Community Calendar

Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum in Carrabelle is presenting a special exhibit on the Philippines campaign. This exhibit will open on Tuesday, September 2 and be on display until Saturday, October 4. The museum is open every Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm ET. There is no charge for admission, but donations are gladly accepted.

Visitors are invited to learn about the Japanese assault on the Philippines including the Bataan Death March, a brutal forced march of Allied prisoners of war through tropical heat, humidity, and rain. Thousands died along the way due to being starved and beaten and being denied medical care.

The exhibit also explores the long campaign to liberate the islands, starting with the U. S. landing at Leyte on October 20, 1944. In an effort to hold Leyte at all costs, Japan sent five naval forces to challenge the American fleet, leading to the largest and most complex naval battle of World War II, the massive Leyte Gulf Naval Campaign.

The 38th Infantry Division, which trained at Camp Gordon Johnston, earned the nickname "Avengers of Bataan". This division played a critical role in this campaign. In December 1944, they landed at Leyte under enemy fire with the battle still raging. In the spring of 1945, they fought a tough campaign at Zig Zag Pass in Luzon. After intense combat, the division had cleared Bataan and accepted the formal surrender of two of the most powerful Japanese army groups in the Philippines. General Douglas MacArthur is said to have personally honored them with the title “Avengers of Bataan” for their victory.

Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum is located in Carrabelle, directly across from Carrabelle Public Beach Park at 1873 Hwy 98 West. For more information, contact the museum at (850) 697-8575 or museum@campgordonjohnston.com. Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council.

The American South:
Photographs by Jimmy Nicholson, Gordon Parks,
and Guggenheim Fellows
Curated by Jimmy Nicholson
On loan from The Do Good Fund (Columbus, GA)

September 26 – December 13, 2025
Sara May Love Gallery, Sarah K. Newberry Gallery

This one-of-a-kind exhibition features photographs that capture the richness and diversity of Southern history, culture, and identity, past and present. Jimmy Nicholson’s sensitive portraits of often-overlooked people and sites in Florida’s panhandle will be shown alongside varied work by distinguished Guggenheim Fellows, and 1960s civil rights photographs by legendary Life Magazine photographer Gordon Parks. Photographs will be on loan from the collection of the Do Good Fund (Columbus, Georgia). Guggenheim Fellowships are grants that have been awarded annually since 1925 by the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation to recognize individuals who have demonstrated distinguished accomplishment in their field.
Image: Rosalind Fox Solomon, Mrs. Ova Heggi and her Mannequin, Chattanooga, TN, 2015, 25.5 x 21.5 x 1.5 inches

Colorful Journey ft. Gustavo Castillo & Carmen Lagos
Step into a world of passion, bold color, and soulful storytelling through the eyes of married artists Gustavo Castillo and Carmen Lagos. Colorful Journey invites you to witness the dynamic interplay of two unique yet deeply connected creative voices, exploring love, identity, and cultural expression through vivid, expressive works.

Opening Reception
Thursday, September 25 | 5:00–7:30 PM
Be among the first to experience this striking exhibition at our Opening Reception, featuring live classical guitar by Susana Frade. Mingle with the artists, enjoy great conversation, our in-house bar, and let the art move you.

Muffins & Mimosas
Saturday, September 27 | 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
Sip on mimosas, enjoy bites from Uptown Cafe and Argonaut Coffee, and take in the exhibition in a relaxed, inspiring morning setting.

On view September 25 – November 1
LeMoyne Arts | 125 N Gadsden St
Open Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11AM-6PM

This exhibition is proudly supported by Stephanie Whitfield — thank you for helping bring this vibrant journey to life.

Don't miss this heartfelt celebration of color, connection, and creative partnership.

Celebrate a Moonlit Evening at Crooked River Lighthouse

The Crooked River Lighthouse will be hosting Twilight at the Tower on Sunday, October 5 from 7:00-9:00 pm ET in Carrabelle, FL. This special after-hours event invites visitors to enjoy the gorgeous natural surroundings of St. George Sound and Carrabelle Beach as the golden sun sets below the horizon and the Hunter’s Moon or Harvest Moon rises.

Visitors can tour the Keeper’s House Museum and see the original, historic Fresnel lens constructed in 1894 in Paris, France. The lighthouse gift shop will also be offering unique nautical gifts and souvenirs. Guests are welcome to bring a chair and relax on the grounds as the color of the sky goes from watercolor hues to evening blues and the first evening star appears.

This month’s moon is traditionally known as the Hunter’s Moon. This year it is also the Harvest Moon. It is called the Hunter’s Moon because “this is the month when game is fattening up for winter. Now is the time for hunting and laying in a store of provisions for the long months ahead. The full Moon that happens nearest to the fall equinox (September 22 or 23) always takes on the name “Harvest Moon.” Unlike other full Moons, this full Moon rises at nearly the same time—around sunset—for several evenings in a row, giving farmers several extra evenings of moonlight and allowing them to finish their harvests before the frosts of fall arrive.” (Credit: The Old Farmer’s Almanac).

Those who wish to climb to the top of the tallest lighthouse on the Forgotten Coast can take part in twilight tower climbs. From the top, climbers will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views, the colors of the sunset, and the glow of the rising moon. Evening climbs cost $10 and are scheduled at 15-minute intervals throughout the event. Due to limited availability, climb reservations are strongly encouraged. Climbers must be at least 44 inches tall. Children under 12 climb free with ticketed adults. Advance tickets can be purchased in the lighthouse gift shop or online at https://www.crookedriverlighthouse.com/full-moon-events/

Crooked River Lighthouse is located in Carrabelle, just west of the Carrabelle Public Beach Park at 1975 Hwy 98 W, Carrabelle. For more information, contact the gift shop at 850-697-2732, carrabellelighthouse@gmail.com or https://www.crookedriverlighthouse.com/. Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council.

Florida Climate Week™ 2025
Date: October 6–12
Location: Hybrid (additional details below)
Website: floridaclimateweek.org

VoLo Foundation invites you to the fifth annual Florida Climate Week™ (FCW), taking place October 6 – 12, 2025. This free, statewide initiative invites all Floridians to tune in to expert-led virtual sessions, take meaningful action through community events, and amplify their voices for a sustainable future. FCW will highlight local solutions and community efforts in health, conservation, transportation, biodiversity, climate resilience and more.

Register at https://whova.com/portal/registration/PvvtNueOO6ajinIbRDlJ/?source=dyooednt.

Virtual Events

Virtual events will be available on the Whova app (mobile and web versions). We recommend downloading the mobile version for the best event experience.

In-Person Events

FCW also hosts a series of in-person events across Florida. These require separate registration from the virtual events. Find an event near you and learn how to reserve your spot.

Important: In-person events may change based on local weather conditions. Be sure to check with event hosts in case of inclement weather.

VoLo Foundation believes everyone has a role in building a sustainable future, which is why Florida Climate Week is free and open to all. Whether you’re a student, an engaged citizen, a business owner or a community leader, we welcome you to participate in this year’s event.

Register at https://whova.com/portal/registration/PvvtNueOO6ajinIbRDlJ/?source=dyooednt.

The American South:
Photographs by Jimmy Nicholson, Gordon Parks,
and Guggenheim Fellows
Curated by Jimmy Nicholson
On loan from The Do Good Fund (Columbus, GA)

September 26 – December 13, 2025
Sara May Love Gallery, Sarah K. Newberry Gallery

This one-of-a-kind exhibition features photographs that capture the richness and diversity of Southern history, culture, and identity, past and present. Jimmy Nicholson’s sensitive portraits of often-overlooked people and sites in Florida’s panhandle will be shown alongside varied work by distinguished Guggenheim Fellows, and 1960s civil rights photographs by legendary Life Magazine photographer Gordon Parks. Photographs will be on loan from the collection of the Do Good Fund (Columbus, Georgia). Guggenheim Fellowships are grants that have been awarded annually since 1925 by the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation to recognize individuals who have demonstrated distinguished accomplishment in their field.
Image: Rosalind Fox Solomon, Mrs. Ova Heggi and her Mannequin, Chattanooga, TN, 2015, 25.5 x 21.5 x 1.5 inches

Colorful Journey ft. Gustavo Castillo & Carmen Lagos
Step into a world of passion, bold color, and soulful storytelling through the eyes of married artists Gustavo Castillo and Carmen Lagos. Colorful Journey invites you to witness the dynamic interplay of two unique yet deeply connected creative voices, exploring love, identity, and cultural expression through vivid, expressive works.

Opening Reception
Thursday, September 25 | 5:00–7:30 PM
Be among the first to experience this striking exhibition at our Opening Reception, featuring live classical guitar by Susana Frade. Mingle with the artists, enjoy great conversation, our in-house bar, and let the art move you.

Muffins & Mimosas
Saturday, September 27 | 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
Sip on mimosas, enjoy bites from Uptown Cafe and Argonaut Coffee, and take in the exhibition in a relaxed, inspiring morning setting.

On view September 25 – November 1
LeMoyne Arts | 125 N Gadsden St
Open Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11AM-6PM

This exhibition is proudly supported by Stephanie Whitfield — thank you for helping bring this vibrant journey to life.

Don't miss this heartfelt celebration of color, connection, and creative partnership.

Natalia Andreeva invites you to step into a world where light dances, emotions stir, and canvases come alive with enchanting brushstrokes. In her series of paintings, Andreeva illuminates the profound connection between art, light, and the depths of human experience.

Discover a remarkable selection of paintings, drawings, and sculptures by pioneering American women artists in this Major Exhibition from the Huntsville Museum of Art – Sellars Collection. The exhibition highlights the achievements of women artists who painted and sculpted during the mid-19th to mid-20th centuries, offering a captivating glimpse into a pivotal period in American art history.

Image: Agnes Millen Richmond, A Young Friend, 1922, oil on canvas

A special Founder’s Collection exhibition will share early Art in Gadsden works of art now found in private collections, and the stories that go back to the earliest days of Gadsden Arts.