Disclosure: We were hosted by Theater With A Mission. There is no charge to attend this event, and I do not receive any commissions for you registering to attend.
The Time Travel into Florida 1776 Festival starts today, and the Lopez family is already here in Tallahassee getting ready for what looks like one of the most unique family events happening in Florida this weekend.
If you’re seeing this on opening day and thinking you’ve already missed it, don’t worry. The festival starts today, but there is still plenty of time to make it for tonight’s Birthday Party for King George III and the rest of the weekend.
Full disclosure: when I first heard “Florida 1776,” I assumed I knew the story. I quickly learned I didn’t. That’s part of what makes this event so interesting. Most of us learned about the 13 colonies in school, but not many of us spent much time talking about what was happening in Florida at the exact same moment.
Whether you’re looking for a free family event in Tallahassee, a family road trip to Tallahassee, or simply something different to do with kids and teens, this Florida history festival offers a little bit of everything without feeling like a history lecture.
Quick Event Details
Event: Time Travel into Florida 1776 Festival
Dates: May 29-31, 2026
Location: Goodwood Museum & Gardens
1600 Miccosukee Road, Tallahassee, FL
Admission: Free
Presented By: Theater with a Mission
Free Tickets:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/time-travel-into-florida-1776-festival-tickets-1979191639472
Official Website:
https://www.theaterwithamission.com/timetravelintoflorida
Full Schedule:
https://sites.google.com/theaterwithamission.com/timetravel1776festival/home?authuser=0
Why Families Should Still Go
One of the things I like most about this event is that it brings history to life in a way families can actually experience together. While Florida remained loyal to the British Crown during the American Revolution, the festival focuses less on memorizing dates and more on stepping into the sights, sounds, stories, and personalities of the era.
You’ll find performances, crafts, dancing, reenactments, militia activities, storytelling, parades, and the debut of Feuding Families in Florida, 1776. There is enough variety here that younger kids, teens, and adults can all find something that grabs their attention.
Tonight’s Best Family Pick: The Birthday Party for King George III
If you’re trying to decide whether to make the drive tonight, this would be my pick.
The Birthday Party for King George III combines live music, dancing, cake and ice cream, and the premiere of Feuding Families in Florida, 1776, a theatrical game show that looks like it could become one of the most talked-about parts of the festival.
Honestly, it sounds like the perfect opening-night event for families because it mixes entertainment with history and doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Weekend Highlights
Friday, May 29
- Festival opening activities
- Speaker series and daytime programming
- Birthday Party for King George III
- Live music and dancing
- Cake and ice cream
- Feuding Families in Florida, 1776
Saturday, May 30
Saturday looks like the biggest day for families.
Highlights include:
- Living 18th-century village
- Militia drills
- Pony rides
- Petting zoo
- Revolutionary dance lessons
- Storytelling
- Food trucks
- Family activities throughout the grounds
Saturday night wraps up with The Pursuit of Happiness Costume Ball. Guests are encouraged to dress from any era, so don’t worry if you don’t have Revolutionary War attire hanging in your closet.
Sunday, May 31
Sunday includes:
- Parades
- Horseback arrivals
- History panels exploring the roles of Native Americans, Black Americans, Women, and Hispanics during the Revolution
- Final presentations and activities
- Closing events
Drive Times From Around Florida
If you’re wondering whether this is worth a spontaneous trip, here are some approximate drive times:
- Orlando: About 4 hours
- Jacksonville: About 2.5 hours
- Tampa: About 3 hours
- Gainesville: About 1.5 hours
- Panama City: About 1.5 hours
Several of those are easy day trips, especially if you’re planning to spend Saturday at the festival.
Where to Stay
If you’re staying overnight, look at hotels near Goodwood Museum & Gardens or along the Apalachee Parkway corridor.
WCTV previously reported that Theater with a Mission arranged a room block at Comfort Suites on Apalachee Parkway. If you’re interested, you may want to check availability by calling 866-994-8897, though rooms may be limited at this point.
What to Bring
This is still Florida, so come prepared.
I recommend bringing:
- Comfortable shoes
- Sunscreen
- Water bottles
- Portable fan or cooling towel
- Snacks for younger kids
- Phone charger or power bank
- Costumes or dress-up pieces if you’re attending the Costume Ball
- Flexible expectations
This is an immersive outdoor event. Part of the fun is wandering, exploring, and seeing what catches your family’s attention.
Why It’s Worth Doing With Kids and Teens
As a parent of teens, I know how hard it can be to find events that work across different ages. What I like about the Time Travel into Florida 1776 Festival is that there are enough moving parts that everyone can usually find something they enjoy. Younger kids have animals, activities, and demonstrations. Teens get live performances, interactive experiences, and stories they probably haven’t heard before. Adults get a chance to learn something too.
And honestly, any event that gets families off their phones and experiencing something together is worth considering.
Final Thoughts
The Time Travel into Florida 1776 Festival starts today, but there is still plenty of time to jump in. If you’re anywhere within driving distance of Tallahassee, tonight’s Birthday Party for King George III is probably the strongest reason to head over, and the rest of the weekend looks packed with family-friendly activities.
The Lopez family is already here in Tally and we’ll be sharing photos, videos, and behind-the-scenes moments throughout the weekend. If you’re looking for things to do in Tallahassee with kids, a unique Florida history festival, or a free family event in Tallahassee as part of the America 250 celebration, this is one worth considering.
Grab your free tickets here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/time-travel-into-florida-1776-festival-tickets-1979191639472
View the full schedule here:
https://sites.google.com/theaterwithamission.com/timetravel1776festival/home?authuser=0
And follow along with us all weekend as we experience Time Travel into Florida 1776 at Goodwood Museum & Gardens.
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