Mission San Luis

BOOM! See, hear, and smell the firing of 17th century weapons at the Mission San Luis fort.

Join us on first and fourth Saturdays at the forge for an introduction to blacksmithing. Start the day learning to build and maintain a fire in a traditional Spanish-style forge. Create your own masterpiece using basic techniques of fire and hammer and leave tired and inspired. (Ages 13 and up.) Call to confirm dates.

Tour the site to see and hear about our heritage and rare varieties of vegetables and herbs.

Gather around the fire and gossip with the cooks while preparing colonial meals. Learn about the Spanish and Apalachee foodways traditions and the influences they had on each other. Ages 13 and up Call 850-245-6406 to confirm dates and for details on recipes.

Join us at the Mission San Luis forge to experience the charcoal burning process. Learn all the necessary steps to making charcoal – an important ingredient for blacksmithing. Previous attendees of the Blacksmithing for Beginners workshop will be given one complimentary space in this workshop. $10 – Members $15 – Non-members Ages 13 and up Participants must wear long pants and closed-toe shoes.

Pet owners, animal lovers, and furry, feathered, or other friends are invited to the eighth annual Blessing of Animals. The event will feature individual pet blessings, activities for children, and animal organization exhibits. Photos of blessings will be available for purchase. Free with site admission. (Adults: $5; Seniors 65+: $3; Children 6–17: $2; Children under 6: FREE; Members & Active Military: FREE.)

Explore 17th-century Spanish and Apalachee Indian food traditions the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Visitors can observe costumed interpreters smoking meat and fish on the barbacoa, and demonstrating the use of native and European plants from their gardens and fields. The Mission's unique culinary history comes to life with preparations for the feast. Although historic demonstration foods are not edible, there will be a food vendor on site. There will also be children's hands-on activities. Free with site admission. (Adults: $5; Seniors 65+: $3; Children 6–17: $2; Children under 6: FREE; Members & Active Military: FREE.)

A day full of Native American culture and living history. Come join us for drum circle and flute music, primitive weapon demos, performances by Theater with a Mission, storytelling, astronomy, artisans, food vendors and more!