April 13, 2012
Tagged Trout & Redfish Tournament
It’s an exciting twist on the typical fishing tournament: anglers not only
compete for the largest fish, but also seek out specially-tagged specimens for additional
prizes up to $10,000! Ten tagged Redfish and ten tagged Trout will be released in
St. Joseph Bay. Anglers lucky enough to catch tagged fish could win big! Registration
and the Captain’s Party at The Haughty Heron in Port St. Joe on Friday night.
Fishing begins Saturday at 5:00 am with scales closing at 5:00 pm that afternoon.
Cost is $75.00 per boat, with a limit of 5 fishermen per boat. Pre-register online
or at Bluewater Outriggers, Half-Hitch Tackle or the Gulf County Welcome Center.
WHERE: Port St. Joe and St. Joseph Bay WHEN: April 13-14, 2012 INFO: StJosephBayTaggedTourney.com
April 14, 2012
Second Saturdays in Historic Apalachicola
A casual community gathering in downtown Apalachicola. Shops and galleries stay
open late and restaurants feature fantastic specials. Meet local artists and merchants
and be sure to catch the Maritime Art exhibit.
WHERE: Apalachicola WHEN: April 14, 2012 INFO:
HistoricApalachicola.com
April 20-21, 2012
14th Annual Apalachicola Antique & Classic Boat Show
Immerse yourself in the maritime history of Apalachicola during the Antique &
Classic Boat Show. See antique boats, classic examples of traditional vessels, working
boats (such as oyster boats), homemade boats, fiberglass classics, antique outboard
engines and antique cars. Attend boat building demonstrations and see the restored
1877 gaff-rigged schooner Governor Stone displayed at the Apalachicola City Dock.
WHERE: Apalachicola WHEN: April 20-21, 2012 INFO:
ApalachicolaBay.org
April 21, 2012
Florida Panhandle Lighthouse Challenge
Go toward the light and gain illumination during this enlightening weekend along
the coast. All four lighthouses–Cape San Blas, St. George Island, Crooked
River and St. Marks–that grace the Forgotten Coast are hosting special events,
and the Pensacola Lighthouse has been added, too. Visit and climb them all!
WHERE: Florida Panhandle Lighthouses (5 locations) WHEN: April 21, 2012 INFO: PanhandleLighthouseChallenge.com
April 21, 2012
SaltAir Farmers’ Market
On the first and third Saturdays of each month April through November, the SaltAir
Farmers’ Market brings fresh seasonal produce from regional farms to the coast.
The market, at City Commons Park in downtown Port St. Joe, is open from 9:00 am
to 1:00 pm. Expect superior quality, regionally-grown fruits and vegetables, locally
harvested Gulf seafood, artisan goods and educational opportunities including workshops
and exhibitions.
WHERE: Port St. Joe WHEN: April 21, 2012 INFO:
SaltAirMarket.com
April 22, 2012
Ilse Newell Concert Series: Nashville Dixieland Jazz
Savor the sweet sounds of authentic Dixieland Jazz at this fantastic free concert
in Lafeyette Park in Apalachicola. Close your eyes and you could almost be on Music
Row in Nashville – open them back up and you’ll realize that being is
Apalachicola is even better!
WHERE: Apalachicola WHEN: April 22, 2012 INFO:
ApalachicolaHistoricalSociety.org
April 28, 2012
Beach Blast Triathlon & Duathlon
Created in 2004, the Beach Blast Triathlon and Duathlon is one of the premier athletic
events on the Forgotten Coast. Both seasoned athletes and first-time participants
are welcome – it’s the perfect opportunity to dip your toe into the
water of a multi-discipline race. The Beach Blast consists of four races –
Sprint Triathlon, Sprint Duathlon, Olympic Triathlon and Olympic Duathlon. All four
races start from the same spot on beautiful St. Joe beach, and you can enter the
race as an individual or as part of a relay team!
WHERE: St. Joe Beach WHEN: April 28, 2012 INFO:
BeachBlastTriathlon.com
April 28, 2012
Bash on the Beach Weightlifting Competition
The Blue Parrot on St. George Island hosts the USA Southern Bench Press/Dead Lift
Championship. World-class competition and world record lifts in multiple classes
on the beachside lower deck overlooking the Gulf.
WHERE: St. George Island WHEN: April 28, 2012 INFO:
BlueParrotSGI.com
April 28-29, 2012
22nd Annual Carrabelle Riverfront Festival
Celebrate the culture and history of Carrabelle at a festival featuring arts, crafts,
culinary treats, a parade and unique events such as the Fishy Fashion Show and Procession
of the Species!
WHERE: Carrabelle WHEN: April 28-29, 2012 INFO:
CarrabelleRiverfrontFestival.org
MAY
May 3-13, 2012
Forgotten Coast Plein Air Invitational
Plein Air, simply translated, means “open air.” More than 30 nationally
acclaimed Plein Air artists will gather on the Forgotten Coast of Florida to capture
the fleeting beauty of the landscapes and the indomitable spirit of the people that
inhabit them. With a variety of events including “paint outs,” quick
draw events, round table discussions and seminars, artists from around the country
will paint on location along the beaches, overlooking the marshes, and in the streets
of Carrabelle, St. George Island, Apalachicola, Cape San Blas, Indian Pass, Port
St. Joe and Mexico Beach.
WHERE: On location region-wide WHEN: May 3–13, 2012 INFO: PleinAirFL.com
May 4, 2012
First Fridays at Five in Downtown PSJ
Every first Friday of each month year-round, beginning at 5:00 pm, the merchants
of Port St. Joe’s downtown shopping district treat customers to a special
evening with extended hours, sales, live music, great food and much more.
WHERE: Port St. Joe WHEN: May 4, 2012 INFO:
GulfChamber.org
May 4, 2012
First Fridays: A Music Series
The Gulf Alliance for Local Arts (GALA) hosts a casual evening’s entertainment
in the heart of Port St. Joe every first Friday evening from April through September.
Enjoy wine & cheese in the Thirsty Goat Lounge at the Port Inn from 6:00 pm
to 7:00 pm. That reception is immediately followed by Music on the Porch, showcasing
a variety of talented musicians, at 7:00 pm. First Fridays is always well-attended,
and is a great way to spend a Friday evening.
WHERE: Port St. Joe WHEN: May 4, 2012 INFO:
GulfAlliance.org
May 4-5, 2012
20th Annual Apalachicola Home & Garden Tour
Highlighting some of Apalachicola’s most unique homes and gardens, the tour
attracts hundreds of visitors to the many historic, architecturally significant
buildings and homes throughout the city, all more than 100 years old. This year’s
theme, “A Passion for Preservation,” will be elucidated through an all-day
Symposium on Friday, May 4th. Nationally renowned historical preservationists and
architects will be leading the discussions, and attendees will learn much of the
history and significance of the area’s fascinating homes, churches, gardens
and museums.
WHERE: Apalachicola WHEN: May 4-5, 2012 INFO:
ApalachicolaHistoricHomeTour.org
May 5, 2012
Full Moon Tower Tour
Climb and tour the Crooked River Lighthouse by the light of the full moon and enjoy
a screening of of The Old Man and the Sea (1958) starring Spencer Tracy. It’s
just $10.00 for the lighthouse tour, movie and light refreshments, so bring a blanket
or chair and make an evening of it!
WHERE: Carrabelle WHEN: May 5, 2012 INFO:
CrookedRiverLighthouse.org
May 5, 2012
SaltAir Farmers’ Market
On the first and third Saturdays of each month April through November, the SaltAir
Farmers’ Market brings fresh seasonal produce from regional farms to the coast.
The market, at City Commons Park in downtown Port St. Joe, is open from 9:00 am
to 1:00 pm. Expect superior quality, regionally-grown fruits and vegetables, locally
harvested Gulf seafood, artisan goods and educational opportunities including workshops
and exhibitions.
WHERE: Port St. Joe WHEN: May 5, 2012 INFO:
SaltAirMarket.com
May 5-6, 2012
The Forgotten Coast Open at St. James Bay
The region’s best professional and amateur golfers compete in a 2-day stroke
play event at the beautiful, challenging Golf Course at St. James Bay. Great competition
and prizes on one of Northwest Florida’s best layouts.
WHERE: Carrabelle WHEN: May 5-6, 2012 INFO:
StJamesBay.com
May 6, 2012
St. George Island Lighthouse Sunset Celebration and Full Moon Climb
Don’t miss this casual gathering and celebration with a spectacular view of
the setting sun and full moon over beautiful St. George Island. Light hors d’oeuvres
and sparkling cider will be served at the top of the Lighthouse, and climbing after
sunset is permitted as space and time allow. Spectacular views and cordial company
finish off a great day!
WHERE: St. George Island WHEN: May 6, 2012 INFO:
SeeStGeorgeIsland.com
May 11-12, 2012
Kids Win Fishing Tournament
One of the most popular events on the local calendar! Aspiring fishermen ages 3-16
target Catfish, Flounder, Trout, Ladyfish, Pompano & Spanish Mackerel. Kids
Win is a great learning experience for new anglers as well as a spirited competition.
One of the best opportunities for family fun on the entire Forgotten Coast!
WHERE: Port St. Joe WHEN: May 11–12, 2012 INFO:
KidsWinFishing.com
May 12, 2012
Second Saturdays in Historic Apalachicola
Shops and galleries stay open late and restaurants feature fantastic specials for
this community gathering in downtown “Apalach.”
WHERE: Apalachicola WHEN: May 12, 2012 INFO:
HistoricApalachicola.com
May 19, 2012
Tupelo Honey Festival
Taste honey samples, buy liquid gold, view arts & crafts, and hear live music
at this 22nd annual Wewa event.
WHERE: Wewahitchka WHEN: May 19, 2012 INFO:
GulfCountyEvents.com
May 19, 2012
SaltAir Farmers’ Market
On the first and third Saturdays of each month April through November, the SaltAir
Farmers’ Market brings fresh seasonal produce from regional farms to the coast.
The market, at City Commons Park in downtown Port St. Joe, is open from 9:00 am
to 1:00 pm. Regionally-grown fruits and vegetables, locally harvested Gulf seafood,
music, artisan goods, workshops, exhibitions and more! It’s one of the best
ways to spend a Saturday morning on the coast.
WHERE: Port St. Joe WHEN: May 19, 2012 INFO:
SaltAirMarket.com
May 30, 2012
Forgotten Coast Warrior Weekend
Combining the best in offshore fishing with a weekend honoring injured veterans
from Afghanistan and Iraq, the Warrior Weekend pairs veterans with tournament fishing
crews for a day of friendly inter-service competition. So far, the Army boasts big
fish honors with a 73-lb. Wahoo!
WHERE: Port St. Joe WHEN: May 30, 2012 INFO:
GulfCountyEvents.com
JUNE
June 1, 2012
First Fridays at Five in Downtown PSJ
Beginning at 5:00 pm, the merchants of downtown Port St. Joe roll out the red carpet
for diners, shoppers and music lovers. Boutiques, stores and galleries stay open
late, restaurants offer creative dinner specials and live music, and sale items
abound!
WHERE: Port St. Joe WHEN: June 1, 2012 INFO:
GulfChamber.org
June 1 ,2012
First Fridays: A Music Series
Join the Gulf Alliance for Local Arts (GALA) at The Port Inn’s Thirsty Goat
Lounge every first Friday evening from April through September. There’s a
wine and cheese reception from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm followed by Music on the Porch,
featuring talented regional musicians, at 7:00 pm. It’s the place to be on
a first Friday night!
WHERE: Port St. Joe WHEN: June 1, 2012 INFO:
GulfAlliance.org
June 2, 2012
SaltAir Farmers’ Market
Fresh produce and more in downtown Port St. Joe.
WHERE: Port St. Joe WHEN: June 2, 2012 INFO:
SaltAirMarket.com
June 3, 2012
Full Moon Tower Tour
Climb the Crooked River River Lighthouse and watch Mutiny on the Bounty (1935).
WHERE: Carrabelle WHEN: June 3, 2012 INFO:
CrookedRiverLighthouse.org
June 4, 2012
St. George Island Lighthouse Sunset Celebration and Full Moon Climb
Join friends of the St. George Island Lighthouse for a casual gathering and celebration
with a spectacular view of the setting sun and full moon. Light hors d’oeuvres
and sparkling cider are served at the top of the Lighthouse as the sun sets, and
climbing after sunset is permitted as space and time allow. Spectacular views –
the perfect way to end the day!
WHERE: St. George Island WHEN: June 4, 2012 INFO:
SeeStGeorgeIsland.com
June 8-9, 2012
American Cancer Society Relay for Life
Join the citizens of the Forgotten Coast to celebrate those who have battled cancer
and raise funds for research, education and advocacy.
WHERE: Carrabelle WHEN: June 8-9, 2012 INFO:
Carrabelle.org
June 8-9, 2012
Wicker Bill’s Saltwater Slam
This annual fishing tournament is a local favorite! For 2012, there is an offshore
division with prizes for King Mackerel, Mahi-Mahi and Snapper in addition to the
traditional prizes for inshore species – Trout, Redfish, Flounder and Pompano.
The Captain’s Party is Friday night – fishing begins early Saturday
morning. The Saltwater Slam is always a great day of competition and camaraderie
on the water.
WHERE: Port St. Joe WHEN: June 8-9, 2012 INFO:
GulfCountyEvents.com
June 9, 2012
Second Saturdays in Historic Apalachicola
Shops and galleries stay open late and restaurants offer unique culinary creations
for a special evening in downtown Apalachicola.
WHERE: Apalachicola WHEN: June 9, 2012 INFO:
HistoricApalachicola.com
June 9, 2012
St. George Island Mullet Toss
This wildly entertaining event takes place on the beach at the Blue Parrot on St.
George Island. Contestants receive a keepsake Mullet Toss t-shirt and two fresh
fish to toss for their $25.00 entry fee. Men’s, women’s & kid’s
divisions.
WHERE: St. George Island WHEN: June 9, 2012 INFO:
BlueParrotSGI.com
June 16, 2012
SaltAir Farmers’ Market
Fresh produce and more in downtown Port St. Joe.
WHERE: Port St. Joe WHEN: June 16, 2012 INFO:
SaltAirMarket.com
June 29-30, 2012
Gaskin Park Flathead Catfish Tournament
The second stop on the Apalachicola River Flathead Catfish Tournament Trail, the
Gaskin Park Flathead Catfish Tournament awards prizes and trophies to fishermen
hauling in monster flathead catfish. Natural predators such as gars and gators share
regional waters with the “big cats” and can make landing a catch more
difficult than hooking it! A great weekend of freshwater fishing in Wewahitchka.
WHERE: Wewahitchka WHEN: June 29-30, 2012 INFO:
FloridaCatfishClassic.com
JULY
July 1-6, 2012
Hometown Independence Day Celebration
An old-fashioned Independence Day celebration in Port St. Joe with a parade, fireworks
over the bay (on the 4th) and a variety of special events taking place all week
long.
WHERE: Port St. Joe WHEN: July 1-6, 2012 INFO:
GulfChamber.org
July 4, 2012
St. George Island 4th of July Parade
It’s a come one, come all type of parade! Anyone in costume, in a decorated
vehicle or on a float can participate in the parade. The door to creativity, imagination
and fun is wide open for locals and visitors alike. Squirt guns are encouraged –
spectators be warned – and water flies freely! Most attendees come away wet,
if not soaked. After dark, a fireworks display takes place on the beach at the Blue
Parrot.
WHERE: St. George Island WHEN: July 4, 2012 INFO:
SaltyFlorida.com
July 4, 2012
Best Blast on the Beach
This Independence Day celebration in Mexico Beach is a day full of activities for
the whole family including the 5K Run/Walk at Under the Palms Park, the Kid’s
Fishing Tournament at Canal Park, and the exciting fireworks show at dark from the
City Pier.
WHERE: Mexico Beach WHEN: July 4, 2012 INFO:
Mexico-Beach.com
July 6-8, 2012
Big Bend Saltwater Classic
Traditionally held over Father’s Day weekend, North Florida’s premier
fishing tournament takes place on the weekend after Independence Day in 2012. The
mission, however, remains the same! The Big Bend Saltwater Classic is first and
foremost a fundraiser for the Organization for Artificial Reefs (OAR). All proceeds
derived from the event are used to expand and develop a system of artificial reefs
in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico. The event started in 1989 with 223 anglers,
and each year the tournament has grown. The Big Bend Saltwater Classic now hosts
over 700 competitors each year. The rodeo format featuring multiple species in three
divisions presents a unique challenge. Weigh stations at the Carrabelle Boat Club,
Sheild’s Marina in St. Mark’s and the Port St. Joe Marina allow anglers
throughout the region to fish familiar waters and compete at the same time. A great
event with great prizes!
WHERE: Carrabelle, St. Mark’s and Port St. Joe WHEN: July 6-8, 2012 INFO:
SaltwaterClassic.com
July 6, 2012
First Fridays at Five in Downtown PSJ
Every first Friday of each month year- round, beginning at 5:00 pm, the merchants
of downtown Port St. Joe treat customers to a special evening with extended hours,
sales, live music, great food and much more.
WHERE: Port St. Joe WHEN: July 6, 2012 INFO:
GulfChamber.org
July 6, 2012
First Fridays: A Music Series
The Gulf Alliance for Local Arts (GALA) hosts an evening of great entertainment
in the heart of Port St. Joe each first Friday evening from April through September.
Enjoy wine & cheese in the Thirsty Goat Lounge at the Port Inn from 6:00 pm
to 7:00 pm followed by Music on the Porch with regional talent at 7:00 pm. First
Fridays is the perfect way to spend an Old Florida Friday night.
WHERE: Port St. Joe WHEN: July 6, 2012 INFO:
GulfAlliance.org
July 7, 2012
SaltAir Farmer’s Market in Port St. Joe
On the first and third Saturdays of each month April through November, the SaltAir
Farmers’ Market brings fresh seasonal produce from regional farms to the coast.
Fresh fruits and vegetables, locally harvested Gulf seafood, music, artisan goods,
workshops and more!
WHERE: Port St. Joe WHEN: July 7, 2012 INFO:
SaltAirMarket.com
July 21, 2012
Second Saturdays in Historic Apalachicola
Shops and galleries stay open late and restaurants feature spectacular specials
for this community gathering in the River City.
WHERE: Apalachicola WHEN: July 21, 2012 INFO:
HistoricApalachicola.com
July 21, 2012
SaltAir Farmer’s Market in Port St. Joe
On the first and third Saturdays of each month April through November, the SaltAir
Farmers’ Market brings fresh seasonal produce from regional farms to the coast.
Fresh fruits and vegetables, locally harvested Gulf seafood, music, artisan goods,
workshops and more!
WHERE: Port St. Joe WHEN: July 21, 2012 INFO:
SaltAirMarket.com
July 27-28, 2012
8th Annual Mexico Beach Marina Offshore Classic
Tournament proceeds benefit the Mexico Beach Artificial Reef Association (MBARA).
MBARA artificial reefs are of tremendous benefit to local fisheries – providing
valuable habitat and artificial reef building research opportunities. This year’s
8th Annual Mexico Beach Marina Offshore Classic is a two-day event with great prizes
awarded to anglers weighing in the largest Kingfish, Wahoo and Mahi-Mahi to be found
in the Gulf.
WHERE: Mexico Beach WHEN: July 27-28, 2012 INFO:
MexicoBeachMarina.com
