National Lighthouse Day Celebration Marks Historic Milestones at Cape Florida Lighthouse

The Friends of Cape Florida and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park will celebrate National Lighthouse Day on Friday, Aug. 7, with a free community event honoring one of South Florida's most treasured historic landmarks while commemorating several significant anniversaries.

The celebration comes during a landmark year for Cape Florida and the community, including the 200th anniversary of the first lighting of the Cape Florida Lighthouse, America's 250th birthday, the 35th anniversary of the incorporation of the Village of Key Biscayne, and the upcoming 60th anniversary of the opening of Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park on Jan. 1, 2027.

The event invites residents and visitors from throughout South Florida to experience the history and natural beauty of the Cape Florida Lighthouse with poetry readings, tours, artist- guided projects and crafts, and the new Cape Chronicles project sharing the stories of Cape Florida.

The free event begins at 5 p.m. on the lighthouse grounds. Attendees are asked to reserve tickets in advance through Eventbrite. State Park admission fees apply unless visitors have an annual Florida State Parks pass.

Event Details

Date: Friday, Aug. 7, 2026

Time: 5-8 p.m.

Location: Cape Florida Lighthouse, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1994624160558?aff=oddtdtcreator

National Lighthouse Day commemorates the role lighthouses have played in protecting mariners and preserving America's maritime heritage. The Cape Florida Lighthouse, first illuminated in 1825, remains one of Florida's most significant historic landmarks and serves as a symbol of the state's rich history.

For more information about Friends of Cape Florida, visit friendscapeflorida.org or contact Christina Bracken, christinabracken@gmail.com, 786.367.6829.

About Friends of Cape Florida

Friends of Cape Florida is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and preserving the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse and supporting educational, cultural and environmental programs at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. Through community partnerships, fundraising and volunteer engagement, the organization helps ensure future generations can experience one of Florida's most treasured historic sites.