Biscayne National Park’s 50^th anniversary celebration continues this month with an outdoor concert of sea shanties on Saturday February 17 at the Dante Fascell Visitor Center overlooking Biscayne Bay.

Singer songwriter Tom Callinan performs “Sea Shanties by the Bay,” a concert of sea shanties and other nautical music highlighting Biscayne National Park and its maritime heritage and marine setting. The event is open to the public, free of charge, with a campfire, a telescope, and s’mores for the kids. Bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket to settle in and enjoy the show!

“Sea Shanties by the Bay” is one of a series of free events sponsored by the South Florida National Parks Trust and supported by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and the Knight Arts Challenge in celebration of Biscayne’s 50^th anniversary in 2018.

Biscayne National Park was established in 1968 after local conservationists campaigned to protect Biscayne Bay from development. As the largest marine park in the National Park System, the park today protects 173,000 acres of mangrove forests, shallow bay waters, secluded islands and coral reefs – all within sight of downtown Miami.

To mark its golden anniversary, the park is highlighting Biscayne’s beauty and biodiversity, its history and cultural heritage through a series of arts-driven events designed to reach new audiences and connect local artists to Miami’s national park, including:

• Four original art exhibitions highlighting the work of established and emerging local artists inspired by the park. Each show will include a reception with live music, light refreshments, and artist demonstrations and/or talks.

• Two outdoor concerts on Biscayne Bay, including the Tom Callinan concert on Saturday February 17.

• The Biscayne Story Slam – true stories on a park-related theme told by members of the South Florida community in a competition for cash prizes.

• Five Family Fun Fest events for kids that highlight park history through creative activities, including visual, participatory and performing arts.

For a complete list of the park’s anniversary events and activities, visit Biscayne 50th Anniversary Events.

Biscayne’s 50^th Anniversary Celebration is one of 43 projects funded this year through the Knight Arts Challenge in Miami. The Knight Arts Challenge seeks to fund projects that unite South Florida through the arts.

Additional support for Biscayne’s 50^th Anniversary comes from the Guerra Family Foundation and the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners.