangered North Atlantic right whales. Every year in late fall, these endangered whales return to the warmer waters off the coast of northeast Florida to give birth and nurse their young. There are fewer than 350 right whales left. 

The festival features family-friendly education, marine exhibits, animal ‘ambassadors,’ a beach clean-up, live music, kids activities, food, and more. Learn more about the event by visiting the festival website. 

Florida Bat Festival

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Lubee Bat Conservancy is hosting the 2023 Florida Bat Festival. Come out on October 21st to enjoy the 19th annual event; it will run from 10am to 5pm. There will be a plethora of bats including the largest bat species – a Malayan Flying Fox which has up to six-foot wingspan. There will also be baby bats, bat-themed merch, educational seminars, live music, food trucks, vendors, a kids zone, and a beer garden. The beer garden is exclusive for participants ages 21 and up; the Beer Garden includes a souvenir glass and unlimited pours from local craft brewers like Swamp Head Brewery, Azalea City Brewing Company, and First Magnitude Brewing Company. Visit the Lubee Bat Conservancy website to learn more. 

Marianna Moose Lodge Open House

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The Marianna Moose Lodge #1026 will be hosting an Open House on October 21st.

October 21st has been designated as “International Open House Day” for all Moose Lodge homes throughout the Fraternity as it corresponds closely with Founder’s Day (October 27th). The Moose Fraternity exists to serve children, seniors, and their communities through various programs and activities. The Marianna Lodge was recently honored and given special recognition by the Florida Moose Association for attaining “Premier Lodge” status while operating in a temporary tent structure. The open house on Saturday will be held at their new (and still under construction) location west of Marianna on US-90 from 4 PM until 7 PM on the 21st. The community is invited to stop by and see the progress of the new building, meet some Moose members, and find out more about what the Moose does.

Trunk or Treat

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Marianna families: come one, come all to Chipola College! On October 31st from 4:30-6:30 pm, the college will be hosting a community Trunk or Treat around Indian Circle. Individuals of all ages are encouraged to show up in costume for a fun afternoon. 

Stephen King Film Looking for Extras

Debbie Roney Smith on

Love Stephen King? Always wanted to be an extra in a movie? Just looking for a fun, cheap experience? Then this might be for you!

Director Mike Flanagan is returning to south Alabama to film a new Stephen King movie, The Life of Chuck. “The Life of Chuck” tells the story of Charles Krantz life. The cast currently includes Tom Hiddleston and Mark Hamill. 

According to reporting from Gulf Coast Media,  the local booking agency says 1,000 extras are needed for the film in a range of ages from 11 years old and up. Two large crowd scenes are planned to be filmed in Baldwin County.

To apply, email the following info to Nailim Sanchez at LifeofChuckbg@gmail.com:

  • 2 snapshots – a close-up of face and head to toe with no filters, hats, or sunglasses. The file name should contain your name or parent name if a minor.
  • Age
  • Height
  • Clothing sizes
  • Cell phone number
  • City and state you live in

The film is scheduled to begin filming on October 16, 2023.

Northeast Florida Fair

Debbie Roney Smith on

The Northeast Florida Fair is comming to Callahan this week! From October 12-22, visit to enjoy Nassau County’s annual fair. The home site is in a largely rural area which means the fair has a full livestock show event calendar. Check out the Rabbit Showmanship, a Dairy Goat Show, Barnyard Olympics, Cattle Showmanship, a Market Animal Sale, and more. There is even an opprotunity for the youth to show off; local kids can enter their prize goats, lambs, and cattle in either the Pee Wee or Youth categories. Best of all? There will also be the typical fair favorites: midway rides, fried foods, and live music! Visit the Northeast Florida Fair website to learn more, register for contests, and buy tickets in advance. 

Jazz Festival on Amelia Island

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The Amelia Island Jazz Festival is happening now! Until October 8th, there will be a celebration of themed performances and solo concerts. The festival is celebrating its 20th year and the festival headliners are appropriately celebratory: The Manhattan Transfer, a Grammy-winning vocal quartet in its 50th season, jazz flautist Nestor Torres and The Tierney Sutton Band. Learn more by visiting the official Jazz Festival website here. 

Annual Fall Festival in Campbellton

Debbie Roney Smith on

Happy October everyone!

The 2nd Annual Campbellton Fall Festival is happening soon. On October 14th at 10am, come out to the Downtown Area for a community event. There will be games, competitions, foods, arts and crafts, entertainment, and more!

Learn more by visiting the Facebook event page!

Sunland Center Fall Festival

Debbie Roney Smith on

Sunland Center’s 42nd Annual Fall Festival is less than a month away! Held on the historic grounds of the Sunland Center in Marianna, this festival features over 100 vendors offering a variety of food, crafts, arts, and activities. There will also be live entertainment, food trucks, and a parade. Best of all? The event is FREE to enter. Be sure to bring cash and card for vendors and food. So come out on October 28th from 9am-2pm and get ahead on your holiday shopping with a family-friendly fall afternoon! 

Interested in snagging a booth rental? Contact Onna Lipford (850-482-9371) or James Godwin, Jr. (850-557-0911). Parade inquiries should be directed to Chris Weeks at 850-482-9372.

Fall Festival in Dothan

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The Dothan Nurseries’ annual Fall Festival is back and better than ever! There will be a Farmers Market brimming with local produce, local vendors selling their finest wares and creations, food trucks, hay rides, and live music. This festival has something for everyone; come out on October 7th from 9am-3pm to enjoy!