Great Florida Annual Events to consider & Enjoy!

First Saturday Coffeehouse
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
Post Office Drawer G
White Springs, Florida 32096
Phone: 386-397-2733
Post Office Drawer G
Date: Early September

Description: Songs, stories, music or poetry may be performed at this open stage night held in the park Auditorium. Bring your own talent and be part of the fun. The entertainment is free. Coffee and desserts for sale.
Fees: Events are free with park admission unless otherwise indicated.
Contact: 386-397-4331

 Civil War Fort Garrisons
Fort Clinch State Park
2601 Atlantic Avenue
Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034
Phone: 904-277-7274
Date: Early September

Description: Soldiers will be manning the fort during the following times: Saturdays 9 AM – 5 PM Sundays 9 AM – 12 PM Fees: Yes, admission fee allows visitors admittance to the beaches, trails, pier, and picnic area.
Fees: Yes
Contact: (904) 277-7274

 Marion County Springs Festival
Rainbow Springs State Park
19158 S.W. 81st Pl. Rd.
Dunnellon, Florida 34432
Phone: 352-465-8555
Campgrounds: 352-465-8550
Date: Late September

Description: Learn about the issues surrounding Florida's precious freshwater. Educational and fun opportunities for the whole family. Nature Coast Painters will also be set up and selling artwork featuring Springs among other things. 
Fees: Yes
Contact: Call the park for more information (352) 465-8555

 The Florida Forest Festival Art Show
Forest Capital Museum State Park
204 Forest Park Drive
Perry, Florida 32348
Phone: 850-584-3227
Date: The entire month of October

Description: For the month of October, the Museum will host "The Florida Forest Festival Art Show."
Fees: Entrance to the park is free.
Contact: For information call the park at (850) 584-3227

 Jeanie Ball and Auditions
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center
State Park
Post Office Drawer G
White Springs, Florida 32096
Phone: 386-397-2733
Date: Early October

Description: The popular songs of Stephen Foster and the classical and operatic compositions of American music will be showcased at the 56th Jeanie Ball and Auditions on October 7th and 8th.

Competitors wear 1854-style formal gowns for an evening ball and a Saturday morning audition before a panel of judges. The competition and the historically formal attire are in keeping with the theme of the event, which is named for the song Stephen Foster wrote for his wife, "Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair."

The competition begins with a formal ball to honor the singer and their families on Friday evening. The Jeanie Ball is open to the public and begins at 8:30 p.m. College-age women will audition for the title of "Jeanie" in a public concert on Saturday, October 8th, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Fees: Free with park admission.
Contact: 386-397-4331

 Nature Coast Painters
Rainbow Springs State Park
19158 S.W. 81st Pl. Rd.
Dunnellon, Florida 34432
Phone: 352-465-8555 Campground: 352-465-8550
Date: Early October

Description: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. Artists demonstrate their talents and sell their wares.
Fees: Yes
Contact: Call the park for more information (352) 465-8555

 Art on the Prairie
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
100 Savannah Blvd.
Micanopy, Florida 32667
Phone: 352-466-3397
Date: Mid October

Description: The Friends of Paynes Prairie host "Art on the Prairie" featuring stunning photography taken at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park by Dominick Martino (http://www.prairiefriends.org/photos.html). Enjoy an evening at the Visitor Center with candlelit trails, refreshments, and music. While there, pick up a print or two (funds raised support the Preserve), learn more about the Friends of Paynes Prairie, and enjoy panoramic views of the prairie and the night sky from the observation tower. RSVP is required. Send an email with your name and the number of guests in your party to info@prairiefriends.org Fees: Yes
Contact: 352-466-3397

 Music Under the Stars
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park
 18700 S. CR 325
Cross Creek, Florida 32640
Phone: 352-466-3672
Date: Late October

Description: Our Annual Fundraiser! Enjoy live music from several of our favorite musical groups, house tours, a delicious Bar-B-Que dinner, and a silent auction of books, art and more!
Fees: Yes
Contact: For more information, call 352-466-3672.

 Annual Florida Forest Festival
Forest Capital Museum State Park
204 Forest Park Drive
Perry, Florida 32348
Phone: 850-584-3227
Date: Late October

Description: A living history of the late 1800's will be performed by local volunteers at the Cracker Homestead. Enjoy live music, games, antique cars, arts, crafts and the world's largest FREE fish fry. Bring your lawn chair. Sorry, no pets are allowed.
Fees: Entrance to the park is free.
Contact: Call the park for more information (850) 584-3227

Suwannee Dulcimer Retreat
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
Post Office Drawer G
White Springs, Florida 32096
Phone: 386-397-2733
Date: Early November

Description: Workshops, jam session and concerts with nationally recognized dulcimer players. Call (386) 397–4462 or visit online at www.FloridaStateParks.org/dulcimer.
Fees: Workshop fee TBA
Contact: 386-397-4331

 Annual Thanksgiving Concert
Manatee Springs State Park
11650 N.W. 115th St.
Chiefland, Florida 32626
Phone: 352-493-6072
Date: Late November

Description: Free with park admission. Great music in a great setting. Bring the family and enjoy local musicians in a family setting. Bring a lunch and enjoy the day.
Fees: Yes.
Contact: (352) 493-6072

 Suwannee Old-Time Music camp
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
Post Office Drawer G
White Springs, Florida 32096
Phone: 386-397-2733
Date: Early December

Description: Spend the weekend learning fiddle tunes, frailing a banjo, and picking up other Old-Time music techniques from the masters.
Fees: Yes
Contact: 386-397-4331

 Annual Chamber Christmas Tree Lighting
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
4150 S. Suncoast Blvd.
Homosassa, Florida 34446
Phone: 352-628-5343
Date: Early December

Description: Homosassa Chamber of Commerce holds its annual Christmas Tree Lighting adjacent to the Florida state Park's Visitor Center on the first Friday evening in December to kick off the holiday season. The event includes the arrival of Santa Claus and carol singing.
Fees: Yes.
Contact: 352-628-5343.

 Annual Christmas Festival of Lights
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
Post Office Drawer G
White Springs, Florida 32096
Phone: 386-397-2733
Date: Early December

Description: Celebrate the holiday with evening concerts, a bonfire, and a festive lighting of the park as part of White Springs' annual Christmas parade. Lights are on display every evening until 8 PM through December 23rd.
Fees: YesContact: 386-397-4331

 Festival of Lights & Christmas Boat Parade
Fanning Springs State Park
18020 N.W. Highway 19
Fanning Springs, Florida 32693
Phone: 352-463-3420
Fax: 352-463-4038
Date: Early December
Boat parade at 6:30 pm

Description: Live music, classic car show, motorcycle showcase, arts and crafts, food, games, a ducky race on the river, and an appearance by Santa makes this a Christmas event not to be missed. In the evening, boats decorated with holiday lights and decorations will put on a spectacular parade along the Suwannee River. For more information, go online to Fanning Springs Chamber of Commerce. Presented by Fanning Springs Chamber of Commerce, Festival of Lights, Inc., and the City of Fanning Springs.
Fees: Yes.
Contact: 352-463-3420 

 Peace at Last Concert
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
Post Office Drawer G
White Springs, Florida 32096
Phone: 386-397-2733
Date: Late December

Description: Celebrate the New Year with a peaceful gathering among friends for a carillon concert and poetry readings on the banks of the Suwannee River.
Fees: Yes.
Contact: 386-397-2733

 Annual Stephen Foster Day
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
Post Office Drawer G
White Springs, Florida 32096
Phone: 386-397-2733
Date: Mid Janrary

Description: An afternoon musical program and carillon recital of Foster selections honoring the legendary American songwriter who wrote Florida's state song, Old Folks at Home.
Fees: Yes.
Contact: 386-397-2733

Suwannee Story Telling festival
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
Post Office Drawer G
White Springs, Florida 32096
Phone: 386-397-2733
Date: Early March

Description: Enjoy storytellers of international reputation telling tales of Florida history, ghost stories, family yarns, and much more! Workshops, story swaps, concerts, and special events for children.
Fees: Yes.
Contact: 386-397-4462