*All times are Eastern (EST), unless indicated otherwise. All dates and events are potentially subject to revision, please call for more info.

The Apalachicola / St. George Island area has many enjoyable events all year round, from family fun to concerts, festivals, cultural, historic, natural and romantic happenings.

Florida Girls
January 6-8, Dixie Theatre, Apalachicola
In the tradition of Lily Tomlin, Nancy Hasty brings her one-woman show with 15 hilarious true-to-life characters to the Forgotten Coast of Florida, you'll laugh yourself silly. (850)653-3200 www.dixietheatre.com.

2nd Annual Roast & Toast
January 7, 12-5pm, 329 Water Street, Apalachicola
A charity event for the Weems Hospital Foundation. Pull out your grills and find your best BBQ recipes! There will be a competition BBQ, a silent auction, drawings, and entertainment. Info (850) 653-8853.

Adam Kossler - World Renown Classical Guitarist
January 8, 4pm, Trinity Episcopal Church, Apalachicola
Ilse Newell Concert Series. Open reception in Benedict Hall following the concert. $5 donation, students free. (850)653-9550.

Full Moon Climb at Cape St. George Lighthouse
January 9, 5:30-7 PM, St. George Island
The January Full Moon Climb at the Cape St. George Lighthouse will be held on Monday, January 9. The Sunset/Full Moon Climb will include light hors d'oeuvres and a sparkling cider toast to the full moon. The sun will set at 5:57 and the moon will rise at 6:38. After sunset, people are invited to climb to the top of the lighthouse for a breathtaking view of the full moon, as space and time permit. The Lighthouse is at the entrance to SGI. Parking is available in lots at either side of the park. Because space is limited, reservations are recommended. $15 ($10 for SGLA members). For reservations/info, please call 850-927-7744 or toll free 888-927-7744.

Sea Oats Gallery 2012 Winter Workshops
January 12, 9:30 AM - 2 PM, 128 East Pine Street, St. George Island
Joyce Estes ~ Silk Painting Introduction. $65 ($35 deposit), supplies included! Sea Oats Gallery will host workshops from January 12 - March 22. http://www.forgottencoastart.com/

Louise Mosrie Concert
January 12, 7 - 9:30 PM, 111 Water Street, Apalachicola
Singer-songwriter Louise Mosrie will perform incredible contemporary folk music that touches audiences’ collective soul with her gentle expressive voice, deft fretwork and piercing lyrics. Rich Warren of WFMT-FM Chicago says of Mosrie “… basically, she’s William Faulkner with a guitar.” Watch and listen for yourself with these video links: http://vimeo.com/15553507 and http://youtu.be/YZhOlxElhcI. Show proceeds benefit the Franklin County Community Development & Land Trust (501c3); a community safe decent affordable housing advocate. Singer-songwriter Randall “Big Daddy” Webster (http://bigdaddyblues.com/) opens the concert. Seating is limited to 40 people total so be sure to buy your tickets now. And please bring a covered dish of your choice so everyone can share theirs. For more information, pictures, MP3s, etc. contact Steve Watkins at smwiii@att.net and (850) 566-2719; Louise Mosrie at louise@louisemosrie.com, and/or Randall T. Webster at email@randallwebster.com and (850) 933-3355.

Margo Anderson's Tribute to Patsy Cline
January 13-15, 8-10pm, Dixie Theatre, Apalachicola
Accompanied by her talented Country Gold Band, Margo's clear, powerful voice will captivate you as will her warm, sensitive interpretation of Patsy's down-home wit and timeless songs. (850)653-3200 www.dixietheatre.com. Margo always stays with us at the Coombs House Inn.

Friends of St.Joseph Bay Preserves Nature Photo Exhibit
January 14, starts 11am, Opening Reception 6-8pm, HCA, 86 Water Street, Apalachicola
Photo Contest exhibit benefiting the Friends of St.Joseph Bay Preserve. Photo categories: Landscapes, Animal Kingdom, Up close and personal (Macro), At the Buffer Preserve. Contest judged by John Spohrer, Sue Bull and Bill Booth. On display thru Jan.28.

The Second Annual Oyster Cook-Off
January 14, 11am-5pm, Downtown Apalachicola
To benefit the Apalachicola Volunteer Fire Department. The Friday evening event will be a preview of the oyster-related silent auction items, along with a sampling of the Apalachicola Bay's tasty bivalves. The actual cook-off on Saturday will start at 11am, contestants are encouraged to enter with their favorite recipe. All forms of oysters will be available to taste: raw, steamed, fried. Other food items and refreshments will also be available for purchase. The day's avtivities will include live music and dancing performances. More information will be posted soon at www.oystercookoff.com, and the event can be followed on Facebook.

Second Saturday
January 14, 6-10pm, Downtown Apalachicola
Head downtown for our monthly gathering! Music and food! Shops and galleries will be open late, restaurants will feature fantastic specials. Most shops and cafes encourage you to bring your pets as well! After you have visited the stores and had dinner at your favorite restaurant, stroll the sidewalks.

Sea Oats Gallery 2012 Winter Workshops-Marshall
January 16-19, 9:30 am - 2 pm, 128 E. Pine St., St. George Island
Tom Marshall~Introduction to Pastels. Supply list available. $195 ($65 deposit).

Pas de Vie Ballet
January 20-22, Dixie Theatre, Apalachicola
Tallahassee's premiere ballet company returns to the Dixie after a fabulous standing ovation performance in 2011, it will take your breath away. (850)653-3200 www.dixietheatre.com.

Bill Farnsworth Plein Air Workshop, Apalachicola School of Art, 86 Water St.
January 26-28, 9AM - 4PM
Bill Farnsworth will teach a three day oil painting workshop. Students will work with high quality photographs that Bill will supply. He will talk about the advantages and pitfalls of photography and how to use it in your studio painting. Above all, Bill’s emphasis will be on drawing/shapes, value, and color temperature. At the beginning of each day he will paint a demo and explore different approaches. $340, $200 deposit due with registration.

Elvis & Friends do the Dixie
January 27-29, Dixie Theatre, Apalachicola
Spectacular tribute artist Todd Alan Herenden & his Follow That Dream Band have become one of the Dixie Theatre's most popular shows. Elvis is joined by Johnny Cash and Roy Orbison among others. (850)653-9550. www.dixietheatre.com. Our complimentary wine reception is a great way to start the evening.

Florida State University, School of Music, Piano Faculty
January 29, 4-6 PM, Trinity Episcopal Church, Apalachicola
Visiting FSU Professor, David Kalhous has appeared as soloist with international orchestras worldwide. Ilse Newell Concert Series. Open reception in Benedict Hall following the concert. $5 donation, students free. (850)653-9550. Stay at the Coombs Inn for complimentary tickets, wine by the fireplace. The Concert is followed by a complimentary reception and art showing all included in your Sunday night stay.

Bob Milne Ragtime Piano, Dixie Theatre, Apalachicola
February 1 - 5, Wed & Sun 3PM, Fri & Sat 7:30PM, Thu (time TBA) School performance
The top ragtime/boogie-woogie pianist today, Bob delights audiences with his piano-playing pyrotechnics and his infectious enthusiasm for the music and the history behind the music. At the Dixie for his 13th year! This time around we have him booked for a week!

Habitat for Humanity Mardi Gras Fundraiser
February 3-4, Apalachicola
Fri, Feb 3, 5:30 PM. Pet & Golf Cart Parade beginning at the Bowery to Riverfront Park on Water Street with live entertainment, food & beverages beginning at 6:30 (Entertainers Brain Bowen and then the Beth McKee Band)
Sat, Feb 4, 6:30 PM. 9th Annual Mardi Gras Ball at the Historic Armory, Dinner & Show $50 per person, Reserved Tables $300 for 6, 7:30 General admission show only $25 (Entertainers are Brian Bowen and Beth McKee Band). Info 850-653-3113.

St. George Island Tour of Homes
February 4, 10AM-4PM
The first-ever St. George Island Tour of Homes. "We have a great selection of homes from the Plantation to the East End and from the beachfront to the bay," said Dany Ray, event co-chairperson. "We have modern and traditional beach-front homes, bay-front homes and historic homes. This is the first and best chance for people to get a total view of the island lifestyle from inside some of our best and most interesting homes." $20 ($15 in advance) to benefit the St. George Lighthouse Association. Sales will be limited to 200 tickets. 850-927-7744.

Valentine's Romantic Weekend
February 10-11 Weekend, Coombs House Inn
Escape for a romantic weekend at the Coombs House Inn. Surprise your loved one with a beautiful weekend with luxury beds, Jacuzzi or soaking tubs, gourmet breakfast, afternoon tea and cookies, all included in your guest experience. Create a romantic surprise by adding chilled champagne, flute glasses and Ghirardelli or Godiva Chocolates waiting in room upon arrival. Sweeten your stay with this package for $38.

Jerry Lee Lewis Tribute with The Todd Williams Band
February 10, 8 PM, Dixie Theatre, Apalachicola
Piano Man Todd Williams is a king of tributes and plays the piano with everything imaginable, occasionally he plays with his fingers!

The Old Folkie - Ken Sizemore
February 11, 8 PM, Dixie Theatre, Apalachicola
Back for his 19th appearance at the Dixie, Ken Sizemore sings all your favorite folk tunes from the 50’s, 60’s & 70’s as well as some finely crafted originals.

Forgotten Coast Chef's Sampler
February 12, 2012 6-8:30 PM, Fort Coombs Armory, Apalachicola
The Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce will host the 16th Annual Forgotten Coast Chefs Sampler on Sunday, February 12, 2012, from 6:00-9:00 pm. Chefs from all over the Forgotten Coast will prepare their most creative dishes at the historic Fort Coombs Armory located on 4th Street and Avenue D in Apalachicola. Sample an array from our area restaurants. Our talented shopkeepers and local designers give the event an extraordinary touch and add creative flair by decorating each table individually. The tables range from elegant to artistic and funky. Tickets are $50. For more information, call the Apalachicola Bay Chamber at (850) 653-9419 or email us at info@apalachicolabay.org.

Frank Sinatra Tribute Show, Dixie Theatre, Apalachicola
February 17-19, Friday & Saturday 8 PM, Sunday 3 PM
Summerwind - an intimate evening with Frank Sinatra, starring Gabriel Russo. "This guy has Frank's style and snap, nobody else has it. ...spot-on performance and vocal renderings" ~ Bob Reneke, Mr. Sinatra's long-time personal assistant.

H'COLA's 9th Annual African-American History Festival
February 18 & 19, 2012, Franklin Square, Apalachicola
The two-day outdoor free festival will highlight both local and national African- American history, food, art and culture with a parade, live entertainment, exhibits, food, arts and crafts, inspirational speakers, music, dance, poetry and drama. The festival is held at Franklin Square, located in the North Historic District, “The Hill” off 6th Street and Avenue L.

Carla Conners, Soprano & Timothy Hoekman, Piano
February 19, 4-6 PM, Trinity Episcopal Church (across the street)
Acclaimed young soprano Carla Connors is hailed as the best young soprano of the decade. Professor Hoekman is an international performer and composer. Stay at the Coombs Inn Sunday evening and receive complimentary concert tickets, brandy or wine by the fireplace, followed by a complimentary reception and art showing.

Washington’s Birthday
February 20
Honor the founding President of our Nation and stay with us. Stay two nights, get 25% off Sunday. Stay three nights, get 40% off Monday.

My Nobel Destiny
February 22-26, Dixie Theatre, Apalachicola
Written & performed by Beth Blair, this inspirational look at the life of Nobel Prize recipient Marie Curie takes us on the journey of her fascinating life, love and scientific achievements.

Del Suggs
March 2, Friday 8pm, Dixie Theatre
Del is one of Florida's premier performers and best known for his unique style, which he calls "Saltwater Music." Acoustic rock, pop, blues, and folk...with a sunburn! Come on and get salty!! Start your evening with our complementary wine tasting.

The Mayhaws
March 3, Saturday 8pm, Dixie Theatre
Sweet and thorny, a mix of folk, honky-tonk, soul, bluegrass and old-school country, rockabilly, traditional hill music, delta blues and a wealth of originals.

30th Annual SGI Regional Chili Cook-Off & Auction
March 3, 2012, 9AM - 5:30PM, St. George Island
Sanctioned by the International Chili Society, over sixty contestants square off at the Gulf Coast Regional Chili Cook-off on St. George Island. The winner of what is the largest regional chili cook-off in the nation advances to the world championship and all proceeds benefit the Island Volunteer Fire Department and First Responder Unit. Activities include a golf tournament, 5K Red Pepper Run, Chili Cook-off, Auction and the naming of Miss Chili Pepper and Mr. Hot Sauce. An estimated crowd of 5,000 people attended last year, we invite you to be a part of this great event this year. Call (850) 927-2753 for more information.

FSU Voice Performance Majors in Concert
March 4, 4-6pm, Trinity Episcopal Church (across the street)
Newell Concert Series. FSU singers performs a repertoire of classical, Broadway and operatic selections. Stay at the Coombs Inn for complimentary tickets, brandy or wine by the fireplace, and a complimentary reception and art showing following the concert.

Maharajah Flamenco Trio
March 9, Friday, Dixie Theatre
High-energy, daring and soulful world music. Argentine tango, Brazilian samba, Latin American/Caribbean rhythms...a moving and dynamic expression of Flamenco Nuevo.

Sarah Mac Band
March 10, Saturday 8pm, Dixie Theatre
The Dixie House Band back for their third season and nobody does it better…exceptional vocals and strong, smart lyrics bring a joyous blend of blues, rock, jazz and soul.

Morgan Samuel Price “Painting the Light of Apalachicola”
March 12 - 16
Quaint fishing villages, antebellum homes and charming marinas on the river are some of your locations to chose from during this workshop. Tuition: $650. Contact: morgansamuelprice@me.com. Call: 407-252-2102. http://www.morgansamuelprice.com/Site_2/Workshops.html

Jazz from London & ZBT
March 16, Friday, Dixie Theatre
Enjoy the full bodied sound of the The Zach Bartholomew Trio when they return with London Arrington to perform traditional yet innovative Jazz. They are masters of authentic & classic while putting their own stamp on the sound they love...check out these cool cats.

Eastpoint Fire Department's 8th Annual Charity Rib Cook-off
March 16-17, Friday & Saturday, Eastpoint
Come eat some of the best BBQ ribs and chicken! All proceeds go to The Eastpoint Volunteer Fire Department. Festivities include live music, car show, kids' activities, and did I mention BBQ! Join us for a day of fun and good eatin'.

The Ned Devines
March 17, 8pm, Dixie Theatre
Back for their 2nd season, the Ned's brought the house down on their last visit. This year they will be here "on the day" so all you Irish blokes, get ready to party at the Dixie.

St. Patrick’s Celebration at the Coombs Inn
March 17
Celebrate the holiday with us and enjoy complimentary green beer and snacks during cocktail hour.

March 21-23
Debbie Neddlehoffer Art Workshop
Beat the winter grays and get ready for brighter color and warmer days in Apalachicola, FL. Come join me in painting this beautiful coastal town and St. George Island in the early spring. Marshes, boats, beaches, waves, dunes, spectacular sunrises and sunsets are subject matter for this workshop. $335 per student for instruction only. Accommodations: Coombs House Inn with a special rate of $99 per night per room (if you share it is only $49 each), which includes a wonderful gourmet breakfast. This is a special rate for the workshop days only. Special reception plans are underway.

The DIXIE Does Nashville 9
March 23 + 24, Dixie Theatre
Once again Universal Music Publishing Nashville brings their finest, most talented writers to the Dixie. One of our most beloved music series...don't miss these extraordinary, magical evenings.

Art Walk
March 24, Downtown Apalachicola
Fine art in all forms will be woven in and around picturesque downtown Apalachicola where artists will be showing, selling and demonstrating their talents from 11:00-6:00 pm. Festivities continue into the afternoon with a progressive wine tasting and hors d’ oeuvre from 3:00-5:00 pm. Later in the evening local chefs will prepare special dishes at their restaurants highlighting our fresh local ingredients. At 8:00 pm the Dixie Theatre presents The Dixie Does Nashville Apalachicola annual singer songwriter festival produced by Universal Music Publishing. For more information call (850) 653-9419

Bay Area Choral Society Presents Faure's Requiem
March 25, 4-6PM, Trinity Episcopal Church, Apalachicola
The centerpiece for this concert shall be the Requiem by French composer Gabriele Faure. Also featuring several vocal soloists. Swingin’ Harpoon Blues Band
March 30, Dixie Theatre
An award winning style, this band delivers a sharp, solid sound and is comprised of some of the area's most talented blues musicians, playing its mix of Detroit blues & jazzy swing.

Grant Peeples & the Peeples Republik Band
March 31, Dixie Theatre
Our favorite award-winning, left-neck, master songwriter brings his own band to the Dixie stage in the Dylan/Prine/Kerouac style he does so well. We’ve missed his bold, radical take on life and thrilled he’s back!

14th Annual Apalachicola Antique & Classic Boat Show
April 20-21
Apalachicola will host the 14th Annual Apalachicola Antique & Classic Boat Show Friday and Saturday, April 20-21, 2012. Friday, there will be a special boat building demonstration and the 1877 Governor Stone gaff rigged schnoor will arrive. Saturday, antique boats, examples of classic and traditional vessels, workboats, and fiberglass and aluminum classics will all be on display throughout the day. This festival emphasizes the maritime history of our picturesque coastal town. Special highlights include authentic oyster boats, workboats, and home-built boats by skilled craftsmen, antique outboard engines, plus antique automobiles and art booths. The Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve will have displays on the Apalachicola River and its flora and fauna, plus demonstrations on oyster tonging. The 50 foot long Apalachicola Traders’ Canoe will be on display at the Cotton Warehouse on Water Street.
The restored 1877 gaff-rigged schooner the Governor Stone will also be on display at the city dock in the center of town and the Apalachicola Riverkeepers will be giving guided tours of the river. Also, at the Cotton Warehouse there be an exhibit of model boats built by some of the finest model boat builders in the country, plus a marine art exhibit.
At 6:00 pm there will be a dinner and lecture. Reservations required for dinner and evening lecture. For information please call (850) 653-9419 or email us at info@apalachicolabay.org.

Carrabelle Riverfront Festival
April 28-29
Carrabelle CARES and the City of Carrabelle cordially invite you to attend the 22nd Annual Carrabelle Riverfront Festival on Saturday, April 28th and Sunday, April 29th.
Please join us as we celebrate the culture, history and vitality of coastal Carrabelle. Our annual festival offers regional arts and crafts, family friendly attractions and local culinary treats. The two-day event held each spring on Marine Street caters to locals and visitors alike and attracts crowds from across the panhandle.
The unique unpretentious charm of Carrabelle is on display as we celebrate our laid back life style with unique hometown attractions like Carrabelle’s own Fishy Fashion Show, Pet Parade and the Procession of the Species. The hours of the festival are 10 AM to 6 PM on Saturday and 10:00 AM to 4:00 pm on Sunday.

Florida Panhandle Lighthouse Challenge
April 21 + 22, 10AM - 4PM (ET)
The popular Lighthouse Challenge returns on Florida Lighthouse Day weekend in 2012! The Challenge will again include the four Forgotten Coast Lighthouses -- Cape San Blas, Cape St. George, Crooked River, and St. Marks, plus the spectacular Pensacola Lighthouse.

Concert In The Park - Nashville Dixieland Jazz
April 22, 2012, 4 - 6PM, Lafayette Park, Apalachicola
Bring a chair and enjoy the last concert of the season performed outdoors in Lafayette Park.

Florida's Forgotten Coast Plein Air Invitational
May 3-13, 2012
More than 20 nationally acclaimed artists will gather on Florida's Forgotten Coast in early May to participate in the 7th annual Florida's Forgotten Coast Plein Air Invitational, America's Great Paint-Out, May 3-13, 2012. Painters will set up their easels and pull out their brushes to document the landscape and culture of this last vestige of authentic "Old Florida" – the coastal stretch of scenic North Florida between Mexico Beach and Alligator Point. 800-378-8419. http://www.pleinairfl.com/


You may also check with Dixie Theatre, Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce and Franklin County TDC.