March on the Forgotten Coast is packed with events that bring together the best of local culture, cuisine, and community spirit. From the fiery competition of the St. George Island Charity Chili Cookoff to the soulful sounds of Blues on Reid, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re lacing up your running shoes for the Red Pepper Run, savoring gourmet bites at the Forgotten Coast Chef Sampler, or soaking in the coastal beauty during a sunset cruise, this month offers countless ways to celebrate the season. Read on for the can’t-miss events happening along the Forgotten Coast this March!
FEATURED EVENTS
Red Pepper Run 5K
Paddy’s Raw Bar | St. George Island
March 1st, 2025
The Annual Red Pepper Run is a fun and healthy way to start off your St. George Island 43rd Annual Charity Chili Cook Off day. Race, jog, walk or crawl the 5k course down East Pine Ave. Registration opens at 7am at Paddy’s Raw Bar. Race begins at 8am at the SGI Firehouse. Bring your family, friends, pets and smiles to start out your Chili Cook Off on the right foot. Awards immediately following the race!
St. George Island Charity Chili Cookoff
Lighthouse Park | St. George Island
March 1st, 2025
The St. George Island Regional Charity Chili Cook-off & Auction will be held Saturday, March 1. In addition to the main chili cooking event, this family-friendly weekend event features a Golf tournament on Friday, February 28, a Red Pepper Run on the morning of March 1, and an online auction that will begin on February 26. During the chili cookoff, there will be food vendors and musical entertainment. The chili cookoff is the primary fundraising event for the St. George Island Volunteer Fire Department (SGIVFD).
Camp Gordon Johnston Day-Veterans Parade & Dice Run
Highway 98 | Carrabelle
March 8th, 2025
Come celebrate the 30th Annual Camp Gordon Johnston Veterans Parade on Saturday, March 8, 2025 starting at 10:45 am ET in Carrabelle, FL. This parade is planned especially to honor our country’s remaining WWII veterans as well as recognize and salute all veterans from WWII to present. Immediately following the parade will be the 6th Annual CGJ Dice Run as a much-needed fundraiser for Camp Gordon Johnston Museum and American Legion Post 82. The Dice Run kicks off at Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum, 1873 Highway 98 West.
Forgotten Coast Chef Sampler
Fort Coombs Armory | Apalachicola
March 9th, 2025
Don’t miss the culinary event of the year! The Apalachicola Bay Chamber presents the 27th annual Forgotten Coast Chef Sampler. Dine on unique dishes served by restaurants from all over the Forgotten Coast. Dine at tables decorated by local nonprofits and businesses. Call the chamber today to reserve your tickets $100 per person or you or your business can sponsor a table for 8,10 or 12.
Farewell Winter Fun: Sunset Cruise
Port South Marina | Port St. Joe
March 13th, 2025
Join us for a special Farewell Winter Fun Sunset Cruise to cap off an incredible winter season in Gulf County! Set sail with AquaBear Adventures for a 90-minute sightseeing cruise along the historic shorelines and waterways of Port St. Joe. Enjoy fascinating stories of the region’s past, spot local wildlife like friendly dolphins, and soak in the stunning coastal views. Reserve your spot today—don’t miss this unforgettable farewell to winter in Gulf County!
Forgotten Coast En Plein Air
Multiple Venues | Bay, Gulf & Franklin Counties
March 14th – 25th, 2025
A Plein Air event like no other! Now in the 20th year of documenting the landscape and culture of the last vestige of authentic “Old Florida.” Forgotten Coast en Plein Air, America’s Great Paint-out, is among the world’s most prestigious plein air events. Artistic excellence and the production of investment quality art continues to be the trademark of this 10-day festival. Ten days of FREE and TICKETED events, exhibitions and activities for art lovers, collectors, artists and you!
Blues on Reid
Reid Avenue | Port St. Joe
March 22nd, 2025
Enjoy live music in the heart of downtown with scheduled performers including Finga FAYA, Roger Hurricane Wilson, John Bull Trio, Meg Williams Trio, and The Shaelyn Band. This event is FREE to the public and will feature some of the best Blues acts from the region. Come out to enjoy a day full of great people and amazing music. There will be plenty of vendors for you and the kids to enjoy. And don’t forget to stop and support all Reid Avenue’s merchants who will be open for business.
Carrabelle Culture Crawl
Reid Avenue | Carrabelle
March 22nd, 2025
This cultural event is a free celebration of amazing local culture, art, music, history, food, and fun in the heart of downtown Carrabelle. The Carrabelle History Museum will be bringing live music and entertainment outdoors to the streets with Florida folk music, classic country, modern songs, and favorite oldies. A variety of musicians will be performing outdoors for all to enjoy. Visitors will again spot fun, costumed characters from the Fishy Fashion Show wandering the streets. Art will abound at the Carrabelle Culture Crawl featuring some local artists and artisans!