Summit on the Circle returns to Lake DeFuniak for a spring weekend of culture, connection, and Southern hospitality

By Kerri Parker

By late April, Lake DeFuniak begins to soften into itself. The azaleas linger. The light stretches. The Circle—perfect, improbable, and deeply Southern—becomes less a landmark than a gathering place. It is here, along these storied shores, that Summit on the Circle returns April 24–26, 2026, inviting travelers and locals alike to slow down and lean into something timeless: the power of shared stories.

Now in its second year, Summit on the Circle has already begun to establish itself as one of those rare weekends that feels both carefully considered and effortlessly welcoming. Hosted throughout the Lake DeFuniak Historic District, the 2026 Summit gathers people where history lives out loud—in architecture, in music drifting across the water, in conversations that stretch longer than planned.

This year’s theme, “Stories That Shape Us,” is less a directive than an open door. Over the course of three spring days, storytelling unfolds in many forms: through live music and spoken word, through food and shared meals, through art, place, and personal narrative. It’s a reminder that stories aren’t only told—they’re experienced.

Building on the momentum of its inaugural year, the Summit’s programming reflects a thoughtful balance of structure and spontaneity. Conversations and performances anchor the weekend, while relaxed gatherings create space for connection to happen naturally. A beer and wine reception welcomes guests into the rhythm of the weekend. Evening concerts carry the day into night. And on Sunday, an ice cream social by the lake offers a simple, joyful closing—one last chance to linger before heading home.

At its heart, Summit on the Circle is about honoring place. Lake DeFuniak, long a cultural and social centerpiece of the town, provides more than a scenic backdrop—it’s a participant in the weekend itself. The water, the walkable Circle, the historic homes and gathering spaces all work together to create an atmosphere that feels intimate without being insular, elevated without ever being precious.

“Summit on the Circle is about honoring the stories that connect us to place, to history, and to one another,” says Rob Overton, executive director for the University of West Florida Historic Trust. “From spoken word and music to shared meals and cross-cultural conversations, this weekend creates space for meaningful connection while celebrating the unique character of DeFuniak Springs.”

That sense of connection is intentional. Programming throughout the weekend highlights diverse voices and perspectives, offering multiple entry points into the idea of storytelling. Whether through music, art, architecture, or conversation, the Summit invites participants to consider not just the stories they hear—but the ones they carry with them.

Designed with history enthusiasts, arts and culture supporters, music lovers, and curious travelers in mind, Summit on the Circle also makes a compelling case for DeFuniak Springs as a spring destination. There’s something quietly special about arriving in a town that knows how to welcome people—where hospitality feels practiced but sincere, and where community isn’t a concept so much as a lived experience.

Additional details, including the full 2026 program and ticket information, will be announced in the coming weeks. For now, the invitation stands: come to the Circle this spring. Bring your curiosity. Leave with a few new stories—and maybe a better understanding of your own.

Want early access? Join the email list to receive the full agenda and registration details as soon as they’re announced.

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