We have been “Ambitious from the Beginning!” and we are not about to stop now. Mark your calendars and get ready to be part of history! This event will leave a lasting impact on our local area.
The Bicentennial Weekend Spectacular boasts an unmatched lineup of participants—each bringing their unique perspectives and talents to the table Saturday, November 9 at the Parkview at Cascades to enlighten and engage.
The Bicentennial Weekend Spectacular promises to be one of the most meaningful events in our community’s history. Set for Saturday, November 9- Sunday, November 10, the weekend will honor Tallahassee-Leon County’s rich heritage while bringing the community together for engaging programs, lively entertainment, and thought-provoking moments of reflection on the past two centuries.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9, AT THE PARKVIEW AT CASCADES
200 Years of Civil Rights Champions / 9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. – The Florida State University’s Civil Rights Institute will lead an inspiring presentation of a travel exhibit reflecting on the struggles, triumphs, and progress made during the last two centuries, recognizing 40 individuals of different backgrounds, who have made significant contributions to the civil rights movement in Tallahassee-Leon County and across the state.
Tracing Your Ancestral Roots / 10:25 a.m. – 11:10 a.m.
Genealogical experts from the Tallahassee Genealogical Society, the Tallahassee African American Genealogical Society, and the Tallahassee-Leon County Geographic Information Systems Department will host a panel discussion to provide strategies for preserving and perpetuating ancestral records and tracing family histories using enhanced research opportunities.
Exploring Native American Legacies / 11:20 a.m. – 12:05 p.m.
An Apalachee Native American Chief and a Muscogee Nation of Florida representative will discuss the rich tapestry of indigenous Native American roots, while offering insight into the historic significance of the lineages.
Luncheon Presentation: Celebrating 200 Years of Hispanic Heritage in Leon County / 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
A delicious Latin-themed luncheon hosted by Conexion Media Group, will kick off the celebration of 200 years of Hispanic heritage. Enjoy rich cultural connections as a distinguished speaker offers insight into the strong influence and contributions provided in shaping our shared history.
The Role of Faith in Shaping the Bicentennial / 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Enjoy a conversation with representatives of Tallahassee-Leon County’s earliest religious congregations: Trinity Unity Methodist Church; St. John’s Episcopal Church; First Presbyterian Church; and Bethlehem Baptist Church, as they discuss the significance of their role in the community, and how they are celebrating the Bicentennial.
Adventures in Florida Musical Play / 2:40 p.m. -2:50 p.m.
Be entertained by the Adventures in Florida Musical Play that captivates audiences and brings Bicentennial history to life.
Heritage Walk at Cascades Park / 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Round up the day with a symbolic journey through history with a Heritage Walk of Cascades Park.
We recommend getting your free ticket for the Saturday, November 9 workshops at Eventbrite, but you can get them on-site, too.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10, AT CASCADES PARK
The first Florida Capitol was built in 1824 by enslaved persons brought in by Tallahassee’s first territorial settlers. Construction began in spring, and it was finished in time for Tallahassee’s first legislative session that November. It was located south of the present-day Capitol building. No designs or depictions of this first Capitol have survived, and some historians maintain that two auxiliary log cabin buildings were also constructed for conducting government business.
In 1924, for the Tallahassee-Leon County Centennial, boy scouts built a log cabin to commemorate Florida’s first capitol building. Fifty years later, in 1974, Leon County Sheriff Raymond Hamlin and his son built another log cabin to commemorate Florida’s first capitol as part of the Tallahassee-Leon County Sesquicentennial. So, not surprisingly, as the 2024 Bicentennial approached, people advocated for building another log cabin representation of Florida’s first capitol.
The artistic representation of the First Florida Capitol came to life under the vision and leadership of Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey and the First Florida Capitol nonprofit. Habitat for Humanity led the Community Build with more than 150 volunteers collaborating to preserve the rich history of Tallahassee-Leon County. An October 2024 ribbon-cutting ceremony showcased the power of ambition, bringing together community leaders, volunteers, residents, and friends for near and far.
On Sunday, November 10, the Bicentennial Festival showcasing the First Florida Capitol begins at 1:00 pm., with a walk-through living history, exploring interactive exhibits that bring Tallahassee’s past to life.
- Visit different time periods hosted by local museums and organizations with each site featuring kid-friendly activities and displays
- Enjoy delicious offerings from food trucks and local artisans throughout the day and cool down with an ice cream social in the afternoon
- Play your own role in Tallahassee history by attending the unveiling of a historical marker in Cascades Park to commemorate our Bicentennial
- Join legislative leaders and the mayors from St. Augustine and Pensacola for the dedication of the First Florida Capitol replica
Don’t miss a single moment! THE FESTIVAL | First FL Capitol (firstfloridacapitol.org)
ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 6-11 PM, AT THE ADDERLEY AMPHITHEATER AT CASCADES PARK
The sold-out T-Pain concert will close out the Bicentennial Spectacular Weekend with fireworks at the Adderley Amphitheater at Cascades Park!
Vel Johnson is the Tallahassee-Leon County Bicentennial Coordinator.